How to Pronounce bulgogi

Meaning and Context

Bulgogi, which translates poetically to "fire meat," is a quintessential and beloved Korean dish renowned for its harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and subtly smoky flavors. Traditionally made with thinly sliced beef sirloin or ribeye, though pork variations are also common, the meat is marinated in a signature mixture of soy sauce, sugar or pear juice, sesame oil, garlic, and black pepper. This marinade tenderizes the meat and infuses it with a depth of flavor that is accentuated by grilling over charcoal or pan-frying. A staple of Korean barbecue restaurants worldwide, bulgogi is often enjoyed wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves (ssam) with rice, garlic, and ssamjang (a spicy paste), and is a central dish in Korean cuisine for both everyday meals and special occasions. Its popularity as an easy Korean recipe and a delicious grilled meat option has made it a global gateway to exploring authentic Korean food and dining culture.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard Romanized spelling is "bulgogi," following the widely accepted Revised Romanization of Korean system. Common misspellings and typos arise from phonetic interpretations or keyboard slips, such as "bulgogi" (missing the 'l'), "bulgoggi" (doubling the 'g'), "bul go gi" (incorrect spacing), or "boolgogi." Another frequent error is the spelling "bulgoki," which is an older McCune–Reischauer romanization. When searching for related recipes or restaurants, users might also mistakenly type "korean bbq beef" or "korean barbecue" without the specific term, though these are more generic. It is important to note that the term is typically not capitalized unless it begins a sentence.

Example Sentences

The aroma of marinated beef sizzling on the tabletop grill signaled that our order of bulgogi had arrived.

For a quick weeknight dinner, she prepared an easy bulgogi recipe using thinly sliced ribeye and a homemade marinade with grated pear for natural sweetness.

At the heart of the celebratory meal was a large platter of perfectly grilled bulgogi, which we wrapped in crisp perilla leaves with a dab of fermented soybean paste.

Many consider mastering the balance of sweet and savory in the bulgogi marinade to be a fundamental skill in Korean home cooking.

While beef is classic, the restaurant also offered a delicious pork bulgogi option for a slightly different flavor profile.

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