Tteokgalbi (Korean Beef Patties)

Method10 steps · about 50 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Mix all eight sauce ingredients—soy sauce (2 tbsp), dark brown sugar (2 tbsp), minced garlic (1 tbsp), honey (1 tbsp), mirin (1 tbsp), sesame oil (1 tbsp), minced ginger (1 tsp) and ⅛ tsp black pepper—until well blended.

   Uses 2 tbsp regular soy sauce · 2 tbsp dark brown sugar · 1 tbsp garlic, minced · 1 tbsp honey · 1 tbsp mirin (sweet rice wine) · 1 tbsp sesame oil · 1 tsp ginger, minced · ⅛ tsp ground black pepper

2. 2

   Step 2: Set aside about one-third of the mixed sauce in a clean bowl for later basting and glazing. Combine the ground beef (500 g) with the separate 40 g sliced green-onion whites. Slowly mix in the other approximately two-thirds of the sauce until evenly seasoned. Cover the meat mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes, keeping the reserved clean sauce separate.

   Refrigerate the seasoned beef mixture · 30 minUses 500 g ground beef with high fat content · 40 g green onion, white parts only, thinly sliced · About two-thirds of the complete mixed sauce

3. 3

   Step 3: Divide the refrigerated seasoned beef mixture into four equal portions, roll into balls and gently flatten into patties. Smaller bite-size patties are an alternative shape from the same total mixture. Choose exactly one cooking route: skillet or BBQ. Cook the shaped patties and use the reserved sauce once in that selected route.

   Uses Refrigerated seasoned beef mixture

4. 4

   Step 4: Skillet method only: preheat a skillet that fits the patties and add a moderate amount of cooking oil. Put in the shaped patties and cook over medium heat for 1–2 minutes on the first side. Skip all skillet stages if choosing BBQ.

   Skillet only: first side after patties enter the pan · 2 minUses Cooking oil for the chosen skillet or BBQ method, such as rice bran or canola oil · Shaped patties, only for the selected skillet route

5. 5

   Step 5: Skillet method only: turn the patties and cook their second side over medium heat for another 1–2 minutes.

   Skillet only: second side · 2 minUses Skillet patties after their first side

6. 6

   Step 6: Skillet method only: carefully add the ¼ cup skillet cooking water to the pan and continue cooking until that water has reduced by about half. A splatter screen can help contain hot oil splashes.

   Uses Skillet patties browned on both sides · ¼ cup water, only for the skillet method

7. 7

   Step 7: Skillet method only: spoon the reserved approximately one-third of the clean sauce over the patties and into the pan. Turn the patties a few times as they cook in the sauce until fully cooked through, avoiding scorching. Allow about 10 minutes total skillet cooking, including both initial sides and water reduction. Skip the BBQ stages afterward.

   Uses Skillet patties after water reduction · Reserved approximately one-third of the complete mixed sauce

8. 8

   Step 8: BBQ method only: skip all skillet stages and its cooking water. Lightly brush the grill grates with the cooking oil and preheat the BBQ to medium heat. Grill the shaped patties for 2–3 minutes on the first side.

   BBQ only: first side on the preheated grill · 3 minUses Cooking oil for the chosen skillet or BBQ method, such as rice bran or canola oil · Shaped patties, only for the selected BBQ route

9. 9

   Step 9: BBQ method only: turn and grill the second side for another 2–3 minutes. During the final minutes, brush on the reserved approximately one-third clean sauce for a glaze. Continue as needed until the ground-beef patties are fully cooked through. Do not repeat the skillet route.

   BBQ only: second side and glaze; check doneness · 3 minUses Patties grilled on their first side · Reserved approximately one-third of the complete mixed sauce

10. 10

    Step 10: Serve the fully cooked patties warm in four portions, using only the completed skillet or BBQ batch. Choose optional thinly sliced garnish green onion or chives, crushed pine nuts or sesame seeds as you prefer; these are garnish choices, not four required toppings.

    Uses Finished skillet batch, only if selected · Finished BBQ batch, only if selected · Crushed pine nuts, optional garnish choice · Crushed sesame seeds, optional garnish choice · Thinly sliced green onion, optional garnish choice · Thinly sliced chives, optional garnish choice