Korean Joon Ma Bulgogi Beef Tacos

• rib eye steaks↗2 lbs
• soy sauce↗1⁄4 cup
• sake↗1⁄4 cup
• dark brown sugar↗1⁄4 cup
• sesame oil↗1 tablespoon
• black pepper↗1 teaspoon
• yellow onion, peeled and cut into chunks↗1⁄2
• Asian pear, peeled, cored and cut into chunks↗1⁄2
• garlic cloves↗4
• inch piece ginger, peeled1⁄2
• toasted sesame seeds↗
• canola oil↗
• green onions↗2
• rice vinegar↗1 tablespoon
• sugar↗1 tablespoon

  or 1 tablespoon honey

• tablespoon minced garlic1
• teaspoon sesame oil↗1
• teaspoon salt↗1
• teaspoon toasted sesame seeds↗1
• teaspoons korean red chili pepper flakes↗2 -3
• scallions, very thinly sliced on a sharp diagonal (white and green parts)↗5
• cup chopped fresh cilantro1⁄2
• avocado, thinly sliced↗1
• korean red chili paste
• twelve 6-inch white corn tortilla

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Trim excess fat from steak and slice very thinly across the grain.

2. 2

   Put onion, pear, garlic, ginger and sake into a blender (or food processor). Blend until smooth and creamy. Then add soy sauce, dark brown sugar, sesame oil and black pepper. Pulse until well mixed.

3. 3

   Pour marinade over beef. Gently massage the beef with the marinade for a minute or two. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Remove from refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking.

4. 4

   Wash the cucumber and slice 1/8 inch thick. Wash the green onion and chop finely.

5. 5

   In a large bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients. Then add the cucumber and green onion and gently mix by hand. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

6. 6

   Very thinly slice the scallions on a sharp diagonal, chop the cilantro and slice the avocado. Put each in a separate serving bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

7. 7

   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a cast-iron pan over high heat. Add the marinated bulgogi to the pan and cook the beef in batches, each in a single layer. Stir the beef until cooked through and nicely browned and caramelized (about 3 minutes). Be sure not to crowd the beef in the pan or it will end up steaming versus browning. Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

8. 8

   Heat the tortillas on a hot skillet, turning occasionally, for about 1 minute, or until hot. Transfer to a serving platter and cover to keep warm.

9. 9

   Serve the bulgogi with the tortillas, cucumber salad and garnishes. Let each guest make their own tacos by adding bulgogi to a tortilla and topping it with cucumber, scallions, avocado, cilantro and a drizzle of gochujang.