South Korea

Country Profile:

Official name: The Republic of Korea

Population: 48.4 million (World Bank, 2011)

Capital: Seoul

Area: 99,313 sq km (38,345 sq miles)

Major language: Korean

Major religions: Buddhism, Christianity; nearly half of adults profess no religion

Life expectancy: 77 years (men), 84 years (women) (UN)

Monetary unit: Won

Main exports: Electronic products, machinery and transport equipment

GNI per capita: US $20,870 (World Bank, 2011)

[BBC News 2012]

Bulgogi (Marinated Beef)

Tags: Low-carb

Ingredients:

          (Serves 2)

• Sirloin steak thinly sliced (x2)
• Soy sauce (3 tsp.)
• 1 tsp. Splenda (or alternative sweetener/brown sugar)
• Sesame oil (1 tsp.)
• Garlic cloves minced (x2)
• Onion sliced
• Sesame seeds (white or black)
• Black pepper and salt to season

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients except sesame seeds and toss the sliced beef in the marinade, resting in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Fry the beef in a little sesame oil on a high heat setting until thoroughly cooked. Alternatively you can grill the beef, barbecue style.
3. Serve with stir-fried vegetables such as cabbage, carrot, beansprouts, pepper etc.  A good stir-fry sauce consists of a splash of soy sauce, garlic, red pepper flakes, sweetener, salt & black pepper.
4. Toast the sesame seeds in a hot pan for around 30 seconds, then sprinkle on top for flavour.

Music to get you in the mood:

MBLAQ- Y (Nothing like a bit of K-Pop in the kitchen)