Tteokgalbi

Tteokgalbi are Korea's famous royal-court beef patties: finely ground beef mixed with sweet pear, soy sauce, and garlic, then grilled until the outside caramelizes. Each bite is juicy, fragrant, and deeply savory-sweet.

Prep time

25 mins

Cook time

15 mins

Total time

40 mins

Servings

4 servings

Calories

520

Ingredients

• 700 g ground beef (80 percent lean)
• 1/2 Asian pear, grated
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 3 scallions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for the pan

Instructions

1. Combine the grated pear, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, scallions, and black pepper in a large bowl.
2. Add the ground beef and panko and mix gently with your hands until just combined; overmixing makes the patties tough.
3. Divide the mixture into 8 portions and shape each into an oval patty about 2 cm thick.
4. Chill the patties on a plate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
6. Cook the patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side until deep golden brown and cooked through to 71 degrees Celsius inside.
7. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and rest 3 minutes before serving with rice and kimchi.

Pro tips

• Grated Asian pear is the secret to tenderness and gentle sweetness; do not skip it.
• Chilling the patties keeps them from falling apart on the grill.
• Baste with a little extra honey-soy glaze in the last minute for glossy patties.
• These patties are excellent as burgers in toasted buns the next day.

Frequently asked questions