한국의 맛(Taste of Korea)

Simple Yet Fancy :(육회) Korean style Beef Tartare

📍 What is Yukhoe (육회)?

Yukhoe is a traditional Korean dish made from thinly sliced raw beef, seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, sugar, and other spices. It’s often topped with egg yolk or served with pear slices in restaurants. But today, I’m introducing a super easy home version — something you can make with just a few ingredients from your local Korean mart.

And yes, it goes incredibly well with alcohol… especially makgeolli (Korean rice wine).

🛒 What You Need

Pre-marinated raw beef for yukhoe (육회용 소고기, usually made from beef top round or inside round — very lean and tender cuts)

Included sweet and savory marinade

Sliced cheese (mozzarella or mild cheddar works great)

Step 1: Mix the Beef

• Open the beef package and pour in the included marinade
• Mix gently until the beef is evenly coated
• Cut the sliced cheese into small triangles to serve on the side

👉 Tip: This version is totally raw. It’s a classic way to enjoy yukhoe in Korea, especially with a glass of soju or makgeolli.

🔥 Optional: The Torched Version

Want a more adventurous twist? Try using a kitchen torch to lightly sear the surface of the beef.

Just a quick pass of flame — don’t overcook it!

You can also torch the cheese for extra flavor and a beautiful charred look.

This version has a smoky aroma and slightly firmer texture. My wife and I loved this one!

🍶 Drink Pairing & Side Dish Ideas

That evening, I paired the yukhoe with a creamy makgeolli 막걸리(Korean rice wine).
While many Koreans prefer soju, I recommend trying cream makgeolli — it’s milky, slightly sweet, and balances the richness of the beef beautifully.

We also made a simple stir-fried potato dish (감자채볶음) — I’ll post a separate recipe soon!

💡 A Few Things to Know

• Yukhoe might seem exotic if you’re new to raw meat dishes, but think of it like Korean-style beef tartare.
• The beef used is extremely fresh and usually lean, making it safe and smooth to eat.
• If you’re unsure, start with the torched version — it gives just enough cooked flavor while keeping the traditional feel.
• A pack like this costs around ₩20,000 (~$15 USD), and it’s perfect for 2 people.

❤️ Final Thoughts

If you’re into simple but impressive dishes, this yukhoe + cheese combo is a must-try.
It’s easy to make, photogenic, and gives you a real taste of Korean culture — especially when paired with alcohol and good company.

Let me know in the comments:
Would you try raw beef like this? Or are you more into the torched version?