Yukhoe: tender Korean raw beef tartare with pear and egg yolk
Silky, savory, and quietly luxurious, yukhoe is Korea’s elegant answer to beef tartare. Thinly cut beef is dressed with sesame, garlic, and soy, then brightened by crisp sweet pear and a golden egg yolk.
Beloved in Seoul restaurants and traditional Korean dining, yukhoe has long been served as a special-occasion dish. Its charm lies in the contrast: cool beef, nutty sesame oil, juicy pear, and rich yolk in one bite. 🇰🇷
How to make Korean yukhoe 🥩
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Choose and chill the beef. Buy 8 ounces (225 g) of very fresh, sashimi-grade beef tenderloin or sirloin from a trusted butcher, then keep it cold until slicing.
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Slice finely. 🔪 Trim all sinew and fat, then cut the beef into thin matchsticks with a very sharp knife.
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Make the seasoning. In a chilled bowl, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 small grated garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds.
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Toss gently. Add the beef and mix just until glossy; overmixing can soften its clean, tender texture.
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Prepare the pear. 🍐 Julienne ½ Korean pear, or use a crisp Asian pear, and arrange it in the center of a cold plate.
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Plate and finish. Mound the seasoned beef around the pear, make a small well, and add 1 pasteurized egg yolk. Finish with extra sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Health benefits and smart tips ✨
- Protein-rich beef supplies iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
- Use pasteurized yolks and keep every ingredient below 40°F (4°C).
- Serve with rice, roasted seaweed, or crisp cucumber for balance.
Yukhoe FAQ ❓
What cut of beef is best for authentic Korean yukhoe?
Tenderloin is the classic choice because it is lean, exceptionally tender, and easy to slice finely.
Is it safe to eat raw beef yukhoe?
Use only beef specifically recommended for raw consumption and eat it immediately. Pregnant people, young children, older adults, and immunocompromised people should avoid raw meat and egg.
Fresh ingredient pick 🥢
Bring out yukhoe’s signature nutty aroma with authentic toasted sesame oil, Korean pear, and quality sesame seeds.
Essential tool pick 🔪
A razor-sharp chef’s knife makes clean, delicate beef strips for restaurant-style yukhoe.
👉 Check out essential cooking tools on Amazon
* Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
TAGS: #Seoul, #Yukhoe, #KoreanPear, #RawBeefTartare, #KoreanCuisine
