Mouth-watering Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs Recipe
My friends, I come to you today with a dish that will surely knock your socks off. I present to you my Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs, also known as Yomt’ong Kui. Now, I understand that the idea of cooking cow or chicken hearts might not sound too appetizing at first, but hear me out. These kebabs are one of the most popular street foods in Korea for a reason – they are absolutely delicious.
This dish is a sweet and savory masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Seoul. It is a traditional Korean BBQ recipe that combines beef heart with soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and other savory flavors that will leave you wanting more. Trust me when I say that this recipe is not only unique but easy to make as well.
So my fellow food lovers, I invite you to join me on this culinary adventure as we discover the magic of Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs. Let’s get our grilling equipment ready and cook up something truly extraordinary!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you love the sweet and savory flavors of Korean BBQ? Do you crave delicious, tender, and slightly charred meat skewers? Then, my friend, you will absolutely adore these Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs, also known as Yomt’ong Kui.
What makes this recipe so special, you may ask? Well, for starters, beef heart is a unique and flavorful cut of meat that is packed with essential nutrients like protein, zinc, and iron. It’s also incredibly affordable and can be found at your local butcher shop.
But don’t let the thought of eating heart scare you away. The texture is similar to a lean steak or roast beef when properly cooked. Plus, when marinated in a delicious blend of soy sauce, rice wine, garlic cloves, and sweet grated Asian pears, it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that will leave you wanting more!
These grilled heart kebabs are also incredibly versatile. You can substitute beef heart for other cuts of meat like short ribs or pork belly. You could even try making them with roasted chicken hearts for a unique twist on traditional Korean street food.
So whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or planning to host a backyard barbecue, these Korean grilled heart kebabs are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Trust me; you’ll fall in love with this delicious dish after just one bite!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs (Yomt’ong Kui):
Main Ingredients
- 1 beef heart (about 1-1/2 pounds)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup rice wine
- 1 Asian pear, grated (about 4 tablespoons)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- Walnut halves, for garnish
- Fresh lemon juice, for serving
All the ingredients are either available in your nearby grocery store or can be easily found in any Korean grocery stores. If you don’t find a fresh beef heart in store, you can also try using other meat as a substitute like short ribs, pork belly or even roasted chicken heart. Also, make sure to grate the Asian pear just before using it so that it does not turn brown. With these delicious ingredients at hand, let’s move on to the next step of making Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs.
The Recipe How-To
Grilling the Beef Heart
Step 1: Prepare the beef heart
Trim off any fat, sinew, or connective tissue from the beef heart. Remove the veins and arteries and rinse it under cold running water.
Step 2: Soak in marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of rice wine, 4 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of grated Asian pears. Tip: Make sure to grate the pears finely to extract its juices. Mix well to combine. Add the prepared beef heart to the marinade and make sure it is fully coated. Tip: Marinate the meat overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
Step 3: Grill on a skewer
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Slice the marinated beef heart into 1/2-inch thick pieces and thread them onto skewers. Grill for about five minutes on each side, or until cooked to your desired doneness.
Step 4: Final touches
Once cooked, remove from heat and let rest for five minutes before serving. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Tip: For added heat, sprinkle with black pepper.
Now that you have perfectly grilled beef heart skewers with a succulent sweet-savory flavor – enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Well, my dear readers, we all know that every individual has their tastes and preferences towards food. Some might prefer a more intense spicy flavor, while others may face stomach issues due to some allergens. Therefore, I have come up with some suitable modifications that will satisfy your taste buds without compromising the authentic essence of Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs.
Ingredients are often challenging to swap or replace, considering the delicate balance of flavors crucial for any recipe’s success. However, if you struggle to find beef hearts, which are the main character in our dish today, then you can substitute it with Chicken Hearts or Pork Belly. Please note that despite the variation changes entirely by using different meat options, the grilling time and method are not affected.
Another option is for those who desire a sweeter flavor tone in their meals. In this instance, replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce or oyster sauce with ketchup. Additionally, if you happen to face allergy issues with soy sauce, reduce it in half or replace it with Worcestershire Sauce.
If you fancy a hint of citrus flavor on your grilled kebabs, try adding lemon zest to the marinade mixture before adding the meat cubes. Also, for those who are wary of adding sugar to their meals, don’t worry; you can altogether omit it from our recipe without hampering its authenticity.
Lastly, concerning serving and pairing recommendations, Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs serve as a marvelous combo with rice and roasted veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes. The sweet-savory nature of our dish pairs perfectly well with roasted chicken hearts and even short ribs if you want to indulge further in this delicious cuisine from Korea.
I hope these variations catered to your unique preferences and tastes. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore other ingredients’ possibilities that align with your liking’s sensibilities – who knows what mouthwatering delicacies may arise?
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve got your Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs (Yomt’ong Kui) ready to go, you’ll want to serve them up with a tasty side dish that will complement their sweet savory flavor. One great option is to serve them alongside a hearty salad made from fresh greens and topped with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, and walnut halves. The combination of earthy greens and nutty crunch pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the grilled heart kebabs.
Another fantastic way to serve up these delicious skewers is to pair them with some roasted vegetables, such as grilled zucchini or broccoli. These veggies have a subtle sweetness that will bring out the flavors of the BBQ sauce and soy sauce marinade in the kebabs.
If you’re looking for something even more filling, try serving the kebabs alongside some Korean Short Ribs or Pork Belly. The rich flavors of these meats pair perfectly with the grilled heart kebabs, creating a truly mouth-watering meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always try pairing your Yomt’ong Kui with other Korean dishes like Kalbi Kui Grilled Short Ribs or even Roasted Chicken Heart. These dishes are widely popular in Korean street food culture and make for excellent complements to your kebab dish.
No matter how you choose to serve your Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs (Yomt’ong Kui), one thing is certain: they are sure to be a hit with any crowd. With their bold flavors and tender meaty texture, these delicious kebabs are a true feast for the senses – so be sure to share them with friends and family!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the age-old question: can you make these Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs ahead of time and still have them taste as delicious as they would hot off the grill? Well, the answer is a cautious yes!
Like any grilled meat dish, kebabs are always best served right after cooking. However, if you don’t mind compromising a little on texture and flavor, you can definitely pre-make and store these kebabs for later consumption.
Here’s how you can do it:
– Make sure to grill the kebabs until they’re almost cooked through. You don’t want to overcook them and end up with tough, dry pieces of meat.
– Once cooked, let the kebabs cool down completely before storing them in an air-tight container in the fridge or freezer. Don’t stack them on top of each other or they might stick together.
– When you’re ready to serve, reheat the kebabs in the oven or on a grill. If using the oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C), place the kebabs in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. If using a grill, heat it up to medium-high heat and grill for 3-4 minutes per side until heated through.
– Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Keep in mind that these kebabs are at their absolute best when freshly grilled, so try not to make too many batches ahead of time. However, if you do find yourself with leftovers, they can still make for a tasty snack or meal option. Just be sure to handle them with care and reheat them properly to avoid any food safety issues.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to enjoy these delicious Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs anytime you like. Happy grilling!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to grilling, attention to detail is the key to success, and the same rule applies when preparing these Korean grilled heart kebabs. Here are some tips that will help you perfect this recipe and impress your guests.
First of all, remember that beef heart is a lean meat that tends to dry out quickly, which is why marinating it before grilling is crucial. If you don’t have time to marinate overnight, at least give it a good 4-hour marinade before cooking.
When preparing the marinade, make sure to whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves completely. This step will help distribute the flavors evenly throughout the beef heart and ensure a sweet and savory taste.
Another important tip when it comes to grilling kebabs is not stacking them too tightly on the skewers as this can result in uneven cooking. Make sure to leave some space in between each piece of meat so that the heat is distributed evenly.
When grilling the kebabs, place them on a medium-high heat grill, brushed lightly with oil. Turn every 2-3 minutes until they start to brown and char around the edges. This should take about 8-10 minutes total depending on the thickness of your beef heart slices.
Finally, don’t hesitate to experiment with substitutions and variations based on what you have on hand. If you prefer pork over beef, try using pork belly instead of beef heart for a richer taste. For those who want more of a tangy taste, add fresh lemon juice to your marinade.
In summary, by following these tips for perfect results, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious grilled heart kebabs that will be sure to impress your dinner guests!
FAQ
Before you head to the kitchen to prepare these delicious Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs, it’s important to know that some common questions may arise along the way. In this section, I’ve put together answers to some of the most frequent inquiries I receive about this recipe. So, let’s get started and address any concerns you may have before you fire up that grill!
What is the most popular Korean BBQ dish?
One of the highly sought-after dishes in Korean BBQ restaurants is bulgogi. It consists of thinly sliced beef, often ribeye or sirloin, that’s been marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sugar, and Korean pear, imparting a delectable sweetness and tender texture.
What is the best meat for Korean BBQ?
Here are some delicious meat options that can be used for a Korean BBQ feast: juicy pork belly (Samgyeopsal), savory beef (Bulgogi), boneless short ribs (Galbi), tender boneless chicken (Dak Galbi), thinly sliced beef brisket (Chadolbagi), delectable short steak (jumulleok), flavorful flank steak (Chimasal), and delightful rib-eye stick roll (Kkot Deungsim).
What can you cook on a Korean BBQ Grill?
Here are some mouth-watering Korean-style dishes that will definitely satisfy everyone’s cravings: Grilled Beef Short Ribs, succulent Bulgogi, spicy pork BBQ known as Jeyuk Bokkeum, flavorful Korean-style Pork Ribs, marinated and grilled Chicken Bulgogi or Dak Bulgogi, smoky Grilled Pork Belly or Samgyupsal Gui, deliciously marinated pork otherwise known as Maekjeok, and the fiery Spicy Grilled Chicken.
What vegetables for Korean BBQ?
For this dish, we’ll require an abundance of lettuce along with perilla to encase the grilled meats into savory little wraps. It’s recommended to make a trip to the Korean market to gather some perilla. To add a bit of fiery flavor, we’ll throw in some chili as well. Finally, to give it a touch of freshness and extra taste, we’ll add a heap of slivered or shredded green onions.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs (Yomt’ong Kui) recipe is a delicious and unique dish that is worth trying. It may sound intimidating to cook with beef heart, but it’s an incredible cut of meat that is nutritious and flavorful. By following this recipe article, you will create perfect, tender, and juicy kebabs that will be a hit at any gathering or dinner party. The combination of sweet and savory flavors from the marinade, coupled with the smoky grilled taste is simply irresistible.
I urge you to try this recipe at least once, and I am confident that you will love it. You can also modify the ingredients to suit your preference, as there is a range of substitutions listed in this article. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other Korean BBQ cuts such as Short Ribs, Pork Belly, or even roasted chicken heart to create your own Korean street food feast!
Remember to follow the tips provided for perfect results and take note of the make-ahead, storage, and reheating suggestions. I hope this recipe article has inspired you to try something new in the kitchen and venture into Korean cuisine.
Finally, with an adventurous spirit and a good appetite for delicious dishes like these Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs (Yomt’ong Kui), anyone can become an excellent home chef!
Korean Grilled Heart Kebabs(Yomt’ong Kui) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 beef heart, about 1 1/2 pounds
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup rice wine (ch'onju or chinese rice wine)
- 1 Asian pears, grated or 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 green onions, green and white part, finely minced
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed and minced
- 6 walnut halves, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Clean and trim the heart of the outer membrane and any excess fat(this is very easy as there is very little actual fat inside the heart,most of it will be outside the muscle tissue).
- Using a sharp knife ,cut the meat into strips about 1/2-1 '' wide and almost paper thin.
- Mix all marinade ingredients,mix with the meat,massaging everything together and marinade overnight.Start a fire about 30 minutes before cooking time-charcoal is best but your preference.
- thread the meat strips onto skewers ,passing the skewers through the meat several times lengthwise.
- Grill about 4 minutes per side or until done to your liking.