1cupcorn syrup (or Korean Oligodang)or use 2/3 cup honey or 1 more cup sugar
1large onion, roughly cut into small pieces
1large apple, roughly cut into small pieces
2scallions, cut into shorter pieces
12 to 14plump garlic cloves, roughly cracked oped (use a side of the knife)
2inch longginger (about 1 inch diameter), thinly sliced
3 or 4dried shiitake mushrooms
1teaspoonpeppercorns
5inchsquare dashima 다시마 (dried kelp)
1cuprice wine (or mirin) Dry white wine is also good.
1lemon, thinly sliced
Instructions
Add all the ingredients (except the dashima, rice wine, and lemon) to a large pot with 6 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over high heat, uncovered, and then reduce the heat to achieve a medium boil (between medium high and medium on my stove). Boil for 30 minutes.
Add the dashima and continue to boil for 10 more minutes.
Remove all the solids with a strainer.
Add the rice wine and lemon slices, and let it cool. Store in a jar(s) in the fridge.
How to use the marinade
Galbi (beef short ribs) or bulgogi
For 2 pounds of beef short ribs or bulgogi meat, use 1 cup of the marinade and add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. You can also add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, grated 1/4 Korean pear and a handful of scallion and onion slices if you like. For galbi, you need to marinate for at least 6 to 8 hours or overnight for best results. Marinate bulgogi for 30 minutes to an hour, up to overnight.
Spicy pork
For 2 pounds of pork, use 1/2 cup of the marinade, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (red chili pepper flakes), and 3 tablespoons of gochujang (red chili pepper paste). If using more gochujang, use less marinade. You can add 1 or 2 teaspoons of grated ginger, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and a handful of scallion and onion slices.
Notes
You can adjust the sweetness or salt level by adding more sugar or soy sauce depending on the dish you are using it for. Grated pear, corn syrup, honey, and Korean plum extract (maesilcheong) are all great as sugar substitutes.
Add some sesame oil when you use the marinade.
If the smell of boiling soy sauce bothers you, keep your candle lit for an hour or two.