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Bulgogi Stuffed Arancini

Picture this: crispy, golden arancini filled with spicy kimchi risotto and tender, juicy bulgogi—literally a flavor explosion in every bite! These are the perfect fusion of Korean heat and Italian comfort that’ll have you reaching for one after the other. Seriously, they're addictive in the best way possible!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Yields20 pieces
Servings20 pieces

Ingredients

KIMCHI GOCHUJANG RISOTTO

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons mild gochujang
  • 2 cups Jasmine or Arborio rice, unrinsed
  • 4 3/4 cups chicken broth, hot
  • 1 cup chopped kimchi
  • 1/2 teaspoon gochugaru, add to taste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

BULGOGI FILLING

  • 1 pound ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon gochugaru or red chili flakes, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped

FOR COATING AND FRYING

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 to 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions 

KIMCHI GOCHUJANG RISOTTO

  1. In a large pot, heat a mix of sesame oil and avocado oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the gochujang and cook for about a minute until aromatic.
  3. Add the rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes, ensuring each grain is coated in the gochujang mixture.
  4. Gradually pour in hot chicken broth, followed by the kimchi, gochugaru, chili powder, soy sauce, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
  5. Continue adding broth one cup at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition to fully absorb before adding the next, until the rice becomes tender and creamy.
  6. Once the risotto is fully cooked, stir in parmesan cheese and butter until melted and creamy. Let the risotto cool completely.

BULGOGI FILLING

  1. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger paste, chili powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and rice vinegar.
  2. Add the thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak, ensuring it’s well-coated in the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and cook the marinated steak until caramelized and browned. Remove from the pan, add in chopped greens, and toss all together.
  4. Set it aside to cool.

ASSEMBLING THE ARANCINI

  1. Take a small portion of the cooled risotto and flatten it in your hand.
  2. Place a spoonful of chopped bulgogi in the center and fold the risotto around it, forming a compact ball. Repeat with the remaining risotto and bulgogi.
  3. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs or panko.
  4. Roll each rice ball in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and coat in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully covered.

FRYING THE ARANCINI

  1. In a deep pot or heavy skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the coated arancini in batches, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  3. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to soak any oil.
  4. Enjoy warm!