Alternative for korean soju in bulgogi?

Question

i can't seem to find any soju-or mirin for that matter-at the grocery stores. even in the asian market aisle. i was wondering if sake would be an acceptable alternative? i really don't know much about sake. it was the only thing i could find that wasn't european. thanks in advance to anyone who answers!!!

Answer 1

one of my friend said that soju taste like vodka (even that i think they smell different), so i might be a good choice.

you can also try chinese bai jiu, or chinese cooking wine.

Answer 2

I am a former chef and would say the sake is a better choice they use the shoji as a flavouring and tenderizer, as the best bul-go-gi is a saw short rib and needs some help.

Most use it, and the Korean chili paste Komijan, Korean soya, seasonings and some pear juice as a tenderizer, I use a pureed Korean pear, then marinate it for 6-12 hour and then grill on BBQ or table top grill is fine to.

If you do not use short ribs then a top sirloin cut in long strips with the same marinade is a good alternative.

Answer 3

well my dad sometimes have vodka as an alternative, even though it is about 2 times stronger than soju.

Sake is rice wine which has extremely high dose of alcohol percentage.

So I would recommend vodka?? :)

have fun and enjoy your bulgogi :)

Answer 4

well u can use sake coz it is also rice wine

Answer 5

I have used sake in the past, since I usually have it in the pantry.  

But if you don't have it and are stuck with NOTHING but going to a regular grocery store, the best substitute is really a dry pale sherry.  

If you're raiding the liquor cabinet - gin.