I soaked Steaks in Sesame Oil for months and Ate It
I soaked Steaks in Sesame Oil for months and Ate It is a medium Korean recipe that serves 4. 820 calories per serving. Recipe by Guga Foods on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1561 hrs 25 min
Cost: $119.13 total, $29.78 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Prime 7‑Bone Rib Roast (wet‑aged 21 days, split into three equal pieces)
- 2 cups Sesame Oil (cold‑pressed, unrefined)
- 2 cups Pilla Oil (first‑press Korean perilla (pilla) seed oil)
- 2 tablespoons Kosher Salt (for seasoning steaks)
- 1 tablespoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1/2 cup Korean BBQ Marinade (store‑bought bulgogi sauce or homemade (soy, sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, gochujang))
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 4 stalks Green Scallions (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- 4 cups Cooked Rice (preferably day‑old, chilled)
- 1/2 cup All‑Purpose Flour (for coating rice balls)
- 2 Egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Japanese style, for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons Wagyu Fat or High‑Smoke‑Point Oil (for frying rice balls; wagyu fat adds richness)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (to garnish)
Instructions
Prepare Oils (Optional)
If you wish to extract your own sesame or pilla oil, run the seeds through a cold‑press oil extractor, then filter the liquid several times through cheesecloth until clear.
Time: PT30M
Trim and Portion the Rib Roast
Place the 7‑bone rib roast on a cutting board, remove excess fat if desired, and cut into three equal portions (about 1 lb each).
Time: PT10M
Season the Steaks
Pat each steak dry, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides.
Time: PT5M
Submerge Steaks in Oil
Place one steak in a food‑safe container and fill completely with sesame oil, another steak in a second container filled with pilla oil, and leave the third steak dry (control). Ensure each piece is fully submerged; no air pockets.
Time: PT5M
Age the Steaks
Seal the containers, label them, and store in the refrigerator (≤4 °C) for 65 days. Flip the containers every other day to keep oil circulating.
Time: PT1560H
Temperature: 4°C
Remove and Pat Dry
After 65 days, remove each steak, discard any outer crust on the oil‑aged pieces (the crust can be saved for other uses), and pat the meat dry with paper towels.
Time: PT10M
Sear the Steaks
Heat a cast‑iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot. Add a thin layer of high‑smoke‑point oil (or wagyu fat). Sear each steak 2‑3 minutes per side for medium‑rare, or longer to desired doneness.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 200°C
Rest the Steaks
Transfer seared steaks to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Bulgogi Fried Rice
In a wok, heat 1 tbsp wagyu fat, add diced onion and sauté 2 minutes. Add steak trimmings, Korean BBQ marinade, and cook 2 minutes. Add cooked rice, break up clumps, stir‑fry 3‑4 minutes, then stir in chopped green scallions.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 180°C
Form and Bread Rice Balls
With damp hands, shape the fried rice into 8 equal balls. Dredge each ball in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Time: PT8M
Fry Rice Balls
In the same wok, add remaining wagyu fat, heat to 175 °C, and fry rice balls until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on a cooling rack.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 175°C
Plate and Garnish
Slice each steak against the grain, arrange on plates, place 2‑3 fried rice balls beside each, drizzle a little extra sesame oil if desired, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green scallions.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 820
- Protein
- 62 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 45 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains soy (in BBQ sauce), Contains dairy-free
Allergens: Sesame, Wheat, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Prime 7‑Bone Rib Roast: Prime rib steak, Bone‑in ribeye
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil (use less)
- Instead of Pilla Oil: Perilla oil, Sesame oil (different flavor)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Korean BBQ Marinade: Teriyaki sauce
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Green Scallions: Leeks
- Instead of Cooked Rice: Short‑grain rice
- Instead of All‑Purpose Flour: Rice flour (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Egg: Egg substitute
- Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs
- Instead of Wagyu Fat or High‑Smoke‑Point Oil: Canola oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Sesame Seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds
Equipment Needed
- Food‑Safe Container with Lid
- Cheesecloth
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Chef Knife
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Meat Thermometer
- Wok or Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowls
- Tongs
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Plate or Tray for Breaded Rice Balls (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensuring the steaks are completely submerged in oil for the full 65‑day aging period
- Rotating the containers every other day to achieve even oil coating
- Patting the aged steaks dry before searing to obtain a proper crust
- Using high heat and a pre‑heated cast‑iron skillet for a quick sear
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality, well‑marbled rib roast for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Day‑old rice absorbs flavors better and fries up less sticky.
- A quick splash of fresh toasted sesame oil right before serving brightens the dish.
Troubleshooting
Oil level drops and steak is exposed.
Top up with the same type of oil and ensure the container is sealed tightly.
Steak is too soft or mushy after aging.
Limit oil‑aging to 45‑60 days for a milder effect; ensure the refrigerator stays at proper temperature.
Rice balls fall apart while frying.
Make sure the rice is cold and compact; chill formed balls for 10 minutes before breading.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cooked steak and rice balls keep 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer: Uncooked aged steaks can be frozen after the oil‑aging step for up to 2 months; cooked portions freeze for 1 month
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- The oil‑aging step can be started months in advance; label containers with date.
- Fried rice balls can be formed, breaded, and frozen raw; fry directly from frozen when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of oil‑aged steak in Korean cuisine?
Korean cuisine traditionally uses sesame oil as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. While full oil‑aging of large cuts is a modern experimental twist, the practice echoes historic methods of preserving meat for winter months using oil‑rich seeds like sesame and perilla.
What are the traditional regional variations of sesame‑oil aged beef in Korea?
In the southern provinces, sesame‑oil aged beef is often paired with kimchi and barley rice, while in the central region it may be served with a soy‑based dipping sauce. Some regions add garlic or ginger to the oil for extra aroma.
How is oil‑aged steak traditionally served in Korean households?
Typically the steak is sliced thin, lightly seared, and served with a side of steamed rice, kimchi, and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. It is often accompanied by a simple salt‑and‑pepper seasoning to let the oil‑infused flavor shine.
During which Korean celebrations is oil‑aged beef commonly enjoyed?
Oil‑aged beef is a popular centerpiece for Chuseok (Korean harvest festival) and special family gatherings, where the richness of the meat complements the festive atmosphere.
What authentic ingredients are essential for making pilla oil, and can they be substituted?
Authentic pilla oil is pressed from perilla (also called pilla) seeds harvested in Korea. If unavailable, toasted sesame oil can be used, but the flavor will be less herbaceous and more nutty.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when oil‑aging steaks at home?
Common errors include not fully submerging the meat, using oil that is not food‑grade, and storing the containers at temperatures above 4 °C, which can cause spoilage. Also, forgetting to rotate the containers leads to uneven flavor penetration.
Why does this Guga Foods recipe use a 65‑day oil‑aging period instead of a shorter time?
Guga Foods chose 65 days to allow deep oil penetration while still preserving the meat’s natural texture. Shorter periods (e.g., 30 days) give milder flavor, whereas longer periods risk over‑softening the muscle fibers.
Can I make the oil‑aged rib roast ahead of time and how should I store it before cooking?
Yes, you can start the oil‑aging weeks in advance. Keep the sealed containers in the refrigerator at 4 °C, and once the aging is complete, store the steaks wrapped in parchment and a layer of oil for up to 3 days before searing.
What texture and appearance indicate that the oil‑aged steak is ready to sear?
The steak should have a uniform, slightly glossy surface with the oil fully absorbed, and the meat will feel softer to the touch but not mushy. The color may be a deeper amber compared to raw beef.
How do I know when the seared steak is done to my liking?
Insert an instant‑read meat thermometer into the thickest part: 55 °C for medium‑rare, 60 °C for medium. The exterior should be a dark brown crust while the interior remains pink and juicy.
What does the YouTube channel Guga Foods specialize in?
The YouTube channel Guga Foods specializes in meat science, experimental cooking techniques, and detailed explorations of aging, smoking, and flavor‑infusion methods for beef and other proteins.
How does the YouTube channel Guga Foods' approach to Korean‑style meat experiments differ from other cooking channels?
Guga Foods combines rigorous scientific testing—such as precise aging times and temperature control—with high‑energy presentation, whereas many other channels focus mainly on recipe narration without deep analysis of the underlying food chemistry.
Last updated: August 22, 2026






