Ansimgui || Grilled Tenderloin, 안심구이

Ansimgui (안심구이) refers to grilled beef tenderloin. “안심” (ansim) means tenderloin, and “구이” (gui) means grilling or roasted dish. It’s a popular Korean dish, prized for the tenderness and lean quality of the meat.

Characteristics of Tenderloin (안심):

Tenderness: Tenderloin is known as the most tender cut of beef. It has very little connective tissue, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Leaness: It’s a lean cut of meat with minimal marbling (intramuscular fat), making it a good choice for those who prefer leaner cuts.
Higher Price: Due to its tenderness and limited quantity (each cow has only two tenderloins), it’s generally a more expensive cut of beef.

Types of Ansimgui (안심구이):

While the core concept is grilling tenderloin, there are variations in how it’s prepared:

Charcoal grilling (숯불 구이 – Sutbul Gui): Grilling over charcoal imparts a smoky flavor that enhances the taste of the beef. This is often considered the best method for grilling any meat in Korea.
Pan-frying (팬 구이 – Paen Gui): This is a convenient method for cooking at home using a frying pan or skillet.
Hot plate grilling (철판 구이 – Cheolpan Gui): Cooking on a hot plate keeps the meat warm throughout the meal.

How to Grill Tenderloin at Home (Pan-frying Method):

Prepare the meat: Choose tenderloin steaks that are about 2-3cm thick. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Preheat the pan: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until it’s very hot.
Sear the steak: Add a small amount of oil to the pan (high-heat oil like vegetable or canola oil is best). Place the steaks in the hot pan and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a deep brown crust forms.
Adjust cooking time for desired doneness: Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking to your preferred level of doneness:
- Rare: Cool red center.
- Medium-rare: Warm red center.
- Medium: Warm pink center.
- Medium-well: Slightly pink center.
- Well-done: No pink remaining.
Rest the steak: Once cooked, remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

What to Serve with Ansimgui:

Salt and pepper: To enhance the natural flavor of the beef.
Whole grain mustard: Adds a tangy contrast to the rich meat.
Wine: Red wine pairs well with beef.
Grilled vegetables: Onions, asparagus, mushrooms, and bell peppers are good choices.

Where to Enjoy Ansimgui:

Upscale restaurants: Steak houses and fine dining restaurants often feature tenderloin on their menus.
Korean BBQ restaurants: Many Korean BBQ restaurants offer tenderloin for grilling at the table.
Butcher shops/Meat markets: You can purchase tenderloin from a butcher shop or meat market to cook at home.

Ansimgui is a delightful dish for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a high-quality cut of beef. Its tenderness and delicate flavor make it a true culinary pleasure.

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