The Korean Wave is sweeping the globe by storm while Korea’s cultural economy continues to export music, entertainment, culture, and movies everywhere. Thus, Korean cuisine is getting more attraction nowadays. Korean BBQ is one of the major Korean cuisines that will be seen in almost every movie or TV drama. Each actor or actress seems to enjoy this dish and even get in a better mood. Also, the popularity and praise given to this dish will leave you wondering what Korean BBQ is. Also, you will try to find the best way to enjoy it. While there might be various ways to prepare and enjoy a Korean BBQ today, an authentic BBQ will be defined by various characteristics, which include the following.
What is Korean BBQ?
Also known as gogi-GUI, Korean BBQ involves a Korean cuisine way of grilling meat, including pork, chicken, or beef. This is usually done on charcoal or gas grills inlaid into the dining table. There are several ways in which these meats can be prepared, including margination.
Bulgogi involves one of the most representative types of Korean BBQ. This is usually prepared by marinating tenderloin cuts or thinly sliced beef sirloin. On the other hand, Galbi involves a famous meal in Korean BBQ culture where some short ribs of chicken, pork, or beef are marinated in a savory and sweet sauce. This meat dish can be served raw or later left to cook on the Korean table grill.
Components of an Authentic Korean BBQ
Typically, a traditional Korean barbecue experience involves various elements, where each plays a vital role in the meal. Check out these components you will encounter in Korean BBQ.
Sam
According to Korean BBQ, ssam refers to veggies and meat after you wrap them in leaves. It is best to use sesame, lettuce, or perilla leaves or combine them and wrap the grilled meat. Also, you can introduce some vegetables such as cucumbers, radishes, seasoned bean sprouts, or scallions.
Meat
A Korean BBQ will primarily feature only one type of meat, such as chicken, beef, or pork. However, the customer will select the part of the animal they want. The belly is the most common part of pork BBQ, but you can also have other options like the skin, leg, neck, or intestines. After the meat is brought to your table, prepare it yourself over the grill in the center. The special scissors help cut the meat into smaller pieces while the chopsticks help flip the meat.
Sauce
The sauce can include red pepper and soybean paste or ssamjang. It is crucial to note that your sauce should not overpower the other flavors in ssam.
Extras
This includes stews which are common in Korean BBQ restaurants. For instance, jjigae involves a fermented bean paste stew usually brought at the end of the meal.
Drinks
These include traditional drinks that assist you in washing down your Korean BBQ. They include light drinks such as soju which is a popular wine.
To Enjoy the most delicious Korean BBQ, you should visit “Seo Ra Beol.” This involves a relaxed restaurant that offers classic dishes and barbecue cooked at tableside charcoal grills.