Going to eat Korean barbecue for the first time can be overwhelmingĀ ā youāre sure to see cuts of meat that you didnāt know existed, as well as a variety of different marinades that might seem foreign.Ā Here to the rescue is a general guide for some of the most commonly ordered items.
Welcome to the world where umami has a whole different dimension ā itās not for the faint of heart.
Marinated
Galbi (ź°ė¹)
A crowd favorite, galbi refers to beef short ribs with a sweet marinade. Donāt be afraid to use your hands to pick up the meat by its bones.
#SpoonTip: Eat with a forkful of coldĀ buckwheat noodlesĀ (ė¬¼ėė©“) for a refreshing companion to your sizzling, savory-sweet meat.
Bulgogi (ė¶ź³ źø°)
Typically made from thinly-sliced, beef sirloin, bulgogi literally translates to āfire meat.ā This refers to the way in which it is traditionally cookedĀ ā on a gridiron over an open flame. However, cooking it on a stovetop in a standard pan is also common.
Bulgogi is marinated in a sweet, soy sauce-based mixture. Itās easy to makeĀ and is highly versatileĀ ā you can even order a bulgogi burger at any McDonaldās in South Korea.
Spicy pork bulgogi (ė¼ģ§ė¶ź³ źø°)
This is beef bulgogiās hot cousin. Typically made from pork shoulder (but also made with pork belly or pork loin), its marinade is basically the same as beef bulgogiās with the addition of hot pepper paste.
No Marinade
Beef brisket (ģ°Øėė°ģ“)
My personal favorite, beef brisket is a delicately thinĀ cut of meat and cooks quickly. It will be served slightly frozen in a cylindrical shape. Make sure to unroll the meat as it thaws, and eat itĀ as soon as it is evenly browned all the way through. The trick is to not overcook it, or it can become stringy and slightlyĀ chewy.
#SpoonTip: Dip in a mixture of sesame oil and salt for extra flavor.
Pork belly (ģ¼ź²¹ģ“)
This is basically thick, unsalted bacon. Need I say more?
#SpoonTip: Grill kimchi with the pork belly and eat together for a spicy kick.
Side dishes (ė°ģ°¬)
Before theĀ meat is served, the entire surface of your table will be covered with a colorful array of side dishes referred toĀ asĀ banchan. Banchan is typically an assortment of pickled vegetables, such as kimchi, and can also includeĀ japchae (Korean glass noodles), dried squid, and stir-fried fish cakes.
The selection will vary depending on the restaurant, but there are a few common side dishesĀ that you can be sure to expect.
Each dish is seasoned and tends to be on the salty sideĀ to perfectly complement your steaming bowl of rice.
Now that youāve been introduced to the meat loverās paradise, the only thing left to do is to experience it for yourself. Donāt be afraid to try new things, and you might be surprised to discover how much your horizons have expanded.