Let's Eat KBBQ
What is KBBQ?
Korean barbeque involves grilling slices of meat or marinated meats on a grill in the center of a table. The Korean term “gogi-gu-i” literally translates to “meat roast.” The earliest known form of kbbq is a dish called “maekjeok,” a marinated beef dish with chives and soy sauce, which was eaten by the Maek tribe during the Goguryeo Kingdom.
Throughout history, the consumption of meat ebbed and flowed in Korea. Buddhism in the 4th century generally prohibited the eating of meat until the invasion of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century, which lifted the meat ban. Japanese colonization from 1910 to 1945 also lead to a shortage of beef. But in the 1950s, with the introduction of slicing machines and sugar factories, bulgogi entered popular consumption again.
Kbbq is now wildly popular in Korea and overseas. It’s easy to cook and brings family and friends together. With a variety of sauces and fermented side dishes called banchan, people are free to enjoy kbbq in their own way.
Types of Meat
click on each one
Brisket (Chadolbaegi)
Beef Belly (Usamgyeop)
Pork Belly (Samyeopsal)
Bulgogi
Short Ribs (Kalbi)
Chicken (Dak Galbi)
*don't forget to dip in your favorite sauce (e.g. sesame oil, soy sauce, chili paste, etc.)
Banchan (side dishes)
click on each dish
Pickled Radish (Ssammu)
Kimchi
Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim)
Seasoned Soybean Sprouts (Kongnamul)
Potato Salad (Gamja Saelleodeu)
Rice Paper
Lettuce Wrap
How To Eat
Watch this short video on how you can combine some kbbq essentials for maximum flavor. I recommend wrapping your choice of meat in a layer of rice paper and radish paper with your favorite sides.
Watch the original video here. Credit to AngelaMinjiKim on YouTube.
Have A Drink
Most Korean BBQ restaurants will serve soju and beer. But if you're not a fan of alcohol, barley tea or Boricha is also a great, refreshing beverage. Whether you're celebrating or just enjoying a nice meal, these drinks have got you covered.
Roll over each image for more information.
Soju is a clear distilled beverage that originated in Korea and is usually made by distilling alcohol from fermented grains. The famous brand, Jinro Chamisul, makes soju in a variety of flavors including its original, grapefruit, muscat, peach and many others.
Hite is the largest brewery in South Korea. The company was established in 1933. This golden-colored beer is brewed from rice and barley and has a light taste.
Barley tea or boricha is a mainstay for Korean restaurants. It has a toasty flavor, but is served cold, making it a refreshing accompaniment to any meal.