Korean BBQ Where You Cook Yourself - Outdoor Cabinets

Korean barbecue, also known as KBBQ, is a popular dining experience where guests cook their own meats and vegetables right at their table. At a Korean BBQ restaurant with “cook it yourself” style dining, you become the grill master. Read on to learn all about this fun and delicious culinary experience.

What is Korean BBQ Where You Cook Yourself?

Korean BBQ where you cook yourself is a dining style originating from Korea in which you, the customer, are in charge of cooking your own food at your table. The term KBBQ comes from the Korean words “gogi gui” which means “grilled meat”.

At a Korean BBQ restaurant with DIY cooking, tables are equipped with small grill tops. Customers order plates of raw marinated meats, seafood, and vegetables. You then cook them yourself on the grill at your pace and to your liking. Part of the appeal is the interactive and social nature of Korean barbecue dining. It’s fun to grill up dinner with friends and family!

Common Meats and Ingredients

Some popular meats for Korean BBQ where you cook yourself include:

Marinated galbi or beef short ribs
Bulgogi – thin slices of marinated beef
Pork belly
Spicy pork
Chicken
Squid and shrimp
Sausages
Lamb or duck

Proteins are well-marinated in Korean barbecue sauces, imparting sweet and savory flavors. Common marinade ingredients include soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, sugar, and Asian pear.

Platters of vegetables and sides called banchan also accompany the meal:

Lettuce leaves for wrapping meat
Perilla leaves
Kimchi
Bean sprouts
Mushrooms
Radish
Rice cakes

Having plenty of green onion, garlic, sesame seeds, and hot pepper paste/gochujang on the table is also customary.

How to Cook Korean BBQ Yourself

Cooking Korean BBQ yourself at the table is simple and fun! Here are some tips:

Let the grill heat up well before adding food. Be careful not to burn yourself by touching the hot surface.
Grill meats in batches, not all at once. Avoid overcrowding.
Flip meats frequently using tongs or chopsticks. You want consistent charring rather than burning.
Slice cooked meats against the grain into bite-sized pieces with scissors. Cutting on the diagonal is common.
Wrap grilled meats and veggies into lettuce leaf “wraps” with rice, kimchi, and sauces. Enjoy!
Cook vegetables just until slightly charred and tender-crisp. Don’t overcook.
Control the grill’s temperature. Adjust the heat if needed.
Scrape off residue frequently to prevent sticking.
Watch portions closely so meat and veggies cook properly without burning.
Let very fatty meats render and cook through fully. Discard excess fat from the grill.

The joy of Korean BBQ is experimenting with ingredients and techniques. There’s no one right way to DIY! Play with marinades, pairings, and cooking methods to find your favorites.

Dining Etiquette & Tips

Follow these Korean barbecue etiquette tips for the best experience when cooking for yourself:

Grill evenly. Don’t eat everything yourself – share with the table!
Wrap up morsels for others to try. Sharing is customary.
Use metal chopsticks to cook raw meat. Use other utensils for cooked food to prevent cross-contamination.
Don’t use your individual sauce dish for double-dipping if sharing food communally.
Pour drinks for others rather than just yourself.
Meat and sides are usually served together family-style. There’s no need to order individual portions.
Call servers over if you need assistance or want to order more. No need to get up.
Press a buzzer or use table call buttons to summon servers if available.
There’s no rush to eat quickly or leave. Enjoy the experience.
Pace yourself. Korean BBQ is intended for leisurely grazing, not rushed consumption.

Taking your time and savoring the communal cooking process is all part of the Korean barbecue experience!

Dipping Sauces & Condiments

An array of dipping sauces and condiments let you customize flavors at the table:

Gochujang: Sweet, savory, and spicy Korean hot pepper paste. Addictive on meats.

Ssamjang: Thicker, richer sauce combining gochujang with soybean paste. Popular in lettuce wraps.

SSamjae: Vinegary condiment made from sesame oil, garlic, and other seasonings. Brightens up wraps.

Kimchi: Spicy, funky fermented napa cabbage is a classic accompaniment.

Vinegared Onions: Sweet rice wine vinegar offsets grilled richness.

Green Onion Salad: Fresh contrast to richer grilled items.

Salt, Sesame Oil, Pepper: Basics for seasoning meats or rice.

Don’t be shy about mixing sauces or combining condiments to craft your own signature flavors. Experimentation is encouraged!

Popular Korean BBQ Side Dishes

Beyond grilled goodies, Korean barbecue meals include small cold side dishes called banchan:

Kimchi: Spicy fermented cabbage is the most popular banchan. Often made with napa cabbage.
Namul: Seasoned vegetable dishes like spinach, soybeans, radish, zucchini.
Japchae: Glass noodles tossed with vegetables in a sesame oil sauce.
Jeon: Savory Korean-style pancakes made with kimchi, zucchini, etc.
Gyeran Mari: Korean rolled omelette.
Mandu: Korean dumplings, either fried or steamed.
Jokbal: Braised pig’s feet.

A meal typically includes 3-5 quick pickled vegetable banchan plus one meat, fish, or tofu based banchan. They provide lighter balance alongside grilled items.

How to Eat Korean BBQ Wraps

A fun way to enjoy Korean barbecue is by wrapping cooked meats and veggies in fresh lettuce or perilla leaves. Here’s how to assemble perfect meat wraps:

Grill protein and veggies until cooked through and lightly charred.
Place a lettuce or perilla leaf on your plate, shiny side up to hold contents.
Add a smear of ssamjang, kochujang, or other sauce down the center.
Top with a few slices of cooked meat, kimchi, rice, and vegetables.
Bring the bottom of the leaf up and fold or roll the wrap closed.
Enjoy the combo of cool crunch from fresh greens and savoriness from grilled fillings and sauce!

Feel free to customize wraps with ingredients you love most. There are no rules, so have fun DIYing Korean BBQ wraps.

Drinks to Pair

What beverages go well with Korean barbecue?

Soju: This mild Korean rice liquor is hugely popular with barbecue. Goes down easy!
Makgeolli: Milky-colored traditional Korean rice wine with a tangy flavor. Excellent complement.
Beer: Korean and domestic beers are always a safe bet. Help cut through meat richness.
Tea: Barley tea has a pleasant roasted nuttiness. Green and black teas also pair well.

Drilling and grilling works up quite a thirst! Cold Korean beer is refreshing, but soju is the classic beverage pairing. Just take care not to overindulge in this potent spirit.

Tips for Korean BBQ Beginners

If you’ve never cooked DIY Korean barbecue before, these tips will help make your first time easy and enjoyable:

Start with familiar proteins like beef and chicken until you’re comfortable with cooking techniques.
Skip offal or raw seafood platters at first. Better to work your way up to more adventurous items.
Ask servers how to properly cook unfamiliar meats. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Use tongs and cooking chopsticks correctly to avoid cross contamination.
Go with an open mindset and don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Korean BBQ is very casual.
Try the banchan side dishes even if they seem unfamiliar at first. Expand your horizons.
Don’t overfill lettuce leaf wraps on the first bite. Less is more until you get the wrapping technique down.
Start with smaller orders of a few proteins rather than going all out with a feast.
Opt for thin slices of meat rather than thick chunks at first for easier cooking.

The fun of Korean BBQ is learning by doing. Just relax, embrace the experience, and you’ll be grillin’ like a pro in no time!

Common Questions About Korean BBQ Where You Cook Yourself

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Korean barbecue restaurants and grilling DIY style:

What should I order for my first time at Korean BBQ?

For beginners, can’t-miss Korean barbecue orders include marinated short ribs (galbi), bulgogi beef, spicy pork belly, chicken thigh or breast, and seasoned squid or shrimp. Get an assortment so you can find favorites.

Do you need to be Korean to enjoy Korean BBQ?

Absolutely not! Korean barbecue is popular around the globe. Anyone can savor these flavors. Approach it with an open mind and you’re sure to have a wonderful meal.

Is there a dress code for Korean barbecue?

Not at all. Korean BBQ joints are casual. Wear what makes you comfortable. You may get some food smells on your clothing, so avoid anything too precious.

Should I cook the meat on high or low?

Use moderately high heat to get a nice char while cooking through. Thin meats only take a minute or two per side. Thicker cuts can be seared on high first, then finished cooking on lower heat.

How do you not overeat at a Korean BBQ?

Pace yourself since endless platters of meat can lead to overindulgence. Fill up on banchan sides too. Splitting a combo meal between a few people makes it easier to try lots of options without stuffing yourself.

What’s the white rice at Korean BBQ for?

The rice helps soak up meat juices and gives you energy to keep grilling. It also balances out richer food when eaten alongside lighter banchan. Use it to make meat wraps too.

Is Korean BBQ safe for people with food allergies?

Inform your server of any food allergies right away so they can guide you toward safe options. Many marinades contain soy, sesame, garlic and other common allergens. Be extra careful to prevent cross contamination when cooking. Opt for allergen-free proteins and sides.

The Joy of Do-It-Yourself Korean Barbecue

Korean barbecue where you cook yourself is such a fun, interactive, and social dining experience. With the right techniques, you can create a stunning and flavorful DIY meal alongside friends and family. Experiment, ask questions, make some mistakes, and relish the hands-on grilling process. Take your time savoring the communal feast you craft right at your table. Korean BBQ allows you to become the grill master of your own culinary destiny. Give it a try for a unique and unforgettable meal!