Korean BBQ is a fun and delicious dining experience where meat, seafood, and vegetables are grilled right at your table. With so many tasty options to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to order at a Korean BBQ restaurant. This guide will walk you through the must-try Korean BBQ dishes and provide tips to help you have the best meal possible.
An Introduction to Korean Barbecue
Korean barbecue, also known as KBBQ, is a popular meal where diners cook their own food on a gas or charcoal grill built right into the table. The term “Korean barbecue” refers to the cooking technique as well as the social dining experience.
This interactive style of dining originated in Korea, but has now become popular across the world. Restaurants serving Korean barbecue offer an array of raw meats, vegetables, seafood, and side dishes. Customers select which items they want, then cook them to their desired doneness right at their table.
Korean BBQ is a highly social affair meant for enjoying time together! The hands-on experience of grilling your own food adds to the fun. Customers sit around the grill, chatting and laughing while they cook and eat. The relaxed, casual vibe makes it great for large groups and hanging out with friends.
So what makes Korean barbecue so special? Here are a few key characteristics:
- Interactive cooking: You become the chef grilling items yourself and customizing doneness.
- Shareable food: Dining is communal with dishes placed in the center of the table.
- Flavorful and fresh ingredients: High quality proteins and veggies tasted best when simply seasoned and grilled.
- Array of banchan: Small plates of kimchi, veggies, and other sides complement the meal.
Now that you know the basics, let’s explore the best foods to order and how to have the optimal experience.
Top Proteins and Meats to Try Grilling
The star attraction at any Korean BBQ joint is the meat! Here are the essential proteins and cuts you should look for on the menu:
Marinated Short Ribs (Galbi and L.A. Galbi)
If there’s one must-try meat at Korean BBQ, it’s marinated short ribs. Galbi literally means “ribs” in Korean. You’ll typically see two varieties:
Galbi: Beef short ribs with bones left in. The bones add lots of flavor!
L.A. Galbi: “L.A. style” short ribs that are boneless and sliced thinly. Easier to eat than traditional galbi.
Both are absolutely mouthwatering—caramelized and sticky from a sweet and savory marinade. Try a few slices of each to compare. This cut pairs well with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime.
Bulgogi
Thinly sliced ribeye marinated in a sweet soy glaze—this is one of the most well-known Korean meats worldwide. The delicate slices cook quickly on a hot grill. FYI, bulgogi derives from a Korean word meaning “fire meat.” A fitting name for these tasty grilled strips!
Samgyeopsal
This is unmarinated pork belly that has been sliced thickly. Samgyeopsal has plenty of rich, fatty flavor on its own thanks to the high fat content. Pork belly chars up nicely over the flames. Listen for the sizzling! Dip pieces in sesame oil and salt for the full experience.
Dak Galbi
Spicy chicken! Dak galbi consists of boneless chicken thighs or breast mixed with a spicy paste. It packs some heat, so be prepared to break out those drinks. You can control the spice level by adjusting how much gochujang (Korean chili paste) you add.
Jokbal
For the adventurous meat eater, try this unique cut—braised pigs’ feet. Jokbal is cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender with a gelatinous, sticky texture. Dunk pieces in a vinegary sauce before eating. Very tasty!
Gopchang
Gopchang are grilled beef or pork intestines seasoned with spices and salt. They have a nice crunch and chew. This is an acquired taste, but Koreans love the intense flavor of these offal cuts when charred over the grill.
Seafood Selections Worth Grilling
In addition to meat, Korean BBQ restaurants also offer a nice selection of seafood. Here are some favorites:
Ojingeo (Squid)
Tender squid grills up fast over high heat. The trick is not to overcook it! Remove the rings and tentacles once they turn opaque and get grill marks. Dip in spicy gochujang sauce.
Haemul Pangue (Assorted Seafood)
Can’t decide between shrimp, scallops, squid, clams, and mussels? Go for this seafood combo! The mixture gives you a taste of different textures and flavors.
Salmon
Fresh salmon cooks beautifully on a BBQ grill. Watch carefully since fish can burn quickly. Brush with a bit of sesame oil and soy sauce for enhanced flavor.
Dweji Bulgogi (Spicy Pork Bulgogi)
Like beef bulgogi, but spicier! Thinly sliced pork marinates in a gochujang-based sauce before hitting the grill. The chili paste gives it some kick.
Must-Order Korean BBQ Side Dishes
Now let’s talk about essential accompaniments beyond the grilled goodies. Korean BBQ always includes a spread of banchan, which are small shared plates that complement the meal.
Here are the key banchan and sides to enjoy:
Kimchi
The national dish of Korea! This fermented cabbage can come in many varieties, but most commonly you’ll see napa cabbage kimchi loaded with savory, sour, and spicy flavor. It cuts through the richness of grilled meat perfectly.
Lettuce Leaves and Perilla Leaves
Use these crisp lettuce and perilla leaves as edible wraps for meat, rice, ssamjang sauce, kimchi, and other fillings. Just assemble, roll up, and enjoy fresh contrasting texture.
Ssamjang
A thick, spicy paste blending doenjang (soybean paste) and gochujang that you’ll mix right at the table. Use as a dip or spread on lettuce wraps. The slight heat offset fried and fatty proteins.
White Rice
Simple steamed rice soaks up flavors and juices from the grill. Carbs are key for having the energy to cook all that meat! Help yourself to unlimited refills.
Jjigae
Hearty Korean stews, like kimchi jjigae or doenjang jjigae, often come served in clay pots. The broth packs umami flavor to balance the grill. Don’t forget to mix the rice right in!
Banchan
Beyond kimchi, banchan side dishes offer crunch, flavor, and texture variety. Enjoy favorites like namul (seasoned veggies), japchae noodles, seasoned spinach, bean sprouts, fish cakes, and pickled radish.
Tips for the Best Korean BBQ Experience
Now that you know what to order, here are some handy tips to get the most out of your Korean barbecue meal:
- Go with a group if possible! KBBQ is best enjoyed with friends when you can share lots of dishes family-style. You’ll get to sample more items.
- Opt for the charcoal grill if available for maximum smoky flavor.
- Don’t overload the grill. Crowding will cause meat to steam instead of sear.
- Use metal chopsticks to easily flip and grab small items.
- Wrap the raw meat in lettuce leaves before grilling for easy flipping.
- Try dipping grilled meats in sesame oil and sea salt—so simple but so good!
- Eat kimchi and rice with every bite. This combination is a hallmark with Korean barbecue.
- Save room for dessert like bingsu (shaved ice) to cap off the meal.
- Come hungry and pace yourself! It’s easy to overeat with so many tasty meats and sides within reach.
- Practice proper KBBQ etiquette like not hogging the best meat pieces and sharing the grilling tasks.
Now that you’re equipped with a guide to the must-try dishes and tips for success, you’re ready to become a Korean barbecue master! Gather your friends and get ready for an epic meat feast. Grilling your own proteins right at the table makes for a fun, interactive meal that beats the average dinner out any time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Barbecue
What are the different cuts of meat typically served at Korean BBQ?
You’ll find a range of beef, pork, and chicken cuts like ribeye (bulgogi), short ribs (galbi), brisket, jokbal (pigs feet), samgyeopsal (pork belly), chicken thighs, and thinly sliced meats marinated in sweet savory sauces. Seafood like shrimp, squid, and salmon may also be options.
Do you cook the meat yourself?
Yes, definitely! The interactive cooking experience where you grill proteins and veggies at your table is what makes Korean BBQ so unique and fun.
What is the difference between galbi and bulgogi?
Galbi refers to marinated beef short ribs, while bulgogi is thinly sliced ribeye steak marinated in a sweet soy sauce. Both are absolute Korean BBQ classics!
What are popular side dishes and banchan?
You’ll want to order kimchi, white rice, lettuce leaves, perilla leaves, ssamjang sauce, and a variety of panchan small plates like japchae noodles, fish cakes, bean sprouts, spinach, radish, etc.
What is the best way to eat Korean BBQ?
Wrap grilled meats and sides up in lettuce leaves. Dip in ssamjang sauce. Eat kimchi and rice with every bite. Share dishes family-style. Grill in small batches. And come hungry!
Are there desserts at Korean barbecue restaurants?
Many spots offer delicious Korean desserts like patbingsu (shaved ice with red bean topping), yakgwa (honey fried cookies), and bori-cha (barley tea). Leave room to try some after you’ve had your fill of savory grilled items.
How do I know what to order for my first time?
Stick with classics like bulgogi, galbi, japchae noodles, kimchi, rice, lettuce wraps, and a few grilled veggies. This will give you a delicious overview of authentic Korean barbecue favorites.
Satisfy Your BBQ Cravings at an Authentic Korean Grill
The interactive dining experience and mouthwatering flavors make Korean barbecue a top choice for gatherings with family and friends. Now that you know what meats, seafood, sides, and sauces to look for, you’re ready to become a KBBQ master. Gather your crew and get ready for an epic DIY grilling feast complemented by flavorful banchan. Gochujang, bulgogi, and good times await! Use this guide to help you indulge in the best Korean barbecue has to offer.