Korean barbecue, often abbreviated as KBBQ, refers to the Korean method of roasting meats and vegetables over a gas or charcoal grill built into the dining table. The term can also apply to restaurants that specialize in serving Korean barbecue.

Ordering Korean BBQ can seem intimidating for first-timers, but it’s actually quite simple once you understand the basics. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to order and enjoy Korean BBQ like a pro.

Choosing a KBBQ Restaurant

The first step is picking a good Korean BBQ joint. Here are some tips:

Location – Opt for restaurants in Koreatown or other areas with a large Korean population. This increases your chances of getting authentic cuisine.
Reviews – Read online reviews to gauge food quality, service, ambience, etc. Well-reviewed spots usually deliver a good experience.
** Meat quality** – High-end places will serve better quality meats like USDA Prime beef. Check if the restaurant advertises its meat sourcing.
** A la carte or combo** – Some spots offer individual meats a la carte while others have combo sets. Decide your preference.
** Atmosphere** – Consider the restaurant’s ambience and layout like booth seating, ventilation, etc. which impact the dining experience.
** Budget** – Prices can range widely from $15 to $50+ per person. Have a budget in mind when picking a spot.

How to pick Meats and Cuts

The highlight of Korean BBQ is the meat selection. Here’s a primer on the popular KBBQ meat cuts and how to identify the good ones:

Beef

Ribeye – Marbled with fat, this cut has the most tender and juicy meat. Go for 1⁄2 inch thick slices.
Short ribs – Also called Kalbi, the bones impart extra flavor. Opt for Kalbi slices over chunks.
Sirloin – Lean but flavorful. Get thinly sliced sirloin for the grill.
Brisket – Budget-friendly but flavorful. Choose thin strips for easy cooking.
Look for – Good marbling, bright red color, and fresh smell. Avoid dark/dull meat.

Pork

Pork belly – The most popular pork option. Get thick-cut, wide slices with layers of fat and meat.
Pork collar – Also called pork jowl, it’s marbled and tender like belly. Cut into bitesize pieces.
Pork shoulder – Affordable cut that stays moist on the grill. Get thinly sliced pieces.
Look for – Meat should have visible fat striations. Avoid lean cuts.

Chicken and Other Meats

Chicken – Get boneless skin-on thigh meat. Avoid breast meat.
Sausages – Korean sausages like Sundae are fantastic grilled.
Seafood – Shrimp, squid, clams work wonderfully. Marinate seafood before grilling.

Lamb – Tender rib chops or leg slices are excellent picks for the grill.

Choosing Complimentary Items

While meat is the star, Korean barbecue meals are accompanied by various banchan (side dishes), lettuce wraps, sauces, and more. Here’s how to select the best complements for your BBQ:

Essential Banchan

Kimchi – This fermented cabbage is a Korean staple. Opt for fresh, in-house made kimchi.
Napa cabbage – Leafy cabbage leaves are used as protein wraps. Get a stack of whole napa leaves.
White rice – A bowl of steamed rice balances the meaty grill feast.
Jjigae – A Korean stew like kimchi-jjigae or tofu-jjigae adds comforting flavor.

Sauces and Pastes

Gochujang – The classic Korean red chili paste is a must for dipping meats.
SSAMjang – Thicker, tangier sauce mixes gochujang, soybean paste, and sesame.
Soybean paste – Salty, nutty paste made from fermented soybeans.
Korean BBQ sauce – Sweet, garlicky sauce perfect for marinating bulgogi.

Sides and More

Assorted vegetables – Lettuce, perilla leaves, onions, garlic, etc. for wraps.
Pickled veggies – Vinegary julienned daikon, cucumbers, and jalapeños.
Seafood pancakes – Savory egg-based pancakes with seafood add-ins.

Ordering Tips and Etiquette

Follow these tips when ordering at a Korean barbecue joint:

Order at least 2-3 meat items per person for variety.
Balance fatty and lean meats like ribeye with brisket.
Request the server to time/stagger the meat so everything doesn’t arrive together.
Order plenty of banchan so there’s always a fresh wrap option if the lettuce wilts.
Don’t overload the grill with meats. Cook in batches for even cooking.
Grill the marinated meats like bulgogi first before moving to plain slices.
Let the server know if you are new to Korean barbecue. They can guide you.
Use the tongs provided to turn meats over. Don’t use forks which puncture the meat.
Only place raw meat on the grill, not cooked slices. Keep a separate plate for cooked meat.
Wrap a small amount of meat, sauce, veggies, rice in a lettuce leaf or perilla before taking a bite.
Enjoy banchan and meats together. Don’t fill up only on grilled items.
In group dinners, the youngest diners often pay for older members. But don’t feel obligated.

Cooking the Meat Properly

Grilling meat perfectly takes some technique. Follow these tips:

Let the grill heat up well before placing any meat.
Spread out the meat slices instead of stacking them.
Grill thinner slices like brisket or sirloin for just 1-2 minutes per side.
Flip the meat just once halfway through. Don’t keep flipping frequently.
Cook pork belly and ribeye for 3-4 minutes per side till slightly charred.
Cook marinated meats like bulgogi over medium heat to allow flavors to penetrate.
Brush sauces like gochujang on meats only during the final moments of grilling.
Remove cooked meat from the grill right away. Don’t overcook.
Let meat rest 1-2 minutes before slicing or biting into it.
Adjust the grill’s heat during cooking as needed. Lower heat prevents burning.

Popular Types of Korean BBQ

While all KBBQ involves grilling meat at the table, some specialized types are worth trying:

Bulgogi

Thin slices of marinated beef, typically sirloin or ribeye.
Marinade contains soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and other ingredients.
Cooked quickly over high heat. The sugar in the marinade caramelizes.

Galbi

Short beef ribs marinated in a sweet soy glaze.
The bones add lots of flavor when grilled.
Typically cooked for a longer time over medium heat.

Samgyeopsal

Thick slices of uncured pork belly.
Usually not marinated. Just grilled plain and dipped in seasoning.
Fatty pork belly gets crispy crackling when cooked over high heat.

Chadolbaki

Thinly sliced brisket.
Often marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings.
Quickly grilled over high heat.

Moksal

Pork jowl or collar meat.
Similar fat content and texture to samgyeopsal.
Grilled plain and dipped in salt and sesame oil.

Non-Barbecue KBBQ Options

If you want to skip the DIY grilling but still enjoy Korean flavors, order these items:

Noodles – Many menus have japchae (stir fried glass noodles) and ramyun noodle soup options.
Fried rice – Kimchi fried rice utilizes the tangy fermented cabbage.
Pancakes – Seafood pancakes called haemul pajeon have veggies and seafood in a rice flour batter.
Soups – Hearty soups like sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew) or doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew).
Appetizers – Try Korean staple appetizers like gimbap (rice rolls), mandu (dumplings), etc.

Drinks to Pair with Korean BBQ

Quench your thirst during the grilling feast with these beverage options:

Soju – The quintessential Korean alcoholic drink is a rice liquor. Order it on the rocks or in flavored varieties.
Korean beer – Major Korean beer brands like Hite or Cass offer light, crisp lagers.
Makgeolli – A traditional Korean rice wine with a milky, sweet taste.
Iced tea – Unsweetened tea offers relief from the salty, spicy food.
Sodas – Korean sodas like cider or yogurt drinks provide a creamy, refreshing contrast.

Tips for Leftovers

Since meat is ordered in abundance, you’ll likely have leftovers. Here’s how to enjoy them:

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge once home.
Separate meats, kimchi, stews, and rice as they have different shelf lives.
Eat within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and food safety.
Pork belly makes an easy crispy breakfast when pan fried into strips.
Rice mixed with kimchi makes for quick bibimbap bowls.
Beef and pork slices work well in stir fries, fried rice, ramen, etc.
Use remaining marinades and sauces to season eggs, chicken, or vegetables.
Stew leftovers can become soup stock when cooked with miso paste or dashi powder.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these pitfalls when partaking in Korean BBQ:

Placing raw and cooked meat on the same plate leading to contamination. Always separate.
Overcrowding the grill which leads to uneven cooking.
Grilling at very high temperatures constantly which can burn thinner cuts fast.
Flipping meat too frequently. Just once halfway through is enough.
Skipping the banchan sides and only eating grilled meat.
Trying to rush the grilling process. It’s meant to be savored.
Adding sauces too early before meat has browned or charred.
Not letting meat rest before slicing into it, resulting in dryness.
Using lower quality meat cuts to save money. It’s worth splurging on quality.
Overindulging in meat and not leaving room for sides and rice.

Enjoying Korean BBQ at Home

You can recreate the experience at home too:

Have a tabletop grill like an electric model or portable butane stove.
Stock up on Korean staples like gochujang, kimchi, rice, etc.
Purchase meat from a Korean grocery store for better quality cuts.
Marinate meats beforehand for added flavor.
Opt for thinner slices across meats for home grilling.
Make some banchan like namul (seasoned vegetables) and japchae noodles.
Use a cast iron grill pan on the stove if you don’t own a portable grill.
You can also cook meat in batches in a skillet after some char-grilling.
Invite friends over to recreate the social, interactive dining feel.

Final Tips for an Amazing Experience

Here are a few closing tips for an epic Korean BBQ meal:

Make reservations on weekends when top Korean BBQ spots are packed.
Go with an empty stomach – it’s a meaty, filling cuisine.
Read up on cooking tips beforehand if new to KBBQ.
Don’t be shy to ask servers for help and recommendations.
Bring friends who don’t mind getting their hands dirty with DIY grilling.
Come prepared to spend at least 1-2 hours enjoying the feast.
Try lesser known types like moksal or jumulleok (meat skewers) beyond bulgogi and galbi.
If drinking, pace yourself as Korean spirits can quickly intoxicate.
Most importantly, leave your diet at home for a day and indulge in these meaty treats.

So get your grill on and experience fantastic Korean barbecue with these handy tips! Expertly cooking paper-thin slices of marbled short ribs, peppery pork belly, TERIYAKI chicken and other proteins alongside a spread of kimchi, rice and chilled soju is a foodie rite of passage. With the right strategies for ordering, grilling, eating and even enjoying leftovers, you can master this interactive dining experience. Gather your friends and embrace the joy of Korean barbecue. Just don’t forget the bibimbap – you’ll need the lettuce wraps to balance the indulgent protein party!

Summary and Conclusions

Korean barbecue is a fun, interactive dining experience that involves grilling thinly sliced, marinated meats and vegetables right at your table. Ordering like a pro is key to ensure you get the optimal proteins, sides, and sauces to feast on. Keep these tips in mind:

Pick a restaurant known for quality meats and banchan.
Opt for at least three different proteins – both fatty and lean cuts.
Balance meats with essential sides like rice, kimchi, lettuce wraps.
Add sauces like gochujang and ssamjang for dipping.
Cook meats in batches over controlled heat. Don’t overload the grill.
Wrap meats, sauce, veggies in lettuce leaves or rice for the full experience.
Avoid common mistakes like overcooking. Let meat rest before eating.
Pace yourself and spend 1-2 hours savoring the meal with friends.

With the right know-how, you can order and enjoy Korean barbecue like a pro. Just fire up that tabletop grill and get ready for a fun, meaty feast! Dig into the sizzling plates of marinated short ribs, spicy pork belly, chicken bulgogi and more as the aromas of the authentic Korean grill fill the air. Balance the bounty of proteins with the bright acidic kick of kimchi, crunchy lettuce wraps and steaming white rice. Koran barbecue is a cherished way to gather loved ones, celebrate, and indulge in delicious eats.

How to Order Korean BBQ