What Is Korean BBQ?
Korean barbecue, known as gogigui, is the popular method of grilling meat at the table. Diners cook marinated or unmarinated cuts of beef, pork or chicken over a charcoal or gas grill built into the table. Two of the best-known dishes are bulgogi, thinly sliced marinated beef, and galbi, marinated beef short ribs. The experience is social and interactive: guests grill their own meat and wrap it in lettuce with garlic, chili paste and side dishes.
A Taste of Korea’s Food Culture
Korean barbecue reflects the communal nature of Korean meals. Typical banchan (side dishes) like kimchi, pickled radish and seasoned vegetables accompany the grilled meat. While the cooking style originated in Korea, the simplicity of grilling and the flavorful marinades have helped gogigui spread across Asia and the world.
Tips for Enjoying Korean BBQ
When dining at a Korean barbecue restaurant, order a variety of meats and let them cook until nicely charred. Use tongs to flip the meat and scissors to cut it into bite-sized pieces. Wrap the grilled meat in lettuce leaves with a dab of ssamjang (soybean-chili paste) and enjoy! Pair your meal with soju or Korean beer for the full experience.