FAQs
Bulgogi generally refers to thinly sliced beef marinated in a sauce that is a mix of soy sauce, sugar or honey, sesame oil, garlic, onion, and often pureed Asian pear. Many Korean home cooks tend to marinate the beef overnight and then grill or stir-fry it with sliced onions, scallions, mushrooms, and other vegetables.
What is the history of Korean BBQ? ›
Korean BBQ has a long history dating back to the Goguryeo Dynasty in 37 BC, where grilled meat was a common part of the royal court cuisine. However, it was not until the Joseon Dynasty in the 17th century that meat dishes became more accessible to the general public.
What is the deal with Korean BBQ? ›
Fire up the grill. Korean BBQ is a communal dining experience that involves grilling marinated meat over a charcoal grill or gas grill. This smoky tableside epicurean endeavor involves lots of thinly sliced meat, fermented and pickled vegetables, and fun times.
What makes Korean BBQ special? ›
Think pork belly, short rib, brisket or beef tongue. By cooking these cuts over a gas grill or fried on a pan, you're able to get an even more robust flavor! Korean BBQ is also known for its distinctly sweet taste, calling for ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame and oil.
Why is bulgogi important to Korean culture? ›
Bulgogi is a representative food of Korea that is popular both at the domes- tic and global levels. Furthermore, bulgogi has shifted from a mere cuisine to a symbol of Korean culture, a cultural heritage that has developed within Korea's long history.
What does Korean BBQ stand for? ›
Korean barbecue (Korean: 고기구이, gogi-gui, 'meat roast') is a popular method in Korean cuisine of grilling meat, typically beef, pork or chicken. Such dishes are often prepared on gas or charcoal grills built into the dining table itself.
What do Korean people call Korean BBQ? ›
What is "Korean BBQ"? Korean BBQ is known to and said by Koreans as 고기구이 (gogi-goo-ui), which translates to "grilled meat".
What is the history of beef bulgogi? ›
Bulgogi History
Although the exact specifics are unknown, beef bulgogi is thought to have originated during the Goguryeo era, from roughly 50 BCE to 600 CE. Food historians believe it was called maekjeok (맥적, 貊炙) at the time. Maekjeok is primarily believed to have been a beef dish, often grilled and served on skewers.
What is the appeal of Korean BBQ? ›
Korean BBQ doesn't leave you behind. Alongside the meat, you'll discover an abundance of vegetables, salads, and traditional side dishes known as banchan. Customize your meal with a choice of lean meats, vegetable sides, and lighter sauces to fit your dietary preferences. It's a feast that fits your lifestyle.
What is Korean BBQ and how different from American BBQ? ›
Korean BBQ and American BBQ offer distinct dining experiences that reflect their cultural backgrounds. While Korean BBQ emphasizes fresh ingredients, interactive cooking, and a wide range of side dishes, American BBQ is celebrated for its slow-cooked meats and regional flavors.
Farmers worked hard to intensively cultivate the land. As a result, Korean food tends to be hearty, much more so than in neighboring Japan or China. A traditional Korean breakfast, for instance is not a bowl of leftover rice gruel, as in China, but a rich soup made of either beef ribs or pork intestines (tripe).
What to expect from Korean barbecue? ›
Each restaurant will serve something slightly different, but you'll most commonly find lettuce leaves to wrap around the meat, kimchi (fermented veggies, usually cabbage or daikon), spicy cucumber salad, marinated or lightly seasoned raw bean sprouts, sautéed spinach or watercress, scallion salad, and pretty much any ...
Is Korean BBQ considered healthy? ›
Some healthy options to look for at a Korean BBQ restaurant include lean cuts of meat such as chicken or pork loin, seafood like shrimp or squid, and plenty of vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, mushrooms, and peppers. These options are lower in saturated fat and can be grilled without excessive oil or marinades.
What does bulgogi taste like? ›
The flavor of bulgogi is savory, salty and sweet. Our recipe has a mildly sweet and salty flavor – more mild than other recipes or what you may have tasted from a Korean bbq restaurant.
What is traditionally served with bulgogi? ›
Bulgogi is typically served with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, chili sauce, and other traditional Korean accompaniments. Making bulgogi at home is surprisingly easy.
Is Korean bulgogi healthy? ›
This is a healthy, flavor-rich meal that the whole family will enjoy. Even better, it's a simple weeknight dinner option that you can make up in no time at all! If you've never tried it, don't keep waiting.
How are you supposed to eat bulgogi? ›
The best way to serve beef bulgogi is with some freshly cooked rice where you drizzle all that sauce. On the side, you can have kimchi and other banchans, as well as some vegetables such as lettuce and sliced peppers. For the sauce, don't forget the ssamjang! With these, you can make a ssam or bulgogi lettuce wraps.