So, you’re having friends and family for a special gathering and need a unique idea of what to serve? 

Korean BBQ is super popular right now, and it just might be your answer. 

It’s healthy, easy, fun….and sure to please even the most picky guests! 

What is Korean Barbecue?

Korean barbecue refers to the hugely popular Korean method of grilling meats. 

What does Korean BBQ taste like? Heaven.

Korean barbecue is not any ordinary meal - it is truly a unique experience. Instead of just serving your guests a meal, the cooking and eating are the center stage attraction. 

Your family or guests will gather around a special grill that is placed in the center of your table. You will bring out several small plates of different raw meats. 

Korean barbecue sides called banchan (pronounced: bon-chon) are also brought out to your table, alongside cooked rice. 

How does Korean BBQ work? - As a group, you each gather around and do your own cooking and eating. 

It’s simple - and delicious!

Korean BBQ History

While Korean barbecue is super trendy now, this style of cooking has been around for a long time. 

The origins can be traced way back to the Maek, a nomadic group from central Asia. What made these people unique was that they traveled with seasoned meats in a new, unique way.

They were always wandering, so they needed to bring food with them that they could later cook on an open fire when they stopped. 

Side dishes that were popular with Budhists - like kimchi and bibimbap - accompanied the meats. (banchan) 

When these two dishes were served together - banchan and the grilled meats - Korean BBQ was born, and it quickly became a Korean staple. 

Nowadays, “K-food”  is all the rage in starry Hollywood restaurants, and in homes - everywhere. 

Korean BBQ At Home Grill

It’s quite easy to make Korean BBQ at home. You just need the right Korean BBQ equipment and ingredients.

Are you wondering how to eat Korean bbq? First of all, for proper etiquette and safety, you’ll need metal chopsticks. Not wood. You can use these to place pieces of bonchan and meat onto your rice. 

You’ll also need the star of the show: The BBQ grill.

University Grill has a list of the top grills for 2022. They explain: 

“Electric Korean BBQ grills are the easiest to use. They give a moderate heat level and don't get as hot as the other types. The main point that leaves other options behind is, these grills are smokeless. So you can prefer to use it indoors than other grills.” 

Next, you’ll need a fabulous recipe for sauces to serve with your meats and sides. 

Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe with Bacon Jam

TBJ Gourmet suggests an easy Korean BBQ sauce recipe for you to try. 

What does Korean BBQ sauce taste like? It’s sweet and also spicy.

You can make this sauce ahead of time so that you can spend more time with your guests.

Here is the best Korean BBQ seasoning recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 cup Asian pear peeled, cored, & chopped (about 1)
• 1/2 cup TBJ Sweet Chili Gourmet Bacon Jam
• 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons ginger paste (or fresh minced peeled ginger)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 green onion chopped

Directions:

1. Place all the ingredients for the glaze in a blender and process until smooth.
2. Pour sauce into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. 
3. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce to simmer. 
4. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Cool and set aside. 

*This recipe is edited from one by: Snappy Gourmet

For the best meat types for your Korean BBQ, use tender cuts of: brisket, whole chickens, pork butts, pork ribs, and big steaks like sirloin and rib-eye. Really, any meat can work. 

Time To Serve

Now that your special sauce is ready, you can place your BBQ grill center stage. For a simple DIY Korean BBQ table, add a festive cloth to your table. 

Each guest should have their own plate and sauce dish, and metal chopsticks.

Place your raw meats on pretty side dishes around the grill. Add your side dishes around this, with rice and wraps. (lettuce wraps and flour wraps work well)

Once set, everyone can start cooking, dipping, and eating this tasty Korean BBQ together. 

Bon Appétit!