Article dedicated to Korean cuisine - hot bulgogi BBQ (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between Korean BBQ and bulgogi? ›

The difference between Korean Kalbi and Bulgogi

This recipe showcases the difference between two popular Korean bbq methods. The difference between bulgogi and Kalbi is that one uses Short Rib, and one uses Ribeye, both using basically the same marinade and grilled over fire.

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.

Early History and Origins

The term 'bulgogi' comes from Korea and translates to 'fire meat' as it was originally cooked using skewers on a hwaro grill. This ubiquitous meal's early history and origin date back to the Goguryeo era (37 B.C. to 668 A.D.), when it was initially called maekjeok.

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.

There are three types of bulgogi that are typically served at restaurants today – Gwangyang-style of South Jeolla Province, Eonyang-style of South Gyeongsang Province and last but not least, the Seoul-style.

The savory beef combined with the sweet, gingery marinade is always a big hit. The word bul means fire in Korean, and goki means meat. So this is “fire meat!” Delicious bulgogi depends on three things: a good cut of beef, a delicious marinade, and the method you use to cook it.

It's packed to the rafters with veggies, yet still feels naughty thanks to the sweet n' salty bulgogi sauce. It's pretty much perfect in terms of “healthy-ish comfort food”.

Bulgogi is typically served with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, chili sauce, and other traditional Korean accompaniments. Making bulgogi at home is surprisingly easy.

To eat, wrap a spoonful of rice, a piece of bulgogi, and a little bit of ssamjang in a lettuce leaf. Fold it over and eat. Repeat!

Is bulgogi a cow tongue? ›

What is bulgogi, you ask??? It is marinated beef traditionally grilled or cooked in a cast iron skillet and from what I've been reading, it's one of the most popular Korean dishes. What's not so popular is the use of tongue in this recipe and that's where I come in!

Beef

Bulgogi / Main ingredient

The diverse selection of meats is a defining feature of Korean BBQ. Different cuts and types are prepared and cooked to perfection, each offering unique flavours and textures. A pork belly, similar to uncured bacon in the West. It is thick, fatty, and incredibly flavorful.

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.

Flavor Explosion with Marinades

The spicy marinade heats things up with chili powder and paste, in addition to garlic, ginger, and onion. These marinades soak into the meat, ensuring deep flavor that, once grilled, gains a rich, smoky character.

Marinated barbecue meats

Before cooking, the meat is marinated with a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, ginger, scallions, sesame oil, garlic and pepper. Pears are also traditionally used in the marinade to help tenderize the meat, but kiwi and pineapple have also been used more recently.

The main difference between Korean BBQ sauce and a more traditional American BBQ sauce is going to be the base. That's because this sauce uses soy sauce as a base rather than your American tomato-style base. Because of this, it's going to be a thinner sauce with a bold savory flavor and a punch of heat.

Bibimbap is a fuller dish with more oomph to it, while bulgogi relies on simple ingredients, preparation, and a comforting flavor profile to bring the whole experience home.

Bulgogi is a well-known Korean meat dish and literally means "fire meat". Not because of its particular spiciness, but because it is traditionally grilled over an open fire or glowing hot charcoal.