Korean BBQ, also known as “Gogi-gui” (meat roast), is a popular and flavorful dish that features marinated meats grilled at the table. Here’s a basic recipe to create a classic Korean BBQ experience at home:
Korean BBQ Recipe (Bulgogi Style)
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons grated pear or apple (adds sweetness and helps tenderize the meat)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
For the Meat:
- 1 pound of thinly sliced beef (ribeye, sirloin, or brisket work well)
- Optional: You can also use pork belly or chicken thighs for variety.
For Serving:
- Lettuce leaves (for wrapping)
- Ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce)
- Cooked white rice
- Kimchi
- Sliced garlic and chili peppers (optional)
- Pickled radishes or other banchan (side dishes)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, grated pear (or apple), black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), sesame seeds, and chopped green onions.
- Marinate the Meat:
- Place the thinly sliced beef in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours for maximum flavor. If marinating overnight, that’s even better!
- Grill the Meat:
- Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a tabletop grill, ensure it’s properly heated.
- Remove the meat from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Grill the meat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness, until it’s nicely browned and slightly caramelized. You want the meat to cook quickly to stay tender and juicy.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Serve the grilled meat with lettuce leaves for wrapping.
- Add a spoonful of rice to a lettuce leaf, a piece of grilled meat, a dab of ssamjang, and any other toppings like kimchi, sliced garlic, or chili peppers.
- Wrap it up and enjoy each bite!
- Side Dishes (Banchan):
- Korean BBQ is typically served with a variety of side dishes, known as banchan. Popular choices include kimchi, pickled radishes, stir-fried vegetables, and japchae (stir-fried glass noodles).
This recipe provides a simple yet authentic taste of Korean BBQ that can be enjoyed at home. The key is in the marinade, which gives the meat its signature sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor.