Barbecue cookouts are a fun way to make delicious food, enjoy an outdoor grilling experience, and spend quality time with friends and family. From the smoky aroma to the char and unique flavors of barbecue, cookouts are made special because of the warmth they create—literally and figuratively—which brings people closer together.
If you’re going to a cookout for the first time or are already planning your next one, you can try out different Korean barbecue dishes to elevate your menu. Among others, Korean barbecue has drawn attention for its distinctly flavored marinades and savory cuts of meat. You can enjoy your cookout even more with these Korean barbecue dishes:
Jeyuk Bokkeum (Spicy Pork BBQ)
As Koreans are known for their love of spiciness, expect their barbecues to incorporate a lot of spice. One of Korea’s spicy barbecues is jeyuk bokkeum, which is pork marinated in a hot gochujang (Korean chili paste)-based sauce with ginger and garlic. In addition to adding spice, the marinade also balances out the fattiness of the pork.
Based on your preference, you can adjust the heat level so it matches your taste and isn’t too overwhelming. With the blend of gochugaru (Korean chili powder) and gochujang, the flavors of your dish are sure to be upgraded!
Galbi (Korean Beef Short Ribs)
Boasting balanced flavors of sweet and savory, galbi is made from beef short ribs that incorporate grated onion, alcohol, and pears into the marinade for added subtle flavors. Galbi can be accompanied by fresh kimchi, japchae, or pickled dishes, which pair well with the fatty meat. This dish can be cooked through charcoal grilling, pan-frying, or broiling.
Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef)
Made from marinated thinly sliced beef, bulgogi is a flavorful cut of beef usually cooked over an open flame. It features a distinct marinade using basic ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, and garlic.
The key to making good bulgogi is ensuring the meat has a balanced taste of sweet and salty. The desired result is a dish with authentic flavors created from generous seasonings of sesame oil and garlic. In Korea, grated pears or apples are added to the marinade to amplify the flavors and make the meat tender.
Maekjeok (Doenjang Marinated Pork)
Considered the origin of modern bulgogi, maekjeok has existed since early Korean history. With a doenjang marinade, the pork develops delicious flavors that are salty and savory. Lean cuts like pork butt, pork shoulder, or pork loin can be used for this dish. It can be paired with minari (water dropwort) or buchu (garlic chives), either stir-fried or raw.
By trying out these Korean barbecue dishes, you can add a new twist to your cookouts for your family and friends to enjoy. Taste these dishes for yourself and discover what makes Korean barbecue special. Now, get ready to fire up the grill and cook your heart out for your loved ones!
