What is served with Korean barbecue?

Korean BBQ is more than just a meal - it's an experience that combines flavors, textures, and social interaction in a way that's both unique and utterly satisfying. If you've ever sat around a table with friends and family, grilling meat and enjoying a variety of side dishes, you know how Korean BBQ isn't just about the food- it's about the entire culinary ritual. One of the most intriguing aspects of this dining experience is what’s served alongside the grilled meats. In this article, we’ll explore the diverse array of dishes and accompaniments that elevate Korean BBQ from a simple meal to a feast for the senses.

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The Essential Banchan: The Heart of Korean BBQ

When you sit down for Korean BBQ, the first thing you'll notice is the assortment of small dishes that arrive at your table. These are called banchan, and they are an integral part of the Korean dining experience. The banchan offerings can vary from restaurant to restaurant and even from one visit to the next, but there are some staples you’ll likely encounter.

Kimchi: The Quintessential Korean Side Dish

Kimchi is arguably the most famous Korean dish worldwide and a staple in any Korean BBQ spread. Made from fermented vegetables—typically Napa cabbage and Korean radishes—kimchi is spicy, tangy, and full of probiotics, which aid in digestion. It balances the richness of grilled meats with its sharp, zesty flavor.

Namul: Seasoned Vegetables

Namul refers to a variety of seasoned vegetable dishes that often include spinach, bean sprouts, and fernbrake. These dishes are typically blanched, then seasoned with sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce, adding a light, refreshing contrast to the heavier grilled meats.

Jeon: Korean Savory Pancakes

Jeon are savory pancakes made from a variety of ingredients, such as seafood, kimchi, or vegetables. These crispy, pan-fried delights are served as a complement to the main BBQ, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that work well with the smoky meats.

Jangajji: Pickled Vegetables

Jangajji are pickled vegetables that bring a burst of acidity to the meal. Whether it’s pickled garlic, onions, or radishes, these tangy accompaniments are perfect for cutting through the richness of fatty cuts of pork or beef.

The Dipping Sauces: Enhancing the Grilled Flavors

No Korean BBQ experience is complete without the various dipping sauces that add depth and complexity to each bite of grilled meat. These sauces are designed to complement the flavors of the meat, making each bite a new experience.

Ssamjang: The Perfect Blend

Ssamjang is a thick, flavorful paste made from a combination of doenjang (fermented soybean paste), gochujang (red chili paste), garlic, onions, sesame oil, and sometimes a bit of sugar. This sauce is the star when it comes to wrapping your grilled meats in lettuce leaves (known as ssam).

Ganjang: Soy Sauce with a Twist

Ganjang is Korean soy sauce, often mixed with sesame oil, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It provides a savory, slightly salty flavor that enhances the natural taste of the meat without overpowering it.

Gochujang: A Spicy Kick

For those who love spice, gochujang is the go-to sauce. This red chili paste is sweet, savory, and spicy, making it a perfect match for fatty cuts of meat like pork belly. A small dollop of gochujang can add a powerful punch of flavor.

The Main Meats: Stars of the Korean BBQ

While the side dishes and sauces are essential, the main event of Korean BBQ is, of course, the meat. The selection of meats can vary, but some cuts are particularly popular and traditional in Korean BBQ settings.

Bulgogi: Marinated Perfection

Bulgogi is thinly sliced beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper. This dish is known for its tender texture and sweet-savory flavor profile. Grilled to perfection, bulgogi is often wrapped in lettuce leaves with a bit of ssamjang and kimchi for the perfect bite.

Galbi: Short Ribs with Flavor

Galbi refers to marinated beef short ribs. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil, which caramelize beautifully when the meat is grilled. The result is a juicy, flavorful cut of meat that pairs perfectly with the tangy banchan and dipping sauces.

Samgyeopsal: Pork Belly Delight

Samgyeopsal is thick slices of pork belly that are grilled without seasoning, allowing the natural flavors of the meat to shine. Once grilled, samgyeopsal is often dipped in sesame oil with salt and pepper before being wrapped in a lettuce leaf with some grilled garlic, ssamjang, and kimchi.

Dak Galbi: Spicy Chicken

Dak galbi is a dish featuring chunks of chicken marinated in a spicy gochujang-based sauce. The chicken is grilled until it's slightly charred, creating a spicy and savory dish that’s often served with vegetables like sweet potatoes, cabbage, and perilla leaves.

The Wraps: Creating the Perfect Bite

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Korean BBQ is the act of creating the perfect bite. This is done by wrapping a piece of grilled meat in a leafy green along with some banchan and a dollop of sauce. This bite-sized wrap is known as ssam, and it’s an essential part of the Korean BBQ experience.

Lettuce and Perilla Leaves: The Foundation

The most common greens used for ssam are lettuce and perilla leaves. Lettuce provides a fresh, crisp texture that balances the richness of the meat, while perilla leaves add a unique, slightly minty flavor that pairs exceptionally well with fatty cuts like samgyeopsal.

Rice: The Perfect Filler

A small amount of rice is often added to the ssam to help balance the flavors and add a bit of substance to each bite. The rice absorbs the juices from the meat and the banchan, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Garlic and Green Chilies: A Spicy Kick

For those who love a bit of spice, adding a slice of raw garlic or green chili to the ssam can elevate the flavor profile. The raw garlic provides a sharp, pungent bite, while the green chili adds heat without overwhelming the palate.

The Soups and Stews: Warming the Soul

In addition to the grilled meats and banchan, Korean BBQ is often served with a variety of soups and stews. These dishes add warmth and comfort to the meal, making it a truly satisfying dining experience.

Doenjang Jjigae: Fermented Soybean Stew

Doenjang jjigae is a hearty stew made from doenjang (fermented soybean paste), tofu, vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood. This stew is savory, rich, and slightly pungent, making it a perfect complement to the grilled meats.

Kimchi Jjigae: Spicy Kimchi Stew

Kimchi jjigae is a spicy stew made with aged kimchi, tofu, pork, and a variety of vegetables. The stew is known for its deep, complex flavors, which develop as the kimchi ferments. It's a comforting dish that pairs well with the rich flavors of the BBQ.

Gyeran Jjim: Steamed Egg Custard

Gyeran jjim is a light, fluffy steamed egg dish that's often served in a hot stone bowl. It’s mildly seasoned with sesame oil and green onions, providing a soft, delicate contrast to the bold flavors of the grilled meats.

The Drinks: Perfect Pairings with Korean BBQ

No Korean BBQ experience is complete without the right beverages to accompany your meal. From traditional drinks to modern pairings, there’s a wide range of options to enhance the flavors of your BBQ.

Soju: Korea’s Iconic Spirit

Soju is Korea’s most popular alcoholic beverage and a common accompaniment to Korean BBQ. This clear, distilled liquor has a slightly sweet taste and a smooth finish, making it the perfect drink to enjoy alongside the rich flavors of grilled meats.

Makgeolli: Traditional Rice Wine

Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine that’s slightly sweet and tangy with a creamy texture. It pairs well with grilled meats, especially spicy dishes like dak galbi. The sweetness of the makgeolli helps to balance the heat, while its effervescence cleanses the palate.

Beer: A Universal Favorite

For those who prefer a more familiar drink, beer is always a great choice with Korean BBQ. Light lagers are particularly popular, as they complement the flavors of the BBQ without overwhelming the palate.

Conclusion

Korean BBQ is more than just a meal—it's a culinary experience that brings together a rich tapestry of flavors, textures, and traditions. From the essential banchan like kimchi and namul to the savory meats such as bulgogi and samgyeopsal, every component plays a vital role in creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience. The variety of dipping sauces, wraps, and complementary dishes like soups and stews add layers of flavor, making each bite a unique experience. Whether enjoyed at a restaurant or prepared at home, the elements served with Korean BBQ not only enhance the taste of the grilled meats but also embody the spirit of Korean cuisine, where food is a celebration of togetherness and joy.