Korean Alchohol Feature: Makkoli

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Korean Alcohol Feature: Makkoli

We have already mentioned in one of our previous articles that Koreans love their alcohol as drinking in itself is a big part of Korean culture. Today we are going to feature a famous traditional alcoholic beverage that you may or may not have heard before: makkoli. We figured that it will be best for you to get to know this drink because it might just become one of your Korean beverage favourites once you get a taste of it!

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Here are a few characteristics of makkoli that you should know:

1. It is considered as Korea’s oldest liquor.

Makkoli, which is also known as the farmers’ alcohol, has been around even when Korea is still far from being the industrialized country that it is today. It has become the favoured drink among farmers and other members of the working class because it is cheap and is also generally easy to produce given that its main ingredient, rice, is vastly abundant. And given its long, historical presence in Korea, drinking makkoli has already been a part of a majority of Korean traditions, particularly during rites that pay respects to ancestors.

2. It is also called Korean rice wine.

The way makkoli is produced is through the fermentation of roughly strained rice grains and water. The by-product of this process is a sweet, milk-coloured liquid that has around 6%-8% alcohol content after it becomes distilled. The thick texture and sweet taste of makkoli makes it different from soju, another popular Korean alcoholic drink that has a higher alcoholic content than makkoli.

3. It is a healthy alcoholic drink.

Here’s another valid excuse as to why you should consider drinking makkoli once in a while. A majority of Korean elders prefer to drink makkoli not only because it has lesser alcoholic content, but also because it has a good amount of probiotics or good bacteria to fight diseases and dietary fibre to promote healthy digestion. This drink has also been reported to prevent certain types of cancer. Makolli truly seems to be a healthier alternative for individuals who want to stick to their healthy regimen while still consuming very moderate amounts of alcohol.

4. It is often paired with bar food.

A drinking session is not complete without eating some great side dishes or bar food that go well with alcohol. Makkoli tastes great with a variety of anju or bar food such as Korean-style pancakes (pajeon). People who prefer lighter fare can also drink makkoli with cheese, bite-sized chunks of meat, biscuits, or even bread.

5. It is cheap and can be served in various ways.

Makkolis can be bought in almost all convenience stores in Korea and are being sold for as low as a dollar per bottle. Traditionally, this drink is being served on a huge bowl where partakers use a ladle to fill their respective cups. Now, stores usually sell makkoli in plastic containers. It might also be interesting for you to know that some restaurants serve this beverage in wooden kettles so that drinkers can experience a slightly traditional feel of drinking makkoli.

Have you ever tried makkoli before? If so, then how did you like it? Share all your makkoli-drinking experiences down on the comments section below. And make sure that you have your makkolis ready for your next Korean BBQ feast! Drop us a line today at Korean BBQ Online so we can help you prepare for your next Korean BBQ gathering.

 

LA-style Galbi vs. Korean-style Galbi

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LA-style Galbi vs. Korean-style Galbi

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You may all know now what galbi is and perhaps you’ve already ordered some in a Korean BBQ restaurant. But do you know that there are two popular styles of galbi? You may have noticed in some Korean restaurants or even in some supermarkets that they are offering LA and Korean style galbis. But what exactly are they and what are their distinguishing characteristics? For today’s article we are going to give you a quick comparative overview of these two styles of galbi:

Dimensions

Korean style galbi are beef spare ribs that are approximately 3-4 inches tall and are cut long and thin to make a flap. The resulting flaps are sometimes wrapped around the ribs for around three to five times. On the other hand, LA Style galbi or beef short ribs are usually 3-4 inches tall and 5-7 inches long. The thickness usually varies between 1/4-1/3 inches.

Cutting and preparation

Korean-style galbi is portioned in segments across the rib bones and is thicker, whereas the LA-style galbi is cut through the rib bone, thereby resulting in the appearance of 3 eyes of rib bones. In other words, the Korean-style is cut parallel whereas the LA-style is cut perpendicular to the bone. As a result, the LA style is generally more tender and thinner, thereby allowing the marinade to penetrate into the meat more quickly. It is also much quicker to cook Korean-style galbis on a grill given its thinness.

Given that Korean-style galbi is thicker, chefs in galbi restaurants take more considerable time in cutting the meat because of the amount of effort that must be put in to get the meat’s desired dimensions. This also explains why traditional style galbis are generally more expensive than LA-style galbis in light of the more intensive work required in producing the cuts. On the other hand, LA-style galbis do not really require that much slicing because all that usually needs to be done is for the bone pieces and excess fats to be rinsed.

Despite the differences in the dimensions and the way the meats are being cut and prepared, it is known that Korean and LA-style galbis taste the same when marinated and grilled.

Which type of galbi do you prefer and why? We want to know Feel free to leave us a comment. And regardless of the kind of galbi that you want, Korean BBQ Online delivers. Check out our website today and experience how easy it is to get your Korean BBQ meats delivered to your doorstep.

Korean dishes to try in Sydney

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Korean dishes to try in Sydney

You don’t really need to go to Korea (at least for now) to enjoy outstanding Korean dishes. In our bustling city of Sydney alone, there is already plenty of Korean restaurants that can satisfy your Korean food cravings. So if you are planning on a Korean food adventure anytime soon, then we hope that our list below of must-try Korean dishes will help you decide on which Korean dishes will give the best value for your money:

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1. Bibimbap

Korea’s most famous rice bowl can be enjoyed outstandingly right here in Sydney! Seriously, who can resist of bowl of steamed rice topped with warm and tender beef and an assortment of savoury vegetables? “Bibim” actually means “to mix” in English, so go ahead and mix your bowl of bibimbap so you can feel the explosion of flavour that each ingredient provides. Some great Sydney places where you can order delicious bowls of bibimbap are Bibim, to Mix and Moon Park.

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2. Mul Naengmyeon

This dish is for noodle lovers who want to enjoy a bowl of cold noodles  that are served in a tasty broth. You want to promote healthy digestion and cleanse your palate? Then this Korean dish is for you. Boiled egg, cucumber, Asian pear, and radish are the typical ingredients that you will see in this noodle dish, which is just perfect to consume on a hot and summery day. Don’t forget to add some mustard oil or vinegar to further enhance the flavours. If you are suddenly craving now for a great bowl of mul naengmyeon, then you can head out to Poong Nab Dong and HanYang Galbi.

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3. Bossam

Bossam is a pork belly dish that is cooked in spices and is served in thin slices. A lot of Korean foodies consistently rate bossam as one of the must-tries in Korean cuisine because of its savory tenderness and juicy flavor. And of course, what’s a Korean dish without its awesome sides? Bossam is often served with fermented shrimp, kimchi, oyster radish, onion and garlic. And just before you use those chopsticks, allow us to tell you how you down this piece of awesomeness: you get your pork belly and the sides, wrap them all together in your choice of vegetable leaves, which are usually cabbage or lettuce, and then devour.  Kim Restaurant and Maroo Korean Barbecue Restaurant are just a couple of dining spots where you can try great-tasting bossams.

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4. Korean fried chicken

Chicken is of course one of our most favourite comfort food, and nothing beats the glorious taste of a crispy and finger-lickin’ Korean fried chicken. Korean fried chicken is already so good on its own that you don’t even need to put sauce on it sometimes. Foreigners are also raving about Korean friend chicken because it has a light taste and is not too greasy. This dish is best eaten with some banchans such as radish cubes which just perfectly complement the taste of this fried goodness. Feel free to get your Korean fried chicken fix from food joints like Red Pepper, Beshico, Gallus Gallus and Jeans Chilli Chicken. You won’t be disappointed! 

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5. Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal is one of those pork belly dishes that you will almost always see in any Korean BBQ feast. What can we say – Koreans love their pork so much! The cuts for this meat are much thicker and are often served uncooked and unmarinated. This means that you will be doing all of the grilling and portioning of the cuts into smaller pieces so that they will be cooked evenly and thoroughly. You can order excellent samgyeopsal from food places like 678 and Jang Ta Bal.

We know that a lot of you are foodies, so please let us know your favourite Korean dishes that you managed to try here in Sydney. And if you wish to enjoy Korean BBQ right at the comforts of your own home, then always remember that Korean BBQ Online is here to deliver.

Korean Alcohol Feature: Soju

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Korean Alcohol Feature: Soju

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If you’re a fan of alcohol and Korean cuisine, then you must have already heard of soju or even gulped bottles of it before. Soju is one of the most famous alcoholic contributions of Korea to the world, and its popularity has grown massively given that it is currently being mass-produced in over 75 countries worldwide. It also helps that soju is very cheap and is readily accessible to almost anyone.

The taste of this clear and colorless alcoholic drink is another story, however. Most foreigners feel that it’s hard to get used to soju’s taste, but most Koreans, as expected, profess their love for this beloved drink endlessly. But regardless of whether you personally like the taste of soju or not, there are still some etiquette to be observed when drinking soju especially with locals.

Keep the following guidelines in mind so you can show respect and even impress your Korean friends:

Opening the bottle

The proper way to open a bottle of soju is to first give it a good shake or swirl to mix the contents properly. Afterward, bash the bottom of the bottle to your elbow so you can crack it open. You need to then spread your fingers so you can have a good leverage in jabbing the bottle’s neck.

Pouring and drinking the contents

If you are drinking soju with a group of Koreans, then one of the older members of the group will offer you a shot glass. Always remember to accept the shot glass with both hands. Put your left palm at the bottom of the glass and hold the glass using your right hand. The person will then pour soju on your glass. Afterwards, turn your head away so you will not establish any form of eye contact to the person who just poured you a drink. This practice must be strictly observed as this is a sign of respect to the elders. In other words, you must not get a bottle of soju and then start pouring a drink on your own glass.

Another thing to remember is to always drink your first shot of soju in one go. Afterwards, you can take sips of soju (if you prefer) for the succeeding shots. Remember to take it easy as a bottle of soju typically has 16%-45% alcohol content.

Once your glass is empty, give it back to the same person who poured you a drink and offer to pour soju for him or her. Offer to fill empty glasses as you see them as a sign of respect and camaraderie.

Feel free to share with us your soju drinking experiences! And don’t forget that sojus go well with Korean BBQ Online’s diverse menu of meat cuts and sides. Drop us a line today so we can get them delivered straight to your doorstep!

Banchan feature: Stir-fry fish cakes

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Banchan feature: Stir-fry fish cakes

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Stir-fry fish cakes or eomuk bokkeum is one of the most common side dishes being served in most Korean BBQ meals because it is very tasty and easy to prepare. The coastal city of Busan in South Korea is one of the best suppliers of fish cakes in the world, although one can find sheets of them in almost all Korean supermarkets. Note that it is always better for the fish cakes to be sliced thinly so that the spices and sauces can easily penetrate into the cakes. You can also blanch the fish cakes if you prefer to further soften their texture and take away the excess oil.

We know that you’ve always wanted to make your own version of eomuk bokkeum, so today we are featuring a very simple stir-fry fish cake recipe that you can follow and even tweak according to your taste.

Serves 2 people

Preparation time: 10 min

Ingredients

  • 2 fish cake sheets
  • 1 red chilli pepper
  • 1 Cheongyang pepper
  • ½ onion

Sauce and marinade ingredients

  • Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon
  • Plum extract – 1teaspoon
  • Sesame oil – 1teaspoon
  • Chopped garlic – 1teaspoon
  • Sesame seeds
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cut the fish cake sheets into strips.
  2. Thinly slice the onion.
  3. Diagonally slice the red chilli pepper and cheongyang chilli peppers.
  4. In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tsp of plum extract, 1 tsp of sesame oil, and 1 tsp of chopped garlic to create the marinade
  5. Put a bit of cooking oil in a pan and fry the onions.
  6. When the onions turn transparent, add the fish cake strips and chilli peppers and fry altogether.
  7. When the fish cake strips start browning, add the sauce mix and continue to fry until the sauce reduces down.
  8. When the sauce has almost completely reduced, add a smattering of sesame seeds and black pepper to taste. Mix once to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

There you have it! If you have created your own versions of stir-fry fish cakes in the past, then please let us know the details in the comments section below. As always, Korean BBQ Online is here to address your Korean BBQ needs. Spread the word!

Awesome Korean BBQ restaurants around the world

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Awesome Korean BBQ restaurants around the world

Korean BBQ is continuously enjoying its strong presence in the global culinary world, so it should not come as a surprise anymore that top-notch Korean BBQ restaurants are scattered not just in Korea but also in countries from all over. So don’t worry if you are a constant traveller and you suddenly crave for some Korean BBQ because chances are you will be in a country that will have some excellent Korean BBQ restaurants to satisfy your appetite.

Here are just some Korean BBQ restaurants from various countries around the world that are making raves:

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1. Tuppul Deungshim (South Korea)

One word: hanwoo (Korean beef). If you have the craving to taste one of the best cuts of Korean beef that you’ll ever have in your life, then hurry up and go to Tuppul Deungshim. This restaurant will just take your Korean BBQ experience to a whole new level but on fair prices. Yes, you don’t have to be a millionaire to try even their most basic Korean BBQ sets, such as the hanwoo bulgogi. You will also never go wrong with their sirloin which they consider as a restaurant specialty.

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2. Chang Korean BBQ Restaurant (Singapore)

If ever you find yourself journeying across The Lion City, then don’t miss out visiting this dining establishment which is one of the best Korean BBQ restaurants that Singapore has to offer. The general prices here are a bit steep, but with the premium cuts of wagyu steaks and pork bellies that you’ll get to enjoy in this restaurant, you will certainly get what you pay for.  The highly recommended dishes from their menu are the Kurobuta Belly and Wagyu Ribeye. This restaurant also has an excellent staff who will do the cooking and grilling for you.

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3. Koba (United Kingdom)

Koba is one of the finest Korean BBQ restaurants in London that serve tender meats, flavourful stews and other freshly grilled and well-marinated food items. Go and have your fill of galbis, bulgogis and even seafood such as squid that will give you a taste of authentic Korean cuisine. One of the bestsellers of this place is the short rib hotpot. This restaurant is also a perfect venue for business meetings, casual lunches and dinners, and special gatherings because of its contemporary and relaxing ambiance.

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4. Genwa (USA)

This LA-based Korean BBQ restaurant is acclaimed for its top-quality meats and diverse array of delicious banchans. They offer a little over 20 banchan varieties that complement very well with almost all of the dishes that they serve on the menu. The top picks for this restaurant are the boneless short ribs and tongue. The ambiance here in this restaurant can both be formal and casual, which makes it just perfect for diners from all walks of life.

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5. Gaonnuri (USA)

One of the biggest strengths of this Korean restaurant, apart from its premium meats, is the spectacular views. This restaurant is on the 39th floor of a Koreatown skyscraper so expect to enjoy sweeping views of the city if ever you decide to eat here and splurge a little bit on your lunch or dinner. This restaurant’s worthy recommendations are their duck breasts, short ribs, and their wide range of banchans.

What country are you from and what Korean BBQ restaurants would you recommend to us? Let us know in the comments section below. Make sure you also don’t forget to recommend Korean BBQ Online to your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you want top-quality Korean BBQ meats to be delivered to your doorstep, hassle-free!

 

 

5 Yummy Kimchi Leftover Creations

5 Yummy Kimchi Leftover Creations

Kimchi is one side dish that Koreans just can’t get enough of in almost any Korean meal. The great flavour it adds is just undeniable that an authentic Korean dining experience is not complete without a reasonable serving of kimchi. But don’t you know that you can actually whip up more awesomely tasting dishes using your kimchi leftovers? So before you throw that bottle of kimchi away, read first our list of 5 yummy kichi leftover creations below and see for yourself how deliciously versatile kimchi can be:

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1. Kimchi Bokkeumbap (Fried Rice)

This is one of the easiest kimchi leftover dishes to make that’s great for breakfast, lunch and even dinner. All you need to have are your kimchi, rice, and your meat of choice (you can experiment with bacon, ham, pork or even chicken). Feel free to add an egg and also some vegetables on the side to make it a balanced meal. This dish emphasizes the point that making delicious dishes in Korean cuisine doesn’t have to be complicated.

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2. Kimchi Jigae

This spicy dish is just perfect to heat up your body during the winter season, although kimchi stews can also be eaten anytime. The spiciness of the leftover kimchi just blends well with this dish’s flavourful broth and savoury chunks of meat. You can also add some zucchinis, mushrooms, potatoes and other vegetables that you prefer to diversify the overall taste.

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3. Dubu Kimchi (Tofu and Sauteed Kimchi)

This light dish tastes so balanced because the strong flavours of the leftover kimchi are neutralized by the soft yet tasty texture of the tofu. If you want a quick afternoon snack fix that won’t even take so much of your time, then this dish is for you. Don’t forget to put some sesame seeds to add more crunch and also some sugar to add some sweetness into the dish depending on your preference.

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4. Kimchi Jun (Pancake)

Kimchi pancakes can be your perfect side, appetizer or even snack. As always, you can experiment by adding your preferred meat and vegetables of your choice into the pancake batter so you can create great-tasting kimchi pancake slices. Make sure that the pancake slices are golden brown and that you serve some soy sauce (or some spicy sauce) on the side to further enrich the flavour.

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5. Stir-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Kimchi

Kimchi itself is already a healthy side dish on its own, but you can even make it healthier by pairing it with brussels sprouts. You can also add some bacon, ham, chicken, or even some seafood into the mix to diversify the flavours and so that this dish will appeal to both lovers of meat and vegetables. It is recommended that you use extra virgin olive oil in stir-frying the Brussels sprouts and kimchi for better flavour.

We are so sure that you are excited to try doing these kimchi leftover creations. Feel free to share your own kimchi leftover recipes down on the comments section below. And of course, Korean BBQ Online is always here to fulfil your kimchi cravings. Drop us a line today so we can start delivering kimchi to your doorstep.

5 Korean Food Blogs You Must Check Out Today

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5 Korean Food Blogs You Must Check Out Today

Nothing beats the feeling of being introduced to Korean cuisine than going to websites that feature mouth-watering pictures of various beautifully plated Korean dishes. These informative websites are also excellent resources of a wide array of Korean dish recipes, cooking tips and Korean culture insights that will make you feel as if you are in Korea yourself. If you’re only starting to get to know Korean cuisine in general, then we made a list of awesome Korean food blogs that should do the job:

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1. Seoul Eats

Seoul Eats is one of the most comprehensive Korean food blogs out there that not only feature various Korean dishes and recipes but almost everything that is to know about Korea. Planning on a holiday in Seoul? Itching to know some customer reviews about Korean restaurants? Hoping to get tips on how understand Koreans better? Not knowing what to prepare for your next Korean lunch? Daniel Gray, who manages this website, has gotten you covered.

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2. Eat Your Kimchi

Another excellent resource about Korean food and life in general is Eatyourkimchi by Simon and Martina. Just like Seoul Eats, this website goes beyond featuring appetizing Korean meat cuts, stews, banchans and other dishes. It also gives its readers an insight into the Korean psyche by posting content related to Kpop, Korean way of life, treasure finds, personal experiences of living in Korea and everything else that will make you fall in love with everything and anything Korean even more.

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3. My Korean Kitchen

The passion of food blogger Sue just explodes on her website, My Korean Kitchen. On this website Sue makes an effort to provide people with an authentic way of experiencing Korean food and culture through her picture-based posts and instructional videos, all of which should get you up to speed in creating your own Korean dish creations. She’s also generous in sharing various tips and insights when one goes to travel or even live in Korea.

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4. Aeri’s Kitchen

Aeri of Aeri’s Kitchen loves to cook, and she does so well in letting her fans know through her own website, or should we say, kitchen. Aside from the amazing Korean dish features and fusion recipes (Western and traditional) that she posts regularly, she is also outstanding in providing some tutorials for people who are interested to learn the Korean language. How’s that for combining your interests in languages and food?

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5. Maangchi

Maangchi is one globally popular Korean food blog that it now has a solid community of followers from all over the world. One of the most popular features of this site is its forum where members can just join the community and start interacting with other members. Got a question about Korean way of life? Not sure what particular cooking item or meat cut to buy? Go to Maangchi and get your questions answered. In general, this site not only features authentic Korean cooking but also real Korean food and culture enthusiasts who will be with you in your journey towards appreciating and loving Korea even more.

Do you visit other Korean food blogs or websites that we didn’t get to include in our list above? Share them all below in the comments for our readers’ benefit. And once again, we thank you for visiting our blog here at Korean BBQ Online! Now you know who to contact for your Korean BBQ needs!

Korean BBQ vs. Japanese Yakiniku

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Korean BBQ vs. Japanese Yakiniku

Almost all of us now know a thing or two about Korean BBQ. But what about yakiniku, which a lot of people regard to as the Japanese version of Korean BBQ and is usually categorized as a part of Korean cuisine? You might be slightly surprised on how closely interrelated Korean BBQ and Japanese yakiniku actually are.

First, a bit of a background: Yakiniku, which means “grilled meat” in English, are generally grilled meat dishes in Japanese cuisine. The modern meaning of this word bears some similarity to what people think of what Korean BBQ is: the grilling of portioned meat cuts and vegetables using charcoal or electric grill. The appeal of yakiniku reached Japan during the 20th century and experienced persistent growth even during the Second World War. The contemporary approach of a lot of yakiniku restaurants have also been influenced by the preparation and cooking styles of most Korean restaurants that are based in Osaka and Tokyo, which had been around since the 1940s. It has also been known that yakiniku’s bulgogi variant has been developed by Korean chefs so that the Korean food market will also appeal to the Japanese. This further reinforces the fact that the common cooking techniques in yakiniku were significantly influenced by the typical fares in Korean cuisine, particularly galbi and bulgogi.

Our comparative list below will give you an idea on the similarities and slight differences between Korean BBQ and yakiniku:

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1. Banchans

A typical Korean BBQ meal usually has more variety of side dishes than a typical yakiniku. Sides during a yakiniku will usually just be raw vegetables that are served on the side of the uncooked cuts of meat, whereas Korean BBQ banchans can be kimchi, candied lotus, noodles, and dried squid, among others.

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2. Meat

In a Korean BBQ restaurant, you’ll usually be served with marinated meat that’s ready for grilling. Sometimes, the meat cuts that will be served to you are already cooked. It is also not uncommon for the servers to cut the meat for you using scissors and to actually grill them right in front of you. Meats on yakiniku restaurants, on the other hand, are generally not marinated when served. Instead, the cut pieces of meat are neatly served on a plate together with some raw vegetables. Dipping sauces like ginger, soy sauce, and ginger are also served on the side for you to dip your meat in so that it will have more flavour.

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3. Manner of eating

Most Korean BBQ meats are wrapped in lettuce leaves together with kimchi, garlic clove, and chili paste and then eaten like a burrito. This method of eating is a bit sloppy but is still considered a part of the overall authentic Korean BBQ experience. In a yakiniku, however, grilled meats are first dipped into various dipping sauces and then eaten using chopsticks. This is the neater version of eating BBQ!

Are there other notable similarities and differences between Korean BBQ and yakiniku that we missed out on this article? Feel free to share them all below. And as always, Korean BBQ Online is ready to provide you with all of your Korean BBQ needs. Check out our menu today and experience getting your orders delivered straight to your doorstep.