30 Apr 2016
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Korean Pastes Feature: Doenjang, Gochujang, Ssamjang

ssamjang

Korean Pastes Feature: Doenjang, Gochujang, Ssamjang

Korean pastes are common staples in Korean cuisine because they just take almost any Korean dish to another level, particularly in terms of flavour. You might have seen these tubs of Korean pastes in supermarkets before but you have no idea what they are and what they are for. Today we are going to break it down for you by featuring three Korean pastes that we’re sure you’ll be hooked on anytime soon:

1. Doenjang 된장

doenjang

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This Korean paste is made out of soybeans and is brown in color. If you are looking for a comparison, then think of miso in Japanese cuisine. The distinguishing characteristic of doenjang is that it has a bolder, more savoury and rustic taste when compared to miso. This soybean paste is often used to enrich the flavour of soups, season vegetables and meat, spice up rice, or mix with other Korean pastes. If you are looking for a healthier version of dips for your seasoned vegetables, then doenjang is just awesome.

2. Gochujang 고추장

gochujang

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Those who prefer to add some spiciness and a little bit of sweetness to their meals will like gochujang. This pepper-based Korean paste just has the right level of spiciness – not too mild, not too overwhelming.  Marinades, dips, soups, meat, stews, rice and other Korean food get a notch in terms of delectability when you put in spoonfuls of gochujang. Bibimbap, which is considered the national rice dish of Korea, often has gochujang. But before you go and buy that tub of gochujang, it would be helpful if you taste it first just so you can determine if its spiciness is to your liking.

3. Ssamjang 쌈장

ssamjang

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If you are looking for a Korean paste that is the ultimate bomb, then ssamjang is going to be your best friend. Ssamjang is basically gochujang and doenjang combined, with some sesame, garlic and other lovely ingredients in between that just make it have that texture that is almost similar to that of a peanut butter. You might have seen ssamjang before in your lettuce wraps, and if that’s the case, then don’t you agree that it made your ssam taste way better? This Korean paste has captured the palates of Koreans and foreigners alike that some even eat ssamjang straight out of the tub! This sauce is definitely a great dip for your meats and vegetables.

Which among these three Korean pastes are your favourite? And just in case you don’t know yet, Korean BBQ Online delivers ssamjang and other Korean BBQ sides and sauces to your doorstep. Contact us today so we can help making your Korean BBQ meals more flavourful and memorable!

26 Apr 2016
Blog, food, recipes
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Easy-Peasy Kimchi Recipe

Kimchi-5

Easy-Peasy Kimchi Recipe

Kimchi-5

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We already know what kimchi is – it’s the ultimate and most ubiquitous side of dish of Korea. As they say, a Korean meal is not complete if there is no generous serving of kimchi on the side. We also revealed in another article that kimchi is so distinctly embedded in Korean culture that Koreans even buy a separate fridge just for it!

There are a lot of kimchi varieties out there (and you can make your own version of kimchi as well), but the recipe below is for your typical pungent and tasty napa cabbage kimchi. You might actually be surprised as to how easy it is to make your own kimchi at home. Let’s get started!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 head napa cabbage (baechu, Chinese cabbage, wombok)
  • ½ onion, thin sliced
  • ¼ carrot, thin julienne
  • ¼ Korean radish (muwoo), thin julienne
  • 4 green onions (spring onions), cut into 3-cm pieces
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp minced ginger
  • ½ cup go choo ga roo (Korean chili powder)
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ½ cup sea salt (or any coarse salt)
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup jeot gal (Korean fish sauce)

PROCEDURE

  1. Quarter the napa cabbage, wash and drain.
  2. Mix ½ cup sea salt (or any coarse salt) and 1 cup water.
  3. Put cabbages in a salted water and take out one at a time to get salt down.
  4. In a container, add cabbages and pour salted water, set aside for at least 6–8 hours (overnight will be great).
  5. The cabbage should be soft enough to bend.
  6. Wash, drain well.
  7. Mix together ½ cup go choo ga roo (Korean chili powder), 2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, ¼ cup jeot gal (Korean fish sauce), 2 tbsp minced garlic, and 1 tsp minced ginger.
  8. Mix in vegetables to the chilli powder mixture.
  9. Take one cabbage, stuff in above mixture to every layer. Try to fold in half. (must)
  10. With 2 outer leaves, wrap the whole thing securely.
  11. Put it in a airtight container.
  12. Let it sit on a kitchen counter for overnight.
  13. Put in a refrigerator for 2–3 days. (optional)
  14. Serve with rice. (optional)

Source of recipe: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Kimchi

The recipe above is so easy to make, but if in case you don’t have the time to make your own kimchi, the Korean BBQ Online has your back. We deliver the best-quality kimchi that you will ever taste straight to your doorstep. Give us a try today!

23 Apr 2016
Blog, food, Korean BBQ
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Korean BBQ Equipment Essentials

stove

Korean BBQ Equipment Essentials

We understand your excitement to bring the Korean BBQ experience finally to your house. Imagine being able to host Korean BBQ lunches and dinners with your family and friends regardless of any occasion. The relationships that will be built, the conversations that will be exchanged, and the memories that will be made all because of the delicious Korean BBQ feast that you hosted – they’re just priceless! For today’s article we are providing you with the basic Korean BBQ equipment essentials that you must have so you can finally get started in your authentic and fun home-based Korean BBQ experience:

1. Scissors and tongs

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Using scissors will make your life easier when it comes to cutting and portioning the Korean BBQ meats. Westerners might find it odd at first to use scissors when cutting the meats, but scissors gets the job done more easily when you have the cut the meat from the hotplate or grill. Tongs are of course used in putting the meat onto the grill, so make sure you that have this tool.

2. Hotplate

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Hotplates are perfect if you want to do your Korean BBQ at the comforts of your own house. Too much smoke during BBQ sessions won’t be a problem anymore because hotplates particularly address this issue. Invest on a high-quality hot plate today by ordering it through Korean BBQ Online.

3. Stove/grill

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Purchasing a portable gas stove that will go with your hotplate will ensure that you have an appropriate heat source. Those who prefer to use grills for their Korean BBQ feasts will of course be needing charcoal. Get your Korean BBQ action started by ordering your gas stove from Korean BBQ Online today. We also have round charcoal BBQ grills that you can conveniently order online.

4. Fuel

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There are a wide range of gas canisters that you can purchase out there to serve as your source of fuel for your Korean BBQ escapades. Most of these gas canisters are often placed alongside gas burners and stoves in a lot of Asian grocery stores. On the other hand, quality charcoals are needed for those who prefer to grill their meats on charcoal grills. Fortunately, you do not need to search far because Korean BBQ Online delivers quality charcoal straight to your doorstep.

5. Chopsticks

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Should we even expound on this further? Stock on some high-quality chopsticks or jeokkarak so you can enjoy the communal eating experience that Korean BBQ delivers. Korean chopsticks are usually made out of stainless steel whereas Chinese and Japanese chopsticks are made out of wood. Now you know the basic difference!

Korean BBQ Online is here to assist you with your Korean BBQ needs. Contact us today so you’ll find out why we are Sydney’s best!

19 Apr 2016
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Brief Ancient History of Korean BBQ

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Brief Ancient History of Korean BBQ

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Korean BBQ has truly come a long way from its ancient tribal origins to the point of global popularity that it is enjoying today. Given that Korean BBQ is close to all of our hearts, we believe that it just proper that we take a look back at how Korean BBQ, or at least the concept behind it, got introduced to the world. Today’s article will briefly feature the historical origins of Korean BBQ that you probably haven’t heard before.

Some historians point out that Koreans descended from the eastern barbarians of Maek, a nomadic group of people who left their territory in central Asia to go east. This group of people eventually reached Northeast Asia where most of Korea is now situated. The Maek group brought a special kind of meat dish with them so they could have enough sustenance to survive the harsh elements that they expected to face during their movement. The name that they gave to this meat dish is Maekjeok, and the meat cuts involved in this dish had already been seasoned prior to cooking. The Maek’s cooking technique differed from the technique that was used to prepare typical Chinese meat dishes wherein the meat would only be seasoned after it has already been cooked. The logic behind the pre-seasoning of meat, we suppose, was for the Maek tribal members to save time in terms of food preparation given that they were regularly on the move.

There was a point in Korean history when Maekjeok almost disappeared because the two ancient kingdoms, namely, Baekje and Silla, welcomed Buddhism. The eating of meat was generally prohibited during the reign of these two kingdoms given the prevailing religion, and it was only the members of very small tribes located outside of these two kingdoms that continued eating meat. It wasn’t only when the Mongols invaded Korea that the prohibition to eat Maekjeok and other meat dishes had been lifted. The trend of eating seasoned meat before being roasted or grilled over open fire eventually spread throughout the entire Korean peninsula and got widely adopted by the locals.

Aren’t we all glad that Korean BBQ withstood the test of time and that we are still enjoying its goodness up to this day? Feel free to share this historical information about Korean BBQ to your family and friends.

If you want to experience a hassle-free shopping experience of your favourite Korean BBQ meats, side dishes, sauces, and equipment, then Korean BBQ Online is here. Check out our menu so you can start ordering today!

16 Apr 2016
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5 Tips in Marinating Your Korean BBQ Meat

Korean-Pork-Marinade

5 Tips in Marinating Your Korean BBQ Meat

The process of marinating your Korean BBQ meats is an important step in your Korean BBQ preparations. Marinades help in making your meats tender and getting a more enriched flavour, so it is crucial for the process of marinating to be done right. If you are new to marinating meats in general, then you are reading the right article right now. Here are our 5 tips that should help you marinate your Korean BBQ meats like a pro:

Korean-Pork-Marinade

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1. Mind your marinade to meat ratio

Marinades are expected to seep in to the innermost portions of the meat, so make marinades that are thin in consistency. A typical marinade-to-meat ration is half a cup of marinade for every pound of meat. This rule is not set in stone though because you can obviously use a bit more marinade than the prescribed amount.

2. Mind the temperature

Perhaps you’ve read in some recipes that you should marinate your meats at room temperature. The danger of following this advice is that the bacteria on the meat can quickly multiply in warm environments. That said, we suggest that you marinate in an environment where the temperature is cold to avoid the risk of food contamination. An example is to marinate your Korean BBQ meats in your refrigerator.

3. Mind the containers you marinate your meats in

Given that most Korean BBQ marinades are acidic in nature, then do not marinate your meats in a metal container because acids react with metal. Instead of using metallic containers, we recommend that you use glass containers or plastic bags. Marinating your meats in a re-sealable plastic bag where all of the air is blocked out will allow your meats to get soaked completely into the marinade.

4. Mind the length of time to marinate your meats

The cut, type, and size of the BBQ meats that you have will affect the length of time it takes to marinate them. Pork, beef and lamb usually take two to four hours, or sometimes even overnight. This also applies to poultry like chicken. Also, it is not true that a meat’s shelf life will get extended simply because you marinated it.

5. Mind how you use your marinades

Never use marinades that have been unused to avoid food contamination. You can also prepare two batches of marinade for your uncooked and cooked meats. If in case that you do need to use some of the marinade that you have used on the uncooked meats, then you can always boil your marinade for at least six minutes to kill all the unwanted bacteria.

Are your Korean BBQ meats for your marinades ready? Check out Korean BBQ Online today because we offer a lot of non-marinated meat choices that will surely go well with your marinade. We hope to serve you soon!

12 Apr 2016
Blog, food, Korean BBQ
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5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Korean BBQ

rice

5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Korean BBQ

You may have heard or read a lot about Korean BBQ already, or perhaps you’ve already spent some of your most memorable lunches and dinners in a Korean BBQ restaurant. However, there might still be a few things that you do not know about Korean BBQ. Not convinced? Well, allow us to dish out 5 facts that might just make you fall in love with Korean BBQ goodness even more:

gogigi

 

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1. Let’s have Gogigui!

Koreans call Korean BBQ as gogigui, which when translated to English means “roasting meat”. So impress your Korean loved ones and friends next time when you invite them to a Korean BBQ feast at your house next time. You now have a brand new term for Korean BBQ to use!

bibimbap

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2. Korean BBQ is all about balance

One of the best characteristics of Korean BBQ is the way it emphasizes balance. A typical Korean BBQ meal set, for example, might appear heavy on meat, but then you will eventually notice the vegetable banchans that are served on the side. Another example is that in traditional Korean cuisine, pork is considered as a “cold” food even though it is hot when you eat it. To balance out the taste, people then add some “hot” ingredients like chilli or even chives to spice up the flavour.

banchan

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3. The amount of banchans served reflects status symbol

Korean BBQ meals are not complete without banchans, those delectable side dishes that range from brussels sprouts to tofu. According to a lot of Korean foodies, the number of banchans served in a typical meal emphasizes the status symbol shared among the meal partakers. If you will get an experience in a lifetime and have a Korean BBQ meal with an ambassador or dignitary, then expect more than 20 banchans to be served on your table. There are some reports that say that a Korean meal with a king would entail at least 100 banchans. Imagine seeing that many side dishes? A Korean BBQ lunch or dinner with your boss or with the parents of your future spouse or wife would usually require more than five.

rice

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4. Rice paper wraps are in!

Of course we are well too familiar with shiso and lettuce leaves as the ones we use as wraps whenever we eat our delicious serving of samgyeopsal. However, there’s an emerging trend lately where Korean BBQ diners use rice paper as their preferred wrap for their Korean BBQ meat. If you want to try something new with the way you eat your Korean BBQ, then give rice paper wraps a try and see how it will suit you!

korean_barbecue_tofu_bowl_recipe

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5. Vegetarian Korean BBQ

So you do not eat meat? Don’t fret because vegetarians like you can still enjoy the awesomeness of Korean BBQ without having the need to down those pieces of grilled pork and beef. How does grilled eggplants, squash, potatoes, peppers and other types of vegetables sound to you? Fresh vegetables are also often served as side dishes in a typical Korean BBQ meal so being a vegetarian should not stop you from enjoying the communal joy and satisfaction that a Korean BBQ experience delivers.

Do you have other uncommon Korean BBQ facts that you wish us to know? Spill them all below. As always, Korean BBQ Online is here to address all of your Korean BBQ needs. Give us call or shoot us an email today so we can help you achieve the best Korean BBQ experience ever.

09 Apr 2016
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5 Korean side dishes for the health-conscious

5 Korean side dishes for the health-conscious

It’s impossible to enjoy a Korean BBQ meal without the presence of a diverse range of mouth-watering side dishes. These sides are just perfect to provide balance to a typically meat-heavy Korean BBQ feast. However, there are some side dishes that are way healthier than others given the way they are cooked and the ingredients that are involved in each dish. For today’s article we decided to give you a rundown of some of the healthiest Korean side dishes that you can order or even prepare yourself. Trust us: your body will thank you for eating these sides!

Kimchi-5

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1. Kimchi

The most well-known Korean side dish that is served in almost every Korean meal is actually teeming with good bacteria due to its fermented nature. These good bacteria promote healthy digestion, strong immune system, and improved cardiovascular health. Kimchi is also rich in anti-oxidants, and we all know what that means: anti-cancer! It helps your body in eliminating free radicals and unwanted toxins. Kimchi may be pungent, but I hope these benefits will encourage you to munch more of it!

sangchae

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2. Saengchae

This radish salad is also a big hit among Korean foodies because of its perfect sweet-spicy-salty combination and its flavourful lightness. Radish is also rich in fibre that helps in body detoxification and promotes healthy metabolism. Eating a generous serving of saengchae is also reported to help in one’s weight loss, improve skin conditions, and prevent urinary tract disorders. Such a healthy yum!

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3. Kongnamul muchim

What can you expect from this mineral-rich soybean sprouts salad? Well, you will get a healthy dose of Vitamin C that is necessary for your body to eliminate free radicals, folate to keep your blood healthy and free from blood diseases like anemia, and also a decent amount of protein, fibre and carbohydrates. And did we mention that it can get pretty addicting eating this healthy side dish?

hobak namul zucchini bokkeum

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4. Hobak namul

This zucchini salad might be typically spicy, but it is loaded with nutritional benefits that should convince you to endure its spiciness. Zucchinis are good for your eyes and can boost your Vitamin C levels in your body. This vegetable has even been reported to alleviate or even cure asthma!

Steamed and Seasoned Eggplants

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5. Gaji namul

If you love eating eggplants, then this side dish, which is usually served with healthy, flavourful herbs, is going to be your jam. Its arsenal of fibre, manganese, Vitamin B6, potassium, folate and a lot more nutrients and minerals will keep your heart healthy, weight in check, and blood in tip-top condition.

Korean BBQ Online is always up and running to serve you by delivering the best-tasting meats and sides for your Korean BBQ feasts. Drop us a line today!

 

05 Apr 2016
Blog, food, Korean BBQ, Meat
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3 things to consider when you cook meat Korean BBQ Style

cut

3 Things to Consider When You Cook Meat Korean BBQ-style

Meat lovers surely do enjoy partaking in Korean BBQ feasts, and they can’t be blamed for it given the amount of pork bellies and beef ribs that are involved in the process. But that doesn’t automatically mean that we all know everything that there is when it comes to cooking meat the Korean BBQ way. For today’s article we have compiled three things that everyone should pay attention to when grilling meat in a typical Korean BBQ feast. Aren’t we all for saving time and making sure that our Korean BBQ meats taste so fantastically awesome?

1. Consider the cut

cut

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Traditional Korean cuts are served in thicker chunks and will take longer time to cook. On the other hand, LA-style cuts are usually thinly sliced. It is always recommended that you start cooking the thinly sliced meats, particularly bulgogi, because they obviously cook faster. Also, good cuts make up for best-tasting meat. For example, an outstanding cut of beef is the secret to having a savoury serving of bulgogi. If you don’t have the budget to purchase premium cuts of meat, then just look for marbled beef or those that have high visibility white flecks of fat to have more tender pieces of meat.

2. Consider the marinade

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If you prepare your marinade well and you marinate your BBQ meats properly, then expect a tremendous heap of praise from your Korean BBQ feast peers. Typical ingredients for a Korean BBQ marinade are soy sauce, water, onions, garlic, and sugar. But of course you can experiment and do your own secret marinades to impress your loved ones’ foodie hearts. The length of time to marinate the meat depends on how thick the meat is. Three to four hours is enough for meats that are 4-5 mm thick. Any cut of meat that is thicker than 5 mm will usually take 6 hours or more (sometimes, even overnight). Thinly sliced meats that must be marinated overnight would often require a marinade that has equal parts soy sauce and water.

3. Consider the smoke

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Korean BBQ is definitely a fun communal experience, but smoke coming from the BBQ grill can be bothersome for many. Although a lot of people believe that grilling over charcoal produces the best-tasting meats, too much inhalation of charcoal smoke can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, there are hot plates with portable gas stoves that are available that will make your Korean BBQ feasts still fun but without the smoke.

Do you have other tips to share to everyone when cooking meat the Korean BBQ way? Post them as comments below. Don’t forget to check out Korean BBQ Online today, your best source of top-quality Korean BBQ meats and equipment in Sydney!

02 Apr 2016
Blog, culture, food
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Top 5 Korean Nightlife Activities

korean club

Top 5 Korean Nightlife Activities

Koreans are not only known for their magnificent cuisine; they are also acclaimed for their tremendous work ethic. This does not come as a surprise anymore considering that Seoul is one of the most progressive and dynamic cities in the world. However, this does not mean that passionate and goal-oriented Koreans do not know how to play harder. In fact, you’ll immediately notice when you get to visit Seoul that its night life is not just bustling but also thriving.

Here are the top 5 activities that Koreans do to enjoy their marvelous nights:

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1. Night shopping

Nothing beats the feeling of being able to shop until you drop as the cool and crisp evening air touches your skin and you are in the midst of fellow shoppers who are on the hunt for the best shopping and food deals. If night shopping is your cup of tea, then head out to Dongdaemun night market when you are in Seoul. Strolling here at night is just awesome because of the bright lights and live entertainment that you will see. Yellow tents for the open market are also yours to explore as it features a wide array of shopping items of clothes, shoes, leather goods, street food, and almost anything that you can think of in usually discounted prices.

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2. Food feasting

Koreans love food so much so this is a already a no-brainer. Spend your weeknights trying out some of the innumerable food spots that make Seoul as one of the food capitals in the world! Korean BBQ is definitely one of the most popular choices, so don’t hesitate to get some grilling action to taste some of the most tender and flavourful galbis and samgyeopsals that you can ever have. Or if you’re feeling tired of going outside, then hosting your own Korean BBQ feast at home is also a great option. Happy friends, amazing merrymaking, and great stories to be exchanged – we are sure that your night will truly be unforgettable.

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3. Bar hopping and clubbing

Who says that Koreans don’t know how to party? Seoul actually has some of the biggest and best clubs in the world, so Koreans definitely know to party the night away. Some of the most popular nightlife districts in Seoul with the diverse mix of bars and pubs are Itaewon, Sincheon, Hongdae (hipster district), Apgujeong and Gangnam (there’s a reason why Gangnam Style song/dance craze became such a global hit). Feel free to roam the streets of this district to get to meet new people from all walks of life, locals and foreigners alike. As a tip, most clubs in Seoul start their activity at around 12 midnight!

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4. Drinking

Koreans have been reported as one of the biggest consumers of alcohol in the world, so expect a lot of drinking during social gatherings in Seoul! The most famous alcoholic beverage in Korea is soju, a Korean rice liquor that usually has around 20% of alcohol content. Over 60 million cases of sojus are produced in Korea annually, so if that doesn’t solidify the fact that drinking is well integrated in Korean culture, then we don’t know what else will.

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5. Singing

Koreans can certainly belt out some great tunes as if the world’s about to end. Karaoke bars, which Koreans refer to as noraebang or song room, have been introduced by the Japanese to Korea in the 1980s and have maintained a popular and wide presence in the country ever since. Indeed, noraebangs are one of the best places to go to after a night of partying and drinking. It also won’t be too difficult to spot a noraebang in Seoul given its ubiquitous flashy neon lights (usually featuring a musical note or microphone symbol). So go ahead and pretend that you’re Britney Spears or Bruno Mars in a noraebang for several nights by singing some of the world’s popular songs with your peers and loved ones!

How about you? How do you spend your night-outs? Do you recognize any similarities or differences when you compare your nightlife activities with what Koreans do? Share them all in the comments section below! And of course, regardless of what your night-out plans are, Korean BBQ Online is here to make your evenings more memorable by supplying you with the highest quality Korean BBQ meats, sides and equipment available. Contact us today so we know how we can help!