A Beginner’s Guide to Korean Barbecue: Two Dishes to Try First
Korean barbecue is more than just a meal—it’s a shared cultural experience that brings people together over smoky grills, flavorful marinades, and unforgettable side dishes. At John Mull’s Meats and Road Kill Grill, we’re passionate about all types of barbecue, including international traditions like Korean BBQ. If you’re curious about trying it yourself or making it at home, these two dishes are the perfect place to start.
What Is Korean Barbecue?
At its core, Korean barbecue involves grilling thin cuts of meat (usually beef, pork, or chicken) at the table—often accompanied by an array of pickled, fermented, or grilled side dishes. The meats are typically marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and spices, then cooked quickly over high heat.
If you’re new to Korean barbecue, the two dishes below offer the ideal introduction.
1. Bulgogi (Korean Fire Meat)
Bulgogi, which translates to “fire meat,” is one of Korea’s most iconic grilled dishes. It originated during the Goguryeo Dynasty (as far back as 37 BC) and remains a favorite today.
Key Features:
- Thinly sliced beef (often ribeye or sirloin)
- Marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper
- Grilled or pan-cooked quickly to caramelize the edges
Flavor Profile:
Savory, sweet, and slightly smoky with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Serving Tip:
Wrap the cooked meat in a lettuce leaf with a bit of rice, kimchi, and ssamjang (Korean spicy dipping sauce).
Get a traditional Bulgogi recipe from Maangchi
At John Mull’s, our butchers can help you select the perfect cut for bulgogi. Just ask for our thin-sliced beef or ribeye specials.
2. Kalbi Kui (Korean Short Ribs)
Kalbi Kui, also known as galbi or LA-style short ribs, showcases beef short ribs that are thinly sliced across the bone and butterflied to grill quickly.
Historical Roots:
Originated during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), this dish elevates short ribs into a quick-grilling masterpiece.
Key Features:
- Beef short ribs, sliced thin across the bone
- Marinated in a sweet-savory mixture with soy sauce, brown sugar, pear or apple, garlic, and sesame oil
- Grilled over high heat for tender, flavorful results
Flavor Profile:
Sweet, salty, and slightly charred—perfect with rice and pickled sides.
Pro tip: Marinate the meat overnight to intensify flavor. Looking for short ribs? Stop by our market and we’ll slice them just the way you need.
See this Kalbi marinade recipe from Korean Bapsang
Korean Barbecue Sides You Need to Try
Korean BBQ isn’t complete without a variety of banchan (side dishes). Here are three staples that pair perfectly with grilled meats:
- Kimchi – Fermented cabbage or radish with spicy chili paste. Bold, tangy, and crunchy. Learn more about kimchi on Britannica
- Bibimbap – Rice bowl topped with sautéed veggies, meat, and a fried egg. Mix with gochujang for an umami punch.
- Japchae – Stir-fried glass noodles made from sweet potato starch, tossed with vegetables and seasoned with soy and sesame oil.
These sides bring color, texture, and balance to any Korean barbecue spread. Looking to make your own? Ask us about sweet soy, sesame oil, and chili paste next time you stop in.
More Meats, More Marinades
While bulgogi and kalbi are great starting points, Korean barbecue also includes spicy pork belly (samgyeopsal), chicken bulgogi, and even grilled seafood like squid and shrimp. The marinades vary from sweet to fiery to soy-based, letting you experiment with flavor combinations to suit your preferences.
Need ideas for what to grill? Check out our full meat market menu. We offer custom cuts, premade marinades, and expert recommendations in-store.
Experience Korean BBQ—Your Way
Whether you’re firing up the grill in your backyard or visiting a Korean BBQ restaurant for the first time, these two dishes will introduce you to the rich flavors of Korean cooking. The ingredients are simple, the cooking process is fast, and the experience is incredibly satisfying.
Want to bring Korean BBQ to your kitchen? Visit John Mull’s Meats for high-quality cuts perfect for marinating and grilling. Explore our Road Kill Grill menu or learn about our legacy to see why we’re trusted by locals for bold, authentic flavor.
Get inspired. Get grilling. Get John Mull’s.