Korean barbecue stands in stark contrast to the traditional Western approach to grilling, where burgers, steaks, sausages, and cold beverages take center stage. Korean BBQ is a nuanced culinary experience that features smaller cuts and slices of meat, in conjunction with an array of meticulously prepared side dishes known as "banchan." These side dishes are thoughtfully crafted to complement the main course, whetting the appetite and aiding digestion.
In Korean barbecue, meat holds a revered position, with a profound appreciation for the rich flavours of meat. Prime cuts typically require minimal seasoning before grilling. For tougher cuts, marination is key to achieving the desired tenderness and flavour. While beef is a staple, the real star of Korean BBQ is undoubtedly pork.
At The Butcher’s Dining, we specialise in providing meat cuts perfectly tailored for Korean BBQ enthusiasts. Here are some of the popular choices for your Korean BBQ experience:
Beef:
- Beef Brisket (Chadolbaegi 차돌박이): Thinly shaved beef brisket, a staple in Korean BBQ, characterised by its rich marbling and quick cooking on the grill.
- Short Ribs (Galbi 소갈비): Available with or without bones, this cut is either marinated in LA Galbi sauce or served boneless, allowing for easy grilling and bite-sized enjoyment.
- Outside Skirt (Ahnchangsal 안창살): This cut, from the diaphragm muscle, boasts intramuscular fat that preserves juiciness and flavour under high-heat cooking methods.
- Flap Tail (Salchisal 살치살): A rare and prized beef cut, offering a thin, flavourful steak with a fine texture.
- Rib Fingers (Nookgansal 눅간살): This unique cut from between the ribs resembles fingers and is best prepared over a hot grill or in a pan. When cooked properly, it offers a juicy, beefy texture.
- Flank Steak (Chimasal 치마살): Sourced from the abdominal muscles of the cow, this lean cut boasts minimal fat marbling and quick cooking times.
Pork:
- Pork Belly (Samgyupsal 삼겹살): Highly favoured in Korean BBQ, these thick, fatty slices are typically grilled with light seasoning, allowing the natural flavours to shine.
- Pork Jowl (Hangjeongsal 항정살): Featuring even marbling, this cut, taken from the back of the pig's neck to the shoulder, offers a chewy yet tender and juicy texture post-grilling.
- Pork Collar (Moksal 목살): Derived from the neck of the pig, this cut is relatively lean compared to pork belly, making it an excellent option for those seeking a lower-fat alternative. It is typically served in pork chop sizes and cut into bite-sized pieces during grilling.
At The Butcher’s Dining, we are passionate about delivering the highest quality meat cuts, carefully tailored for your Korean BBQ experience. You can explore our extensive selection of premium beef and pork cuts on our online shop. With just a few clicks, you can have the essence of Korean barbecue delivered right to your doorstep.
Make your next meal a memorable one with The Butcher’s Dining. Start your Korean BBQ journey with us today.