Over the past decade, Korean barbecue has skyrocketed in popularity across the United States. While it may seem like a trendy new phenomenon, Korean barbecue has a deep and interesting history in America. Today, we’re diving into how Korean barbecue became the beloved dining experience it is today.
The Communal Experience of Korean Barbecue
Korean barbecue is a communal dining experience where thinly sliced, pre-seasoned meats like beef, chicken, or pork are cooked on a charcoal grill built right into the table. The cooked meat is then wrapped in lettuce with rice and other tasty additions. The communal aspect is so essential that some Korean barbecue spots in Los Angeles won’t even seat solo diners.
Traditionally, diners cook the meal themselves, but nowadays, many restaurants provide a professional chef to handle the grilling. This might have something to do with liability insurance, given the interaction with open flames.
The Most Popular Korean Barbecue Dishes
The star of Korean barbecue is bulgogi, which means "fire meat." Bulgogi is typically made from thinly sliced tenderloin, top sirloin, or ribeye, tenderized with pear juice, and marinated in a sauce made from sesame oil, garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, ginger, and soy sauce. It's often served with a bowl of spicy soup. Other popular meats include jumulleok (short steak), galbi (thinly cut rib meat), and chadolbaegi (thinly cut brisket). For those who prefer poultry, dak galbi (spicy grilled chicken) is a delicious option, and there are vegetarian alternatives like mushrooms or potatoes, as well as seafood options like spicy shrimp.
A traditional Korean barbecue meal wouldn't be complete without the dipping sauce ssamjang, a sweet and sometimes spicy paste made from soybeans. This sauce enhances the flavor of the meal.
Banchan: The Essential Side Dishes
Before the main dish, you'll be served traditional side dishes known as banchan. These include well-known items like bibimbap and kimchi. While Americans often mistake these for appetizers and eat them before the main meal, banchan are meant to be enjoyed with the main course to create a varied flavor experience.
The Historical Roots of Korean Barbecue
Korean barbecue can be traced back to a type of skewered meat called maekjeok, eaten by Central Asian nomads known as the Maek during the Goryeo era (32 BCE to 668 CE). These nomads pre-sliced and seasoned their meats, a technique that quickly spread throughout the Korean Peninsula. Maekjeok evolved into marinated beef dishes and eventually into bulgogi.
With the rise of Buddhism, vegetarianism became popular, leading to a renaissance of vegetable-based dishes. The Mongol conquest reintroduced a meat-heavy diet, reviving pre-seasoned meats.
The Evolution in the United States
The Korean War introduced many Koreans to modern grilling equipment and techniques, sparking an explosion of new barbecue places. The competition led to the development of the all-you-can-eat style we know today. In the 1970s and 80s, economic challenges in Korea led to waves of Korean immigrants bringing their cuisine to the United States. Unlike other East Asian cuisines that quickly adapted to American tastes, Korean food remained authentic, attracting a diverse following over time.
The Fusion Trend and the Modern Popularity
Korean barbecue’s popularity grew further with the rise of Korean-Mexican fusion cuisine. This trend, credited to the Kogi Korean BBQ food truck in Los Angeles, combined traditional Korean flavors with Mexican culinary techniques. Kogi’s success led to a proliferation of fusion food trucks across the country.
Korean barbecue continues to thrive. According to Yelp, the cuisine saw a 34% growth in demand between 2012 and 2019. The abbreviation KBBQ became four times as common in reviews of Korean restaurants. Popular dishes include bulgogi, banchan, bibimbap, sundubu jjigae (tofu soup), galbi (short ribs), soju, kimchi, seafood pancakes, and rice cakes.
Conclusion
Korean barbecue is more than a dining trend; it’s a rich cultural experience with deep historical roots. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the cuisine, there's always something new and delicious to discover. So, are you a fan of Korean barbecue? Let us know in the comments below!