KOREAN BBQ PORK

This Korean BBQ Pork recipe is the ideal way to prepare a delicious and authentic Korean BBQ at home! The sweet and salty flavors of the pork are well matched, leaving you wanting more. If you’re looking for a delicious and simple BBQ pork dish, look no further!

About Korean BBQ Pork
Korean BBQ pig, or “Dwaeji Yangnyeom Galbi (돼지 양념갈비)”, is a sweet and delicious Korean dish traditionally made using butterflied pig ribs. The dish includes a sauce made with onion, apple, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger, among other ingredients.

Butterflied pork ribs, on the other hand, are more difficult to buy at Korean grocery stores and need more time and effort to prepare at home. People often utilize pork collar or pig neck (also known as boston butt) at home. This piece of meat is called moksal (목살) in Korean, and marinated pork collar is called “Yangnyeom Moksal (양념 목살)”.

KOREAN BBQ PORK
KOREAN BBQ PORK

The pork for this meal must be marinated overnight before cooking to bring forth the greatest flavors and textures. It’s ideal to chargrill it over an open flame, but you can also grill it on a stovetop pan or a portable Korean BBQ plate.

Best ways to cook Korean barbecue
Korean BBQ Pork is a tasty Korean pork dish that may be prepared in a variety of ways.

Charcoal BBQ grill, cast iron skillet, and portable Korean BBQ plate.
Grilling Korean BBQ on a charcoal barbecue is a popular cooking method. This cooking method requires some time and effort to prepare, but it is well worth it for the seductive smoky flavor that comes from grilling over an open flame.

A skillet can also be used to prepare Korean BBQ meat. This procedure is simple and convenient, however it might occasionally result in the meat boiling in the juice. So make careful to cook it in smaller batches and not overcrowd the pan.

KOREAN BBQ PORK

If you wish to have a community dinner experience, you can use your portable Korean BBQ barbecue. These grills are simple to put up, clean, and store, and they can be used directly at the dinner table, allowing you to dine as soon as the meat is done.

In terms of flavor, chargrilled BBQ is my favorite cooking method. The Korean BBQ, with its smoky flavor, is rich and delicious.

INGREDIENTS FOR KOREAN BBQ PORK

KOREAN BBQ PORK
KOREAN BBQ PORK
MAIN
  • 1.2 kg / 2.6 pounds pork collar / Boston butt
BBQ PORK MARINADE
  • 1 medium onion (160g / 5.7 ounces)
  • 1 red apple (140g / 5 ounces) or asian pear
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 6 Tbsp soy sauce, regular (I used kikkoman brand)
  • 3 Tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp rice wine (mirin)
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 Tbsp minced ginger
  • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

HOW TO MAKE KOREAN BBQ PORK

1. Blend the onion, red apple, and water in a food processor or blender until smooth. Pour the blended ingredients into a medium-sized bowl. Add the remaining marinade sauce to this and mix well.

2. Lightly slice the pork in a diamond-like pattern for the marinade sauce to be absorbed and also to tenderize the meat. Be careful not to cut all the way through.

3. Place the meat in the glass container and pour the marinade mixture over it. Mix them well together – top to bottom and also between the meat. Cover the container with its lid and marinate it for at least 4 hours in your fridge, but preferably longer (e.g. overnight) to deepen the flavor.

4. Take the meat out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking, so it has time to come to room temperature for even cooking.

5. Preheat a skillet or grill on medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add some cooking oil. Place the meat and cook until both sides are fully cooked. (Do not add leftover marinade from the container.) You may reduce the heat as needed. Cut the meat into bite-size pieces with a pair of scissors as the meat cooks.

6. Serve the barbecued pork with various Korean BBQ side dishes. (Refer to the above list for more ideas.)

FAQ: 

  1. What are the main ingredients for Korean BBQ Pork?
    • Pork shoulder or pork belly, thinly sliced
    • Marinade ingredients: Soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and optionally, Korean pear or apple puree for tenderness.
  2. How do I prepare the marinade?
    • In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and optionally, Korean pear or apple puree. Mix until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
  3. How long should I marinate the pork?
    • Marinate the thinly sliced pork in the prepared marinade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
  4. What’s the recommended cooking method for Korean BBQ Pork?
    • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or use a grill pan on the stovetop.
    • Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
    • Grill the pork slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are caramelized and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat tender and juicy.
  5. Can I cook Korean BBQ Pork indoors?
    • Yes, you can use a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop to cook Korean BBQ Pork if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the pork slices.
  6. What do I serve with Korean BBQ Pork?
    • Korean BBQ Pork is often served with steamed rice, lettuce leaves (for wrapping), and a variety of side dishes known as “banchan,” such as kimchi, pickled vegetables, and seasoned spinach. You can also serve it with ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce) for extra flavor.
  7. Can I make it ahead of time?
    • While Korean BBQ Pork is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, you can marinate the pork in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. You can also cook the pork ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
  8. Any serving suggestions?
    • Garnish the cooked Korean BBQ Pork with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for added flavor and freshness. Serve it hot alongside your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

 

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