Korean BBQ, known as Gogigui in Korea, is more than just a meal — it’s a lively, interactive dining tradition. Diners cook their own meat right at the table, often on a built-in grill or a portable stovetop. The meat, which can be marinated or plain, is grilled in small batches and eaten immediately while hot and juicy. What makes Korean BBQ special is not just the flavor of the meat, but the experience of pairing it with a wide range of accompaniments called banchan — these include kimchi, pickled vegetables, fresh salads, dipping sauces, and fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping. In this recipe, we’ll focus on making a popular version of Korean BBQ using thinly sliced marinated beef in a bulgogi-style marinade, along with all the tips you need to recreate the restaurant experience at home.
Preparation Time
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Marinating: 30 minutes to 4 hours
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Cooking: 10–15 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (depending on marination time)
Serving Size
Serves 4 people generously with side dishes.
Ingredients
For the beef
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500g beef ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced across the grain
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1 tablespoon sesame oil (plus extra for grilling)
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the marinade
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3 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
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1 tablespoon rice wine (mirin)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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2 teaspoons minced garlic
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1 teaspoon grated ginger
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2 tablespoons finely chopped spring onion
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½ teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 tablespoon grated pear or apple (optional, for tenderizing and sweetness)
For serving
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Fresh lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce work well)
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Sliced fresh garlic cloves
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Sliced green chili peppers
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Kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage)
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Steamed white rice
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Ssamjang (Korean spicy soybean paste)
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Optional extra banchan: pickled radish, seasoned spinach, bean sprouts, cucumber salad
Detailed Recipe
Step 1 – Prepare the marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, rice wine, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped spring onion, black pepper, and grated pear or apple if using. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is well blended. The grated pear or apple is traditional in Korean cooking because it naturally tenderizes the meat and gives a subtle fruity sweetness.
Step 2 – Marinate the beef
Place the thin beef slices in the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or tongs to gently mix, ensuring every slice is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak into the meat. For deeper flavor and tenderness, you can marinate for up to 4 hours, but avoid overnight marination as the meat may become too soft.
Step 3 – Prepare the grill setup
While the beef is marinating, prepare your cooking setup. For an authentic Korean BBQ experience, use a tabletop grill or a grill pan on the stove. You can also use a charcoal grill for a smoky flavor. Arrange the side dishes (banchan) around the table — kimchi, garlic slices, chili slices, lettuce leaves, rice, and dipping sauces. Have tongs ready for turning the meat, and keep a plate for raw meat separate from the cooked meat for hygiene.
Step 4 – Grill the beef
Lightly oil the grill with a little vegetable oil or sesame oil. Heat until the surface is hot. Place the marinated beef slices on the grill in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until browned and slightly caramelized. Because the slices are thin, they cook very quickly. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat juicy. Cook in batches so everyone can enjoy fresh, hot meat straight from the grill.
Step 5 – Assemble the wraps (ssam)
To eat Korean BBQ the traditional way, take a large lettuce leaf in your hand. Place a piece of grilled beef in the center, add a spoonful of rice, a slice of garlic, a piece of green chili, a dab of ssamjang, and a bit of kimchi. Fold the leaf over the filling to make a neat parcel and eat it in one bite. This combination of flavors — savory beef, spicy paste, crunchy lettuce, and tangy kimchi — is what makes Korean BBQ unforgettable.
Step 6 – Continue grilling and serving
Keep grilling small amounts of meat while enjoying your wraps. Korean BBQ is a slow, social meal, so take your time and enjoy the process. Between bites of meat, cleanse your palate with kimchi or other side dishes.
