Cultural Post 110 #4

[Seokjoon Han]

For this cultural presentation, I will be talking about Korean Barbeque. In Korea, they label Korean Barbeque as 고기구이 or gogi-gu-i which translates to meat roast. Korean Barbeque is the type of cuisine where various meats are grilled and eaten with Korean side dishes and vegetables. In restaurants, the grills are prepared on gas or charcoal grills built into the dining table itself. Yet, people also grill using electric grills at their homes. One type of meat that is grilled in Korean Barbeque is 불고기 or Bulgogi. Bulgogi is made from thinly sliced marinated beef sirloin or tenderloin. Bulgogi is typically marinated in soy sauce. Another popular type of meat that is grilled in Korean BBQ is 갈비 or Galbi. Galbi is made from marinated beef short ribs also usually marinated using soy sauce. However, the most popular type of meat that is grilled during a Korean BBQ is 삼겹살 or Samgyeopsal. Samgyeopsal is pork belly. In popular culture, it is also called the “Korean bacon” as the taste of pork belly draws similarities with American bacon. Personally, I think Samgyeopsal is the best meat served in Korean BBQ just because the meat is very tender and fatty. Korean Barbeque is served with white rice and traditional side dishes such as kimchi. Korean Barbeque is also generally served with leafy green vegetables such as lettuce. Additionally, there is a sauce that is associated with Korean BBQ called 쌈장 or ssamjang. Ssamjang is a thick, spicy paste that is made of doenjang, gochujang, sesame oil, onion, garlic, green onions, and optionally brown sugar. Koreans typically eat meats, vegetables, and rice altogether. The general way to eat Korean BBQ is to get a leaf of lettuce and put some white rice on it. Then, you take a piece of meat and dip it in the ssamjang sauce, and put it on top of the rice that is on your lettuce leaf. Then you can choose to put additional side dishes such as kimchi on top of your meat. When I was younger, I would never eat Korean BBQ the usual way. I avoided eating vegetables because I thought it tasted like cardboard compared to juicy meat. Not to mention, I thought eating the vegetables would just waste space in my stomach for the meat. Yet, I now realize the lettuce adds a crunchy texture and a fresh aftertaste when eaten with the meat. Although Korean BBQ is a food event, there are significant cultural values during the feast. When Korean BBQ is eaten among people who vary in age, the youngest is obliged to grill the meat for the seniors. This also applies when pouring drinks. Korean BBQ creates an atmosphere where friends or family can gather together to eat amazing food. Lots of people eat Korean BBQ on special occasions. Whether it is to celebrate one’s success or to celebrate a minor holiday, Korean BBQ is very flexible. In fact, my family ate Korean BBQ instead of the traditional American food for this thanksgiving.

[Raymond Luo]

I love Korean barbeque sooooo much and I would always eat once with my friends every week! The part where you said you didn't eat the vegetables with the meat was so relatable as I didn't like eating that way either. Especially when I'm hungry, I think the vegetables will make the meat less tasty. However, when eating a lot of meat alone, it will be better to eat with the vegetables as the vegetables make the taste fresher and easier to eat. Thank you for the information!