KOREAN BBQ PORK

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This Korean BBQ Pork recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a delicious and authentic Korean BBQ at home! The sweet and savory flavors of the pork are marvelously balanced and will leave you wanting more. If you’re looking for a delectable yet easy to make BBQ pork recipe, look no further!

ABOUT KOREAN BBQ PORK

Korean BBQ Pork, or “Dwaeji Yangnyeom Galbi (돼지 양념갈비)“, is a sweet and savory Korean dish traditionally made with butterflied pork ribs. The dish features a sauce made from onion, apple, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger, among other things.

However, butterflied pork ribs are harder to find at Korean grocers and they take more time and energy to prepare at home. So people tend to use pork collar or pork neck (aka boston butt) at home. This cut of meat is called moksal (목살) in Korean and marinated pork collar is called “Yangnyeom Moksal (양념 목살)”

The pork for this dish needs to be marinated overnight before cooking to bring out the best flavors and texture. It’s best if you can chargrill it over an open flame, but you can also grill it on a stovetop skillet or over a portable Korean BBQ plate.

BEST WAYS TO COOK KOREAN BBQ

Korean BBQ Pork is a delicious Korean pork dish that can be cooked in a few different ways.

  • Charcoal BBQ Grill
  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Potable Korean BBQ Plate

Grilling Korean BBQ on a chargrill is a very popular cooking method. This cooking method can take some time and effort to prepare but it’s worth it for the irresistible smoky flavor that comes from grilling over an open flame.

Another way to cook Korean BBQ is by using a skillet. This method is easy and convenient, but sometimes it can result in the meat boiling in the juice. So make sure you cook it in smaller batches and don’t overcrowd the pan.

If you want a communal experience over the dining table, you can also utilize your portable Korean BBQ grill. These grills are easy to set up, clean, and store, and can be used right at the dinner table, so you can eat as soon as the meat is ready.

As far as flavor goes, my favorite cooking method is the chargrilled BBQ option. The Korean BBQ, with its smoky taste, is luscious and delightful.

POPULAR KOREAN BBQ SIDE DISHES

There are many great Korean BBQ side dishes that you can serve with your favorite Korean BBQ! Check out some of my personal recommendations below!

WATCH KOREAN BBQ PORK RIBS VIDEO (KOREAN RESTAURANT VERSION)

We filmed this video at a Korean BBQ restaurant in Korea while traveling the country recently.

I wanted to show you how the butterflied BBQ pork ribs look different from my recipe, where I use pork collar. I also show you how to wrap them in lettuce and pickled radish paper.

I hope you enjoy watching. Be sure to turn on the volume so you can hear the sizzling noise!

INGREDIENTS FOR 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

* 1 Tbsp = 15 ml, 1 cup = 250 ml

** If you want to learn more about Korean ingredients, check my essential Korean ingredients list.

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.)

Ingredients

MAIN

  • 1.2 kg pork collar (Boston butt), (2.6 pounds)

BBQ PORK MARINADE

  • 1 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

Instructions

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

Notes

  • 1 Tbsp = 15 ml, 1 cup = 250 ml
  • If you want to learn more about Korean ingredients, check my essential Korean ingredients list.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Calories: 495kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 1709mg | Potassium: 1189mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 4mg

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

FAQ

What cuts of pork are typically used for Korean BBQ?

In Korean BBQ, pork belly (samgyeopsal) and pork shoulder (moksal) are the most commonly used cuts. Pork belly is known for its rich flavor and fatty layers, while pork shoulder is slightly leaner and has a tender texture when grilled.

How do I marinate Korean BBQ pork?

To marinate Korean BBQ pork, prepare a marinade using ingredients such as soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and Korean pear or apple puree. Mix the marinade ingredients together and coat the pork evenly. Let the pork marinate for at least a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

What is the best way to cook Korean BBQ pork?

Korean BBQ pork is traditionally grilled over an open flame or on a tabletop grill, such as a Korean BBQ grill or a portable gas grill. Grill the marinated pork slices over medium-high heat until they are cooked through and caramelized on the outside, typically for 2-3 minutes per side.

Can I cook Korean BBQ pork indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Yes, if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can still cook Korean BBQ pork indoors using a stovetop grill pan or a cast-iron skillet. Simply preheat the grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated pork slices in batches until they are cooked through and caramelized.

What are some popular side dishes to serve with Korean BBQ pork?

Korean BBQ pork is often served with a variety of side dishes, known as banchan, to complement the rich flavors of the meat. Common banchan include kimchi (fermented cabbage), pickled vegetables, lettuce leaves for wrapping, ssamjang (spicy soybean paste), and steamed rice. These side dishes provide a balance of flavors and textures to the meal.

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