A Brief History of Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ, specifically “Galbi” in Korean, originates in Korea’s food culture. The practice of marinating meat in a sweet and spicy sauce before grilling it began in the 1950s. Since then, Korean BBQ has evolved and spread to other parts of the world. The United States represents one of the largest diasporas for Korean BBQ.
The Flavor Profile
So what precisely is about Korean BBQ flavors that make them so addictive? The secret lies in the combination of ingredients used to create the marinades and sauces. A typical Korean BBQ sauce will mix the following components: Gochujang—Korean chili paste—for a spicy base; soy sauce adds depth and umami; brown sugar, sweetness; garlic and ginger, depth; and sesame oil, nutty and aromatic flavor. All come together to give it a strong and balanced flavor profile.
Growing Popularity of Korean BBQ in the US
Korean BBQ has been growing in popularity in the United States for at least the last 10 years. Here are a few reasons why:
- The extraordinary demand for exotic foreign foods with spicy flavors
- The rise in popularity of Korean culture due to K-pop and Korean dramas
- The omnipresence of social media allows food lovers to discover and share new tastes
Creative Ideas
The versatility of Korean BBQ flavors has led to several new and innovative applications in the US food industry, including:
- Korean BBQ Tacos—A cross between traditional Mexican tacos and Korean BBQ with marinated meats, kimchi, and cilantro.
- Korean-Style Fried Chicken—Double-fisted, crispy fried chicken, drenched in spicy Korean BBQ sauce, and served with pickled radishes and kimchi.
- Korean BBQ Burgers—Beef burger topped with Korean BBQ sauce, kimchi, and bulgogi beef, which is very thinly sliced marinated beef.
A Growing Staple
The recognition of Korean BBQ flavors throughout the United States is yet another example of how diversity and dynamism characterize this nation’s food scene. In just a little while, America will encapsulate all the cuisines of the world, and consumers will get a feel for foods in all countries. For anyone liking spicy food or always on the lookout for something different, then Korean BBQ is a must.
Here are a few recommendations for Korean BBQ joints in Orlando:
Happy eating, and please do not forget to share with us your Korean BBQ experiences!
