American BBQ and Korean BBQ may have a similar name but both of them have their own style, tradition, and way of cooking which varies depending on the cultural differences. BBQ or Barbecue is a popular cooking method known for its smokiness and distinct flavor. The word Barbecue came from the Spanish word “Barbacoa” which stands for slow-cooking meat on an open fire.
At first, barbecue was meant to be slow-cooked, but gradually, different countries picked up the concept and elevated things like the sauce, cooking pan, cooking time, etc., according to their taste buds. It doesn’t require many ingredients, and anyone can prepare some delicious barbecue following the recipe, which is why it is often on the menu for a family and friends’ meat up.
American BBQ vs. Korean BBQ
The main motto of a barbecue is to enjoy delicious meat while having a good time with your loved ones. American BBQ is all about celebrating the smokiness of the large joints of meat in a slow and low flame for a long time. When it comes to Korean BBQ, it has become a common dish that is easy to make and has a bunch of side dishes. Whether it is American or Korean BBQ, it’s hard to tell which one tastes better as each of them has its authentic taste. But there are a few things that can differentiate these two popular dishes, which are given below.
Marination and Sauce
American BBQ meats are generally cooked without any prior marination. While the meat is getting cooked, they dry rub or just bast the BBQ sauce. They mostly use a readymade vinegar-based sauce for a smoky flavor and serve, while in Korean BBQ, they use sweet and sour sauce to marinate the meat first.
The marination is mainly handmade with a combination of soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, sesame oil, brown sugar, honey, chili paste, vinegar, and cornstarch. American BBQ has a strong flavor of its own, which is why people don’t feel the need to use any extra sauce while eating. But it’s different in Korea, as people enjoy the meat with soy sauce, ssamjang (a spicy paste), or dips to balance the flavor.
Side Dishes
Side dishes in one of the main things that differentiate American and Korean BBQ is the side dishes. American BBQ is served with comfort food like mashed potato, rice, corn rib, veggies, cheese, etc. Meanwhile, Korean sides are diverse and more into savory and spicy flavors like kimchi, banchan, pickle, assorted veggies, blanched spinach, etc.
Cooking Method
American and Korean use very different cooking methods to cook the meat. In American BBQ, the meat is roasted or smoked in a wood fire for a long time which can go up to 18 hours. On the contrary, the marinated meat in Korean BBQ takes a short time to cook. There’s no specific appliance for barbecue as the meat can be grilled, charcoaled, or even fried in the pan.
Meat Cuts
Big cuts of beef, pork, pork ribs, or whole chicken are used in the American-style BBQ. They prefer thick and large cuts of meat to get it tender with slow cooking. In Korean BBQ, they also use different kinds of meats, mainly beef or bulgogi. They slice down the marinated meat into bite-size strips to make it easier to cook and eat instantly.
Tradition
Barbecue is a part of American culture that has emerged over the years. American BBQ is a traditional dish which they usually have on special occasions or festivals, deferring from state to state. On the other side, Korean-style BBQ can be eaten any day and anytime as it requires less time and effort to cook. There are plenty of Korean BBQ restaurants and food trucks that get loaded with customers every day.
It’s not about the difference between the two cuisines. It’s about the traditions and experience of having an authentic dish with amazing taste. If you want to have fast way meat, then Korean BBQ is the perfect fit, but if you want to wait a few hours to taste smoky and tender meat, then American BBQ is there to satisfy your cravings.
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