Memorial Day is always a big occasion. It’s the unofficial start of summer, and one wildly popular way to celebrate is by having a barbecue.
Memorial Day is always a big occasion. It’s the unofficial start of summer, and one wildly popular way to celebrate is by having a barbecue. Last year around this time, the idea of such a fun time was essentially impossible to pull off. Due to the still-ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, gatherings of all sizes were heavily discouraged. This year, however, full vaccinations have made parties a possibility to arrange again. It’s time to fire up the grill and make some memories with a Korean-style reunion based around some marvelous cuts of meat!
Unmarinated Prime Rib
First things first, let’s discuss prime rib. KBBQ style prime rib is normally left untouched. This cut of meat greatly resembles the steaks you’d get for an ordinary backyard get-together. But trust us on this one: you’re going to want to swap out the steak sauce and replace it with a blend of salt and sesame oil. Scallion salad and soybean paste make for a tasty dressing, too.
Pork Belly
Pork belly is a staple of Korean barbecue. It’s so iconic that this is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase in the first place. Although it looks and tastes like bacon, it’s not the same. Salt and grease are essential elements of any good cut of meat, but you need to strike a balance between them. Kimchi can help with the fattiness, and then lettuce balances the saltiness.
Duck
Lovers of Peking duck will be overjoyed to learn that there is a Korean counterpart. Since there is a fair amount of overlap between the two Asian cuisines, this shouldn’t come as a shock. Duck starts out as the blandest meat on the menu, but it doesn’t have to be that way for long! Top off your grilled duck with a condiment like marinated perilla leaves.
Marinated Ribeye
Fair warning: marinated ribeye will be a challenge to chew. Even so, you’ll be rewarded with that heavenly blast of juice and grease. Soybean paste will take the taste to the next divine level.
Well-Seasoned Chicken
Chicken isn’t consumed as often in Korea as it is out here in the West. Still, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to note that the chicken you encounter will be marinated beforehand. Plus, it’ll be coated with addons such as slices of green chili pepper and romaine lettuce.
Kalbi
Kalbi is also spelled as Galbi. Either way, it is the classic and most beloved Korean barbecue item you’ll come across. Similar legendary meals are spaghetti & meatballs and chicken tikka masala. Soy sauce, garlic, and fruit-derived meat tenderizer all combine to create something magical.
Get All Your Asian Groceries at Lotte Plaza Market
Lotte Plaza Market is your one-stop-shop for all of your Korean and Asian grocery needs. With more than 10 Maryland and Virginia locations, this growing market is continually expanding and opening new markets to better serve our customers. Since we opened in 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, please email us at LottePlaza.com.