How To Serve Korean Bulgogi
Korean bulgogi is a well known Korean dish which is prepared using marinated beef, chicken or pork, but most commonly beef is used. To completely enjoy and bring out the flavour of the grilled steak dish, one should know how to serve Korean bulgogi and the options of side dishes that go well with the dish.
Bulgogi in the Korean language means “fire meat”, which refers to the method of preparing the dish on open flame. Traditionally bulgogi is prepared using beef; however, if chicken is used to prepare the dish then it is called as dak bulgogi (prepared using chicken) or dwaeji bulgogi (prepared using pork). The seasoning used in both the dishes is different.
Serving Korean Bulgogi
The Korean bulgogi dish is served along with a very spicy, specially prepared sauce or paste called ssamjang. The thin slices of grilled or pan cooked bulgogi is layered with the ssamjang sauce, wrapped in a clean lettuce leaf and then eaten as a whole. The ssamjang sauce is prepared using sesame oil, garlic, green onions, gochujang, doenjang, and sometimes a little brown sugar may also be added.
The grilled bulgogi beef steaks are served in barbecue restaurants as fast food, and are similar to the hamburgers in the American cuisine. The burger is first marinated in the bulgogi sauce and is then served with sauces, onions, tomatoes, cheese and lettuce.
The bulgogi may be served with an assortment of side dishes (collectively known as banchan) such as Kimchi, Namul, naengmyeon etc. Rice may also be served as a side dish.
Kimchi essentially consists of vegetables such as radish, cucumber, cabbage fermented in a brine solution prepared using chilli, green onions, ginger and garlic.
Namul is a common name used to refer Korean vegetable dish seasoned with spices and herbs. The dish includes sprouts, seeds, fruits, petals, leaves, roots etc and may be served fresh, sautéed, boiled, fermented or dried.
Naengmyeon is a cold noodles dish of Korea which is prepared using hand made noodles which are long and thin. The noodles are served as an icy broth with cucumbers, pears. cold beef slices or eggs added.
A number of snacks such as Korean pastries, pancakes, sausages and rice cake may also be served along with Korean bulgogi.
Serving Korean bulgogi in a traditional manner primarily requires a lettuce leaf and the special bulgogi sauce. Other side dishes may be added based on personal preferences.
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