Can I Use an Electric Grill for Korean BBQ?

Grilling is a common cooking technique practiced in the eastern and western parts of the world. Grilled foods (such as meat) have less fat, it’s tasty, and has an outstanding flavor. However, the barbecuing process varies from place to place. 

Can you use an electric grill for Korean BBQ? Yes, electric grills are versatile and feature an excellent design that allows excess oils and fats to drip while cooking. This article addresses how you can use an electric grill for Korean BBQ. The style of cooking is not new, and a significant number of people enjoy it. 

What is Korean BBQ?

Korean BBQ is a grilling technique strictly associated with the Koreans. It is also called the KBBQ. It entails grilling thin slices of meat (beef, pork, and chicken) on a grill (charcoal, gas, or electric grills). A typical Korean BBQ is different from the American BBQ because the grill is in-built in the dining table or a portable tabletop stove with a grilling pan. Also, a typical Korean BBQ grill features a round shape. 

Another remarkable thing about Korean BBQ is it’s served along with many side dishes called banchan. Also, from the start, the meat (Bulgogi) is raw, and everyone gathers around the grill, and you’re expected to cook their food. Korean BBQ is all about fun around the grill. 

You can eat the meat straight off the grill or cut it into small bite-size pieces. Then dip it in a sauce (called ssamjang), add some salad, and wrap it in lettuce or perilla leaves. 

Each wrap you make is one bite. 

Below are common terms in a Korean BBQ joint or restaurants: 

• Ssamjang sauce is a dipping sauce made of red chili pepper paste, fermented soybean paste, and other seasonings. 
• Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from salted and fermented vegetables, seasoned with other spices such as garlic, chili powder, ginger, etc. 
• Galbi- short ribs 
• Dwaeji Bulgogi- it’s pork slices for grilling 
• Buldak- it’s chicken meat
• Ssam- refers to lettuces and perilla leaves
  
  

Also Read : How Much Meat Per Person For BBQ Would You Need For Your Next Summer Party?

Cooking Korean BBQ on Electric Grills 

Do you want to have a Korean BBQ experience right at home, and you don’t have a typical Korean grill? Cooking on an electric grill is the ultimate alternative. 

‘But it’s not round-shaped!” This might be a concern to many but worry less because it functions similarly to a Korean electric grill. A standard electric grill features a square or rectangular shape, and some models have a circular design. The only difference between these two grills is the design, but they perform similar functions. 

But what makes an electric grill a suitable choice for preparing Korean BBQ? Here are some reasons as to why you should consider electric grills as alternatives for Korean BBQs: 

Ease of use 

Unlike conventional grills, you don’t have to wait for long as the charcoal heats the grill or refills your grill with gas. Electric grills are easy to use: all you need is to connect to power, preheat the grill and start cooking. 

Easy to attain ideal temperatures for cooking 

Electric grills come with a thermostat that helps you regulate temperatures while grilling. Therefore, there is minimal risk of overcooking or undercooking meat. 

Allow easy dripping of oils excess oil and fats 

Electric grills have ridges or grooves that allow the meat to drip excess oil or fat while cooking. Additionally, most electric grills have drip trays where excess oil/fat from the grill grate is directed. Therefore, you end up with grilled meat like that one cooked on a Korean grill. 

Additionally, you’re not prone to flare-ups that can be dangerous to you and the grill.

Non-stick cooking surface 

Electric grills have a non-stick surface; thus, you can grill a variety of foods without worrying it will stick on the grill plate. 

Compact and lightweight 

Electric grills are very compact and lightweight. Therefore, you can use it anywhere as long as you have a power connection. Due to its portability, you even place it on the dining table and assimilate a typical Korean BBQ set up at home. You can even use it outdoor as long as it’s not raining. 

Generally, electric grills are versatile and don’t limit you from cooking your Korean BBQ anytime or anywhere as long as you have access to electric power. Furthermore, they are an ideal choice for indoor grilling because they are rarely restricted like conventional grills. 

Here are a few things to consider while selecting an electric grill for your Korean BBQ needs: 

• Size- Korean BBQ requires large cooking surface areas. This kind of barbecuing involves a group of people; therefore, consider a grill of reasonable size depending on your family’s size.
• Drip tray- consider an electric grill with a dripping tray to avoid messy cooking. It allows easy flow of excess oils while grilling. 
• Weight – consider an electric grill that is easily portable from one place to the other. 

FAQs

What is the best meat for Korean BBQ? 

While preparing a Korean BBQ, you can use a variety of meats. However, for the beef, the top round is ideal because it’s a lean cut. For the pork cuts, you can use pork ribs. Lastly, boneless chicken is good meat for Korean BBQ. 

Can you make Korean BBQ on a typical grill? 

It’s not easy to prepare Korean BBQ on a typical grill because the meat used for this BBQ is thinly sliced and doesn’t suit a regular grill. Regular grills have more extensive groves compared to standard Korean grills. However, an electric grill is ideal for cooking this kind of thin-sliced meat for Korean BBQs. 

Check out Atgrills indoor electric grills and griddles to cook Korean BBQ on a cookware with natural stone coating.

Sources
bbqanswers.com

youtube.com