Korean Barbecue and Japanese Barbecue are two different ways of cooking vegetables and meat. Although the two have many similarities, they also have differences. One similarity is that both are cooked using fuels such as gas, charcoal, and electricity. However, they are cooked and served differently. In this article on Japanese bbq vs Korean bbq, you will learn the difference between Japanese and Korean barbecue.


At a Glance of Japanese BBQ vs Korean BBQ


AttributesJapanese BBQKorean BBQ
Subcategories It has two main categories, i.e., Yakiniku and Japanese Teppanyaki.It has two main categories, i.e., Bulgogi and Galbi.
Serving StyleIt has a more straightforward serving style.
The meat is handled with chopsticks and dipped in sauce.
It involves grilling meat at the table.
It is also customary to bundle meat in lettuce with a few toppings.
Side DishesRaw vegetables accompany grilled meat. The bbq is served with several side dishes.These dishes are called banchan dishes and include potato salad, fishcakes, and dried squid.
CondimentsIt relies on the sauce to add flavor.The BBQ relies on marinades to add flavor.
Type of meatApart from meat, the Japanese bbq also use pork and chicken.Meat is mostly used, although chicken is used sometimes.

What is a Japanese Barbecue?

Japanese barbeque refers to a method of grilling meat in Japanese cuisine. It involves cooking sliced meat over wood charcoal or gas flames. 

It is said to have been inspired by the Korean barbecue. The barbecue is dipped in the sauce after being prepared to improve its flavor. 

The Japanese BBQ has two subcategories, which include the yakiniku and teppanyaki. 

The Yakiniku sauce is a mixture of sweet and savory flavors used to season meat in Japanese cuisine. 

Teppanyaki is a Japanese style of cooking of food that uses an iron griddle. 


What is the Korean Barbecue?

The Korean barbecue is increasing its popularity and becoming a fascination for many people around the world. There are barbecue restaurants in almost all major Korean cities. 

However, one question remains unanswered in people’s minds. What is the Korean barbecue? It refers to a method of grilling meat in Korean cuisine. The most common type of meat used includes beef, chicken, and pork. You can use either charcoal or gas grills.

japanese bbq vs korean bbq

One primary subcategory of the Korean bbq is the bulgogi, which is made from thinly sliced beef. 

Another subcategory, the bulgogi is a Korean dish that is made from marinated sliced beef. The meat is marinated in soy sauce, sugar, or garlic. It is eaten by wrapping the meat in lettuce leaves. 

Galbi refers to grilled dishes prepared with marinated pork or beef ribs. The flavors or Korean bbq are spicy, salty, engaging, and sweat. 

Can you Replace Japanese BBQ with Korean BBQ or Vice Versa?

The Korean barbecue relies on marinades and doesn’t necessarily require high-quality meat. It is, therefore, hard to confuse Japanese bbq with the Korean bbq. 

It is hard for the Korean bbq to satisfy a person looking for clean flavors and beefy intensity found in Japanese bbq. The Japanese barbecue focuses more on the taste of beef. 

However, they both have Asian flavors and consist of grilled meat. They can offer you an enjoyable and memorable experience. 

However, you need to be careful to follow every barbecuing steps when doing a Japanese or Korean bbq. According to Hueston, you need to understand the food you like doing when purchasing a barbecue.

“When you are barbecuing, you are looking for a large space that you can put larger cuts in or a rotisserie attachment and the ability to control the different techniques you are going to use in the slow cooking process”

Says Hueston

When Can You Use Korean BBQ or Japanese BBQ?

The Korean barbecue is used when you want to enjoy a mouth-watering flavor of seasoned meat. It is also used when you want to consume numerous side dishes, and it is regarded as adventurous for those who wish to achieve excitement in their taste buds. 

The Japanese bbq is reserved for high-quality beef. It is ideal for small gatherings since it is more costly.

As described, though people confuse Japanese bbq vs Korean bbq, they differ in various ways. The subcategories, serving style, type of meat, and condiments make a difference between Japanese bbq and Korean bbq. However, each barbecue produces unique and delicious meals. Japanese bbq vs Korean bbq, what’s your preference?

As described, though people confuse Japanese bbq vs Korean bbq, they differ in various ways. The subcategories, serving style, type of meat, and condiments make a difference between Japanese bbq and Korean bbq. However, each barbecue produces unique and delicious meals. Japanese bbq vs Korean bbq, what’s your preference?

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