The Ultimate Guide to Korean BBQ Meats for Home Grilling

Korean BBQ at home has become a favorite weekend tradition for many families. With more Korean ingredients now available in mainstream grocery stores, it’s easier than ever to recreate an authentic grilling experience right on your patio or outdoor grill table. If you're unsure which cuts to buy or how to prepare them, this guide will walk you through the essentials.

1. Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal)

Pork belly is the star of Korean BBQ—rich, flavorful, and perfect for grilling. You can find thick-cut or thin-cut versions at Korean markets, but Costco has become a surprisingly great option. Their pork belly is consistent in quality, reasonably priced, and ideal for family gatherings.

If you buy from Costco, removing the skin before grilling is recommended, as it leads to a cleaner sear and better texture.

Interestingly, pork belly has been highlighted internationally as a nutritious food when eaten in moderation—it was even listed among the “Top 8 Healthiest Foods in the World” by Time Magazine, based on nutrient density and balance of healthy fats.

Reference: Time Magazine, “8 Foods You Should Be Eating,” 2008.

2. Beef Short Rib (LA Galbi)

LA-style short ribs are widely available at Korean markets and increasingly at American grocery stores. The thin cross-cut makes them perfect for fast grilling, and the naturally rich marbling pairs beautifully with Korean-style marinades. They’re especially good when enjoyed with simple scallion salad (pa-jeori), which balances the richness of the meat.

A classic LA galbi marinade typically includes soy sauce for savoriness, brown sugar for balanced sweetness, minced garlic for aroma, and sesame oil for richness, along with Korean pear or apple purée to help tenderize the meat naturally.

3. Thinly Sliced Brisket (Chadolbagi)

Many American grocery stores now carry thin-sliced brisket, although Korean markets still offer the best variety. Brisket cooks extremely fast, making it perfect for gas grill setups or dual-fuel outdoor grill tables. Its light flavor and crisp edges make it a crowd favorite for large gatherings.

4. Marinated Beef (Bulgogi)

Bulgogi is one of the easiest Korean BBQ dishes to prepare at home—and you can find pre-marinated versions at Costco, H-Mart, or other Asian markets.

If you'd rather make it yourself, the basic bulgogi sauce is simple. Mix soy sauce with a bit of sugar or honey, add minced garlic and sesame oil for depth, season with black pepper, and finish with a splash of Korean pear or apple juice to tenderize the beef. For extra flavor, add thin slices of onion and scallions, then let the meat rest in the marinade for a few hours before grilling.

5. Spicy Pork or Chicken (Jeyuk / Dak Bulgogi)

Spicy Korean BBQ flavors are some of the most satisfying dishes you can grill. Many Korean markets sell pre-marinated spicy pork or chicken, making it an easy option for weeknight grilling or patio dinners.

Spicy pork or chicken marinades usually consist of gochujang for heat, gochugaru for added spice, soy sauce for saltiness, garlic and onion for aromatics, a touch of sugar for balance, and sesame oil to bring everything together into a smooth, flavorful sauce. This style of BBQ cooks beautifully over charcoal for a smoky finish but works well on gas grills too.

Essential Sauce and Wrap Pairings

Almost every Korean BBQ dish tastes better when wrapped in leafy greens with traditional dipping sauces. Even if you're cooking on a modern outdoor grill table or patio table setup, these classic pairings elevate the flavors:

• Sesame oil + salt (for brisket and pork belly)
• Ssamjang (the must-have Korean BBQ paste made of doenjang + gochujang)
• Lettuce wraps (ssam) with garlic, peppers, and rice

No matter what meat you’re grilling, ssamjang and lettuce wraps bring the entire meal together in a distinctly Korean way.