Recently was introduced to Korean BBQ by a buddy at his place. Wanted to get my own set up. Are there any stores that sell marinated meats specifically for Korean BBQ that any of the CFans nation recommends? When I was living up in the Northeast there were stores like HMart that sold solid marinated meats. thanks in advance!
It would probably help if you told everybody where you live, but if you're in Houston, Austin, or Dallas, there are H-Marts there. You can probably try places like 99 Ranch, too. Outside of those, many major cities have Asian shopping centers where you can get stuff.
H-Mart doesn't usually sell marinated short rib cuts -- but will sell the actual cuts and be prepackaged at least. You can also buy the marinade itself in jar form (I believe Bibigo makes the most popular one). Going that route, you won't have to make the actual marinade (albeit the marinade is fairly simple to make). EDIT: I stand corrected, looks like HMart might have marinated cuts in some form or fashion, but I imagine they might overprice them for no reason. https://fresh.hmart.com/1075 I have personally never seen these in Austin at least but I also haven't looked very hard lol.
I do Korean BBQ at least once a month. You can get marinated meat at many places including Hmart and Costco (bulgoki). That being said, traditionally marinated is for lower grade meats. At higher end Korean joints, the meat is not marinated because you want to taste the quality of the meat just like you would any other quality steak. You just eat it with salt and sesame oil. Sams club is the best place to get quality LA cut short ribs for a good price. Costco has good sliced pork belly.
H-Mart in Austin sells premarinated meats. I'm not sure on other meats, but for chicken, it's about $3-4/lb which is the average price of raw chicken anyways. I don't think they mark up their marinated meats at all.
Looking for a Korean BBQ restaurant recommendation similar to Gen. Any of you have a preferred K-BBQ spot in Katy or Cypress?
Not in Katy or Cypress, but BORI is my favorite Korean BBQ in Houston. Atmosphere and food beats anything in town. https://maps.app.goo.gl/qBpKWUXBY8cmuCrr9 Also, I don't think there are any Korean shops in Cypress. For Katy, Bon Galbi in Katy Asian Town is decent, atmosphere and food is ok. https://maps.app.goo.gl/2JNvfE2L86vBiV9K6
Hmart has a huge selection of meats sliced to varying degrees of thickness. I would not get pre marinated. Seasoned or marinated meats sold in grocery stores are usually stuff that is about to expire or is turning color. I’m pretty sure that’s a worldwide phenomenon.
Trader Joe’s carries a great marinated boneless short rib for bulgogi. i get that **** char it up and cook it in charcoal grill along with onions and red pepper. Then throw that on some jasmine ruse with a little ginger and green onion. Very good
From what I remember bulgogi marinade is pretty simple. Sesami oil, soy sauce, sugar, garlic and ginger. As others noted it's sliced thin so don't marinate too long and it cooks pretty fast.
Bori - 'upscale' korean bbq. Handam - all you can eat Honey Pig Those 3 are my picks in Houston currently.
