Korean BBQ 101: The Student’s Guide to Banchan, Grilling, and Good Times

Gather your housemates, grab your chopsticks, and get ready because Korean BBQ is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you're a seasoned BBQ pro or a first-timer,
there’s an art to grilling meats, sharing banchan, and making sure everyone at the table has a great time.

Banchan: The Ultimate Sidekick to Your BBQ
Banchan (반찬) are the small but mighty side dishes that come with every Korean meal. Think of them as your flavour-packed best friends always there to balance out the richness
of grilled meat and keep your taste buds excited.

Here’s what you’ll typically find on your table:
🥢 Kimchi – The OG of banchan, this spicy, fermented cabbage is a must-have.
🥢 Kongnamul (Soybean Sprouts) – Light, crunchy, and refreshing.
🥢 Danmuji (Pickled Radish) – A sweet and tangy contrast to smoky BBQ.

The key rule? Share! No hoarding, no double-dipping—just grab a little at a time and enjoy the rotation of fresh flavours throughout the meal.

Grill Like a Pro: Timing is Everything
Korean BBQ isn’t just about eating it’s about cooking together. That means someone at the table needs to take charge of the grill (we see you, self-appointed BBQ master).

🔥 Don’t overcrowd the grill – Too much meat at once leads to uneven cooking.
🔥 Flip wisely – Beef galbi (short ribs) should be flipped frequently to keep it tender, while pork belly (samgyeopsal) gets a golden crisp with high heat.
🔥 Marinate for max flavour – Bulgogi (thinly sliced beef) needs at least two hours to soak up its sweet-savory marinade.

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Grilling Duties: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
In a mixed group, everyone has different preferences some like their beef medium-rare, while others prefer their pork crispy. That’s why teamwork is key:

✅ Assign a grill master (or take turns).
✅ Use scissors to cut meat into bite-sized pieces for easy wrapping.
✅ Keep an eye on the heat—too much charring is a no-go.

Why This is Perfect for Student Night Out
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Korean BBQ is basically the ultimate student social meal—affordable, interactive, and perfect for group bonding. Whether you're celebrating a win, de-stressing from exams,
or just looking for a fun night out, gathering around the grill is a guaranteed good time.

So, who’s in charge of the grill at your next BBQ feast? Tag your BBQ crew and head to Kimchi in Selly Oak for an unforgettable meal! 🥩🔥🥢