The beef makes Korean BBQ: fatty, well-marbled cuts sliced thin, which take a sweet-savory marinade and char in seconds. Get your grill surface blazing hot before the meat touches it. That heat caramelizes the marinade's sugars fast, before the beef has time to overcook and go gray.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep30 min
Cook15 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineKorean
Cost$$$
Dairy-free
Contains gluten · soy · sesame
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Ribeye or short rib
Well-marbled beef sliced 1/8 inch thin is the whole dish; fat is where the flavor and tenderness come from.
Fresh wraps for the meat; cold and crisp against the hot beef.
2 heads
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Grill
The Method
SliceFreeze the beef 30 minutes until firm, then slice across the grain 1/8 inch thick. Partial freezing is the only way to get slices this thin at home.
MarinateBlend soy, grated pear, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil; toss the beef and rest 30 minutes to 2 hours. Longer turns the meat mushy from the pear enzymes.
Grill hotSear on a grill or cast iron over high heat, 45-60 seconds per side, until the edges char. Cook in batches so the pan stays hot and the meat sears instead of steams.
WrapPile beef, warm rice, and a dab of ssamjang into a lettuce leaf, top with sesame seeds, and eat in one bite.
Can you make Korean BBQ in an air fryer? — Sometimes
Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.
Can you freeze Korean BBQ? — Yes
Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Can you make Korean BBQ ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Korean BBQ gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
Is Korean BBQ vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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