Yakiniku is a staple of Korean food and a fun way for people of any nationality to dine. Each meal includes specially prepared raw ingredients that are brought to your table, where you and your friends then cook them on a grill at your table. Once done, your items are paired with sauces to bring out their best flavor. If you’re new to yakiniku, there are some do’s and don’ts that will make enjoying this special Korean barbecue even better.

Do:

Order more banchan.

Banchan are the side dishes that accompany your grilled meat, and they usually include soup and rice. At most Korean restaurants, banchan are unlimited, so you can order additional servings if you’re still craving a taste. 

Cook your meat thoroughly.

Yakiniku is all about grilled meats. Cook the thinly sliced meat thoroughly to savor the authentic flavors of your Korean barbecue and ask your waiter for help if you don’t understand the settings on your grill.

Don’t:

Forget to change your grill.

There are many reasons for you to change the grill during your meal. For example, if someone has fish but you have beef, it’s a good idea to change the grill before you cook your meat so the flavor isn’t contaminated.

Overflip the barbecue.

Avoid flipping your meat repeatedly, as that can make it dry. Just don’t leave it on the grill too long or it will burn. A good rule of thumb is to flip it once after the meat has been sizzling for around 20 seconds. You should also grill only one or two slices at a time so you don’t accidentally burn all of them.

If you’re looking for a Korean barbecue restaurant in Oahu, stop by Sura Hawaii in Honolulu for their yakiniku. All tables feature built-in stovetops on which wait staff cook their meals. Anyone interested in cooking their own food is welcome to do so. Make your reservation today by calling (808) 941-6678, like them on Facebook for specials and news, and visit their website to view their menu.