Whenever I go to a Korean BBQ restaurant—often for company dinners—I have my own way of enjoying a hearty meal without the meat. Here are the magic phrases I use:
| Korean (한글) | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 고기는 빼주세요! | Go-gi-neun pae-ju-se-yo! | Please remove the meat! |
| 고기 안 들어간 메뉴 있나요? | Go-gi an deul-eo-gan me-nyu it-na-yo? | Are there any meat-free dishes? |
| 이 메뉴에 고기 들어가나요? | I me-nyu-e go-gi deul-eo-ga-na-yo? | Does this dish contain meat? |
📍 The Star of the Show : Ssamjang (쌈장)
In many Korean BBQ restaurants, Doenjang-jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew) is a classic side dish. In the past, it was mostly made with vegetables and tofu, but lately, many places add beef brisket (Chadol-bagi) to the base for a richer flavor.
Sometimes, even when I ask to "remove the meat," the kitchen can't do it because the soup base was pre-cooked with beef.
Don't panic if this happens! This is where my ultimate survival skill kicks in. If the stew base already contains meat, I focus on the "Best Part": Ssam (Wraps) and Ssamjang.
What is Ssamjang? It's a "magical sauce" made by mixing Doenjang (fermented soybean paste) and Gochujang (red chili paste) with garlic and sesame oil. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and packed with umami.
1. Grab a fresh leaf of Sangchu (Lettuce) or Kkaenip (Perilla leaf).
2. Place a spoonful of warm rice in the center.
3. Add a dab of Ssamjang—this is the key!
4. Wrap it up into a bite-sized package and enjoy the "Heaven in your mouth."
The freshness of the vegetables and the rich, savory taste of Ssamjang create a perfect harmony. Even without meat, you'll find yourself reaching for one more wrap!
📍 Store-bought vs. Homemade: The Secret of Ssamjang
Can you spot the Ssamjang in my photos? It’s hidden in various containers—sometimes in a simple stainless steel bowl, or even in a traditional stone pot (Ttukbaegi).
While you can easily grab a "green tub" of Ssamjang at any local supermarket or convenience store, many Korean households prefer the homemade style. We often take the store-bought paste and "level it up" by mixing in extra minced garlic, chopped onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a splash of fragrant sesame oil.
This extra touch makes the sauce even richer and more flavorful—what we call "The Taste of Home." If you're visiting a Korean friend's house, you might get to taste their unique family recipe!
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| "You can easily find this green tub at any convenience store like CU or GS25!" |
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