Essentially, Korean BBQ is consumed as lettuce wraps with a piece of grilled meat (our preference is kalbi, marinated beef short ribs), a slice of raw garlic, a slice of fresh pepper (we use jalapeno or serrano), and a dab of Korean miso. Personally, I add a small lump of rice and wrap it all up. It is generally consumed by popping the whole package into one's mouth. This is not a two or three bite lettuce wrap. The idea is to cut the lettuce into a piece of appropriate size to wrap just enough for one bite.
Interestingly, ssam used to be very traditional Korean fare. You would see it at Korean BBQ places, but only Koreans or those in the know would know what to do with stack of lettuce leaves left at the table with the banchan (side dishes). Nowadays, in NY, David Chang has got Momofuku Ssam Bar, which is one of those uber difficult places to get a reservation. And apparently, it's very good food.
I doubt we'll see a ssam bar in Sacramento anytime soon, but at our house, we eat ssam. And Drew loves the idea of it. He gets the little baby leaves from the heart of the lettuce and puts a little bit of rice in them to eat. He eats the meat separately as he isn't really into the whole wrap concept yet, but he does like the lettuce and rice. I'll make a good Korean boy out of him yet.
2 comments:
Don't you go to Oz off Bradshaw? $17.99 all you can eat Korean BBQ. Of course, for whatever reason, they charge $3.99 a table for the lettuce, miso, garlic and peppers. And, like, an exorbitant amount for hot tea. Let's GO after you're done with the Bar!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's okay. Overpriced and their vents are so loud. We like to stay in and pig out in private. Plus, their service has sucked the last few times I went. The last time was with my mom.
I'm going to start making my own, I decided. you'll have to come over and try it.
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