In the heat of summer, nothing brings family and friends together like good BBQ. Succulent meat, grilled vegetables, and savory sauces form the basis for many a gathering. While cultures all over the world love BBQ, Asian cuisines feature a unique twist on the method. From bold flavors and spicy marinades to special grilling styles, Asian cultures know how to do BBQ exceptionally well. At International Fresh Kitchen, your Asian grocery store, we have everything you need to try out some of these delicious Asian BBQ recipes this summer and beyond. From imported sauces and specialty meats, our aisles are fully stocked.
Korean BBQ at Home
Korean BBQ is known for table grilling, thin-sliced meats, and lots of side options. One of the most beloved Korean BBQ recipes is bulgogi beef skewers. This simple recipe is prepared by placing thinly sliced beef into a marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and pear juice. Let the meat sit for a few hours or overnight before threading it onto skewers and grilling over high heat, flipping frequently for even cooking.
Beef bulgogi is perfect as an appetizer or as a main course. Try serving it in lettuce wraps, alongside kimchi, rice, and fresh-cut vegetables. You can also prepare bowls of rice and serve the bulgogi over rice, allowing guests to serve themselves.
Japanese Yakitori
Savory and full of umami, Japanese yakitori is skewered, grilled chicken finished with a tare glaze. To make this staple BBQ dish at home, whip up a quick marinade of mirin, soy sauce, sake, and sugar. Dice up chicken thighs and place the chunks into the marinade. When ready to grill, skewer the chicken chunks and grill, rotating frequently over a medium flame. The chicken should be tender and juicy, with appealing grill marks on all sides.
While yakitori is often served straight off the grill, with guests eating the meat right off the skewers while still warm, it is equally delicious alongside a bowl of scallions, pickled vegetables, and white rice. Yakitori is also perfect with ramen or another type of thin noodle, since its hearty flavor pairs well with a simple carb.
Thai Street-Style Grilling
Thai street-style grilling features lots of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, creating the perfect balance of tastes and textures. Try Thai lemongrass chicken thighs at your next cookout and discover your next family favorite! To make this dish, mix a marinade of lemongrass, fish sauce, garlic, lime juice, and palm sugar (which can be found at International Fresh Market). Place the chicken thighs in the marinade and let sit for a few hours or up to overnight.
Grill the thighs evenly on all sides, creating grill marks and cooking until the juices of the chicken run clear. Serve the thighs with sticky rice and green papaya salad for a balanced, flavorful meal that everyone is bound to enjoy. Get the family involved by having your children or relatives mix the marinade. Just be sure to exercise caution when raw meat is involved and wash hands frequently to avoid cross-contamination.
Chinese BBQ Favorites
Cantonese or Chinese BBQ is easily recognizable due to its red hue. Cooked over low heat and basted in a sweet glaze, Chinese BBQ is a tasty treat that’s perfect for holidays and special occasions. Try out char siu pork skewers, a familiar Chinese BBQ favorite that works well as an appetizer or as an entree. Mix together hoisin, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and honey. Cube up a seasoned, boneless pork roast, put the meat on skewers, and grill low and slow, basting the pork with sauce until it is cooked through. The meat should be caramelized and deep red in appearance.
Make some grilled bok choy or light, delicious scallion pancakes to serve alongside the grilled pork. Char siu pork skewers can take a little while to make, especially if you are unfamiliar with grilling techniques, but with a little bit of patience, this dish could easily become your new favorite.
Vegetarian Options with Asian Flair
You aren’t limited to meat with Asian BBQ recipes. There are plenty of vegetarian options that are so flavorful, you won’t miss the meat at all. Miso-glazed eggplant is an excellent option, along with teriyaki tofu skewers with pineapple. You could make one or both of these at your next BBQ. Plus, these vegetarian options are even quicker to grill than most meat-based dishes. Watch the entrees carefully while on the grill to avoid overcooking and remove from the heat as soon as grill marks appear.
When preparing vegetarian options, be sure to keep them on a separate platter well away from the meat to avoid contamination and to keep everything safe. Make a simple side of sesame noodle salad or cucumber pickles, ideal for a light summer lunch or dinner.
Sauces, Sides & Summer Drinks
To elevate any Asian-inspired dish, keep a variety of sauces on hand. Gochujang, chili crisp, peanut dipping sauce, and ponzu are all tasty and have universal appeal. Side dishes like Asian pasta salad, mango slaw, and scallion rice are some simple side dishes that can be whipped up in minutes and keep well for up to several days. No BBQ is complete without the right beverage. Lychee lemonade, iced jasmine green tea, and Thai iced tea are all on theme and refreshing. You can find all of these summertime staples at International Fresh Market.
Visit Your Asian Grocery Store for BBQ and Summer Staples
Why not try three or four of these Asian BBQ recipes for your next summer party? At International Fresh Market, we have sauces, meats, spices, and produce, along with all the other pantry staples you need to bring these incredible recipes to life. Visit our store today and discover everything we have to offer. Our friendly associates are also happy to assist with your summer BBQ meal planning or to help you find anything in the store. Share your own Asian BBQ creations and tag us on social media so we can see what you whip up!
