Guest Author - Joy Alari
In Japan, grilled meat is called Yakiniku but it can also refer, to how the Japanese cook certain portions of meat, combined with vegetables on a griddle, which is usually over a flame.
In Japan beef can also translate to any kind of meat, the most common types used are thin slices of marinated beef, which are called rousu and short rib of beef slices are called karubi other parts like the cow’s tongue, is called tan while hatsu is the heart and the liver is called rebaa. All these beef parts are used for Japanese dishes but most importantly for Japanese Barbeque.
There are several things that makes a Japanese Barbeque special, for instance in Yakiniku restaurants diners can select whichever ingredient, or beef portion they desire for their meal and all the ingredients, would be brought to the table and cooked right in front of the diner, this gives the opportunity to learn how to cook a particular dish, while socializing with your dinning partner.
Once the ingredients are cooked, you should not forget to dip, your Japanese Barbeque into the sauce called “tare” before eating, other sauces can also be used for a Japanese Barbeque but most are based on the Japanese soy sauce, which is mixed with either apple, sake, mirin, sugar, garlic, and sesame, so also Garlic and shallot-based dips as well as miso-based sauces, are all delicious with Japanese Barbeque.
It doesn’t really take long, for your food to be ready but if you are impatient plus very hungry, there are many side dishes, you can choose from and eat while you wait, for instance you can have a rice soup or the Korean dishes like Namul, bibimbap or Kimchi.
Now I guess your mouth, must really be watering for a Japanese Barbeque, thank goodness you don’t need to fly down to Japan this minute, [though that wouldn’t be a bad idea but planning a trip takes time] you can visit any of the Yakiniku restaurants, that is based in the United States and enjoy a real Japanese Barbeque.
Also you can join the celebrations, for “Yakiniki day” which is celebrated, every August 29, its organized by the All Japan Yakiniku Association.
As they say home cooking is the best, so why don’t you try to make your own special Japanese barbeque, all you need is a grill and ingredients.
For more information on how to prepare a traditional Japanese Barbeque, please read my article on "Japanese Barbeque Recipe".
You will get the complete recipe, on Japanese Barbeque Recipe, as well as how to make a Japanese Barbeque sauce, I hope to get your delicious response, enjoy!
