Yakiniku is a combination of the Japanese words “yaki,” which means to grill anything, and “niku,” which means meat. However, the phrase “yakiniku” is more general and frequently refers to the pre-seasoned, marinated, and grilled meat that is prepared on a tabletop or open-flame grill.

It is also known as meat that has been prepared in a skillet, griddle, or small grill. No matter the cooking technique, grilled meat is either seasoned with yakiniku sauce before grilling or served with this sauce on the side. People in Japan enjoy eating authentic yakiniku with dipping sauce and dousing their grilled meat with lemon juice before consuming it.

The History Of Yakiniku

The history and beginnings of yakiniku can be traced to the middle of the 20th century when Korean immigrants brought the dish to Japan. However, because yakiniku is influenced by the Korean cuisines galbi and bulgogi, it originated in Korea but was later adapted into a Japanese style. After World War II, it gained much popularity.

Horumonyaki and Joseon are frequent marketing terms for it. It is referred to as Korean BBQ in America. The popularity of vented BBQ systems quickly spread throughout Japan when they were developed. This method allowed customers to eat beef yakiniku in a smoke-free environment.

This method of cooking little bits of meat and vegetables on a table grill is well-liked across Japan and in Japanese restaurants worldwide. It is frequently referred to as a Japanese barbecue outside of Japan. The meat is then covered in different kinds of sauces that add extra flavour and juiciness to the whole meal.

Meaning Of Yakiniku

The Japanese word for grilled meat is yakiniku, which also refers to grilled meat meals in a broader sense. Yakiniku, according to the Japanese author Robun Kanagaki, is a BBQ of western cuisine. It can also be used to describe foods prepared using the same method as yakiniku.

Is Yakiniku Korean Or Japanese?

It is safe to claim that the Japanese do not have a lengthy tradition of grilling meat because the beef wasn’t consumed in Japan until the 1870s. The Meiji emperor had meat for the first time in the late 1870s.

On the other hand, during the Mongol invasion of Japan, Koreans consumed beef from that period. Yakiniku’s origins can be traced back to Korea in the 1920s, as was already noted in the article. However, “yakiniku” refers to a Korean-influenced Japanese cooking method in which bite-sized pieces of beef and vegetables are grilled on a griddle.

Korean cuisine, like bulgogi and galbi, is another influence on yakiniku. The meat isn’t marinated before being grilled in yakiniku, though. To sum it up, yakiniku is primarily Japanese with Korean origins.

What Does Yakiniku Taste Like?

Beef that is tender and cut into fine pieces is used to make yakiniku. Umami and a light sweet flavour can be found in the lean, delicate meat. But the majority of eateries accompany it with a sizable piece of steak.

Yakiniku sauce, which combines sweet and savoury flavours, is typically served with it. Additionally, this sauce contains some sesame essence, primarily used in Japan to season meat for grilling.

Usually, yakiniku is served with yakiniku sauce. Yakiniku is also filled with grilled vegetables, such as cabbage, mushrooms, carrots, and onions. Some customers further drizzle the pieces with lemon juice.

Where I Can Find Yakiniku Restaurant In Malaysia

There are quite a number of places where you can have yakiniku in Malaysia, as there are yakiniku restaurants in most of the states. There are yakiniku restaurants, mainly in the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor area. You may find a fantastic restaurant whether in the city or out on the outskirts. 

The best way that you can find yakiniku restaurants in Malaysia is by doing online research and looking through listicles of the best ranked restaurants. 

If you are looking for authentic Japanese yakiniku restaurants that utilise professional marinating, grilling and cutting of the meat and at a reasonable price, you will need to do research on a particular restaurant’s cooking method, which can usually be found on their website.

It is also best to do research on the type of meat that is used in their restaurant, especially if you are searching for a specific type of meat to eat in a yakiniku restaurant. 

What Is The Difference Between Yakiniku Vs Korean BBQ ?

Yakiniku is typically categorised as a type of Korean food and is thought of by most people as the Japanese equivalent of Korean BBQ. The two styles of food have some variances, despite the fact that yakiniku and Korean BBQ are relatively connected.

Meat

Meat that has been marinated and is ready to be grilled will often be presented to you at a Korean BBQ restaurant. The meat slices that you will be offered sometimes have already been cooked. Additionally, it is common for the servers to use scissors to chop the meat for you and to grill it in front of you. Since the sauce will cover up the flavour of the meats, meat is only marinated in Japanese yakiniku after any orders are placed. Upon receiving the order, the chef will begin the “momi niku with tare” and season it in accordance with the cut of beef. The nicely presented cut-up pieces of meat are placed beside some raw veggies on a dish. Dipping sauces such as ginger and soy sauce are also offered on the side to give your additional meat flavour.

Eating Manner

The majority of Korean barbecued meats are wrapped in lettuce leaves with kimchi, garlic, and chilli paste before being consumed like a burrito. Although somewhat clumsy, this eating style is nonetheless regarded as a component of the authentic Korean BBQ experience. However, in a yakiniku, grilled meats are first dipped in various dipping sauces before being consumed with chopsticks.

Side Dishes

In contrast to yakiniku, a typical Korean BBQ meal typically includes a broader range of side dishes. Compared to Korean BBQ banchan (Korean side dishes), which may consist of items like kimchi, candied lotus, noodles, and dried squid, among others, the sides offered in a yakiniku meal are typically just raw veggies served alongside the raw meat slices.

Summary

Yakiniku is the perfect dish to eat if you are someone who loves to eat meat, so what are you waiting for? A great way to share and enjoy one of Japan’s well-known dishes with others is to eat yakiniku. It is necessary to constantly research the yakiniku restaurant of your choice before picking one to obtain maximum satisfaction because there are many yakiniku restaurants in Malaysia.