Marinated Pork Bulgogi Korean BBQ Guide | Pig Company Meat Cuts Series #8
Some Korean BBQ cuts are all about pure meat flavor: pork belly, pork neck, brisket.
But when you want something sweet, savory, super easy to eat, and basically guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy, you order:
Marinated Pork Bulgogi.
In Korea, bulgogi is famous for its balanced flavor and crowd-pleasing taste. And while many people think bulgogi is only beef, pork bulgogi (돼지불고기) is just as loved, especially for BBQ meals that need a little variety.
At Pig Company, marinated pork bulgogi is one of those cuts that makes the meal feel complete. It gives you that Korean-style seasoning, pairs perfectly with rice and wraps, and is a favorite for first-time visitors who want something flavorful without worrying about dips or “doing it wrong.”
This is Cut #8 in the Pig Company Meat Cuts Series, where we explain each cut in a simple, practical way: what it is, how it tastes, how to grill it, and how to eat it like a local.
What Is Marinated Pork Bulgogi?
Marinated pork bulgogi is thin or medium-sliced pork that has been seasoned in a Korean-style bulgogi marinade.
Unlike plain pork cuts, bulgogi is meant to be:
flavorful without needing extra sauce
slightly sweet but not sugary
savory and rich
easy to grill and easy to love
The marinade usually includes a combination of:
soy-based seasoning
garlic
sweetness (often fruit-based in Korean cooking)
sesame aroma
The result is pork that tastes deeply Korean, even before you add anything else.
What Does Marinated Pork Bulgogi Taste Like?
Marinated pork bulgogi is one of the most “approachable” cuts on the grill.
A good bite should taste:
sweet and savory
garlicky
slightly smoky from the grill
juicy and tender
balanced, not too salty
It’s the type of meat that makes people say:
“This tastes like Korean BBQ.”
Because it delivers flavor instantly.
Why Marinated Pork Bulgogi Is Popular in Korean BBQ
1) It’s A Very Beginner-Friendly Cut
If someone is new to Korean BBQ, unseasoned cuts can feel confusing:
“Do I need sauce?”
“What should I wrap it with?”
“How do I make it taste right?”
Pork bulgogi solves that. It already tastes complete.
2) It Adds Variety to a Pork BBQ Meal
If you only eat plain pork belly and neck, the meal can start feeling repetitive.
Bulgogi adds:
sweetness
garlic aroma
a different flavor profile
It’s the easiest way to make the table feel exciting again.
3) It Pairs Perfectly With Ssam Lettuce
Marinated pork bulgogi is one of the best ssam meats because the seasoning is already strong.
You don’t need much:
lettuce
bulgogi
optional garlic
tiny bit of ssamjang (optional)
It tastes full without feeling heavy.
How to Grill Marinated Pork Bulgogi Properly (Important!)
Marinated meats cook differently from plain cuts.
The biggest issue with bulgogi is burning.
Because the marinade contains sugar and garlic, it can char quickly if grilled too aggressively.
Step 1: Medium Heat Works Better Than Extreme Heat
Unlike pork belly, bulgogi doesn’t need a brutal sear.
If the grill is too hot:
the sauce burns
the meat darkens too fast
you get bitterness
You want caramelization, not burning.
Step 2: Cook Smaller Portions at a Time
Bulgogi releases marinade onto the grill, so too much at once can cause:
steaming
sticking
uneven cooking
Small batches = better texture.
Step 3: Flip More Often Than Plain Meat
Plain cuts can sit and sear.
Bulgogi needs a bit more movement so the marinade doesn’t scorch on one side.
Step 4: Don’t Overcook It
Bulgogi is supposed to stay juicy.
If it dries out, the flavor becomes salty and the texture becomes tough.
Best Ways to Eat Marinated Pork Bulgogi (Pig Company Style)
Bulgogi is flavorful enough to eat alone, but it’s even better with the right pairings.
1) Bulgogi Ssam Wrap (Best Overall)
This is the #1 way to eat it.
Try:
lettuce
bulgogi
grilled onion (if you have it)
optional green chili
Because bulgogi is seasoned, you don’t need a lot of extra sauce.
2) Bulgogi + Kimchi (Korean Comfort Combo)
Kimchi adds acidity and spice, balancing bulgogi sweetness.
This bite is:
sweet
savory
spicy
smoky
It tastes like a real Korean BBQ meal.
3) Bulgogi + Garlic (For Strong Flavor Lovers)
If you love garlic, bulgogi is one of the best meats to pair it with.
Just don’t overdo it.
One piece is enough to make the bite pop.
4) Bulgogi + Cold Noodles (Naengmyeon Pairing)
If you’re finishing with cold noodles, bulgogi pairs especially well with bibim naengmyeon because:
bulgogi sweetness
spicy noodles
= perfect contrast
Who Should Order Marinated Pork Bulgogi?
This cut is perfect for:
first-time Korean BBQ visitors
anyone who likes sweet-savory flavors
guests who want easier ordering
families and groups
people who want a “Korean BBQ flavor” cut
It may not be ideal for:
people who only like plain salted meats
diners avoiding sweetness
anyone who wants only crispy texture cuts
But for most tables, pork bulgogi is a crowd-pleaser.
Why Pig Company Serves Marinated Pork Bulgogi
Pig Company’s menu is built around giving guests both:
classic unseasoned cuts (for meat quality)
and Korean-flavor cuts (for variety)
We serve marinated pork bulgogi because:
1) It’s One of the Most Loved Korean BBQ Flavors
Bulgogi is familiar, comforting, and widely loved in Korea.
It makes the meal feel instantly Korean.
2) It’s Perfect for Groups
Not everyone at the table wants the same thing.
Bulgogi is the cut that almost everyone agrees on:
not too spicy
not too plain
not too heavy
It keeps everyone happy.
3) It Adds Balance to a BBQ Table
A great Korean BBQ meal should include contrast:
rich cuts (belly, jowl)
meaty cuts (neck)
fast cuts (brisket)
texture cuts (pork skin)
flavor cuts (bulgogi)
Bulgogi is our “flavor cut.”
FAQ: Marinated Pork Bulgogi (Korean BBQ)
Is pork bulgogi spicy?
Usually it’s more sweet-savory than spicy, but it can vary. It’s generally very approachable.
Does bulgogi burn easily?
Yes, because the marinade contains sugar. It should be cooked with a little more attention than plain cuts.
Is pork bulgogi good for ssam?
Yes. It’s one of the best meats for lettuce wraps because it already has seasoning.
What’s the best side dish with bulgogi?
Cold noodles (naengmyeon) and kimchi pair extremely well.
Final Thoughts: The Sweet-Savory Cut That Makes Korean BBQ Feel Complete
Marinated pork bulgogi is one of the easiest cuts to love.
It’s juicy, flavorful, and instantly satisfying — the kind of meat that makes people smile after the first bite. It adds variety, balances a BBQ table, and makes the meal feel more Korean with almost zero effort.
If you want a Korean BBQ cut that’s comforting, approachable, and full of flavor, pork bulgogi is the one.
find us here!
Gangnam Location
Address : 2nd Floor, Gangnam-daero 98-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours : 11:30AM to 11:30PM daily
Contact : (+82)2-2-561-8891
Hongdae Location
Address : 28, Hongik-ro 5-an gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours : 11:30AM to 12:00AM daily
Contact : (+82)2-322-8891
Myeongdong Location
Address : 3rd Floor, Myeongdong 3-gil 44, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours : 11:30AM to 2:00AM daily
Contact : (+82)2-318-2990
