In Korea, there’s a saying: “Cooking is all about the right equipment.”
Sure, you can grill meat with just a frying pan and a stove, but when you set the table properly with the right tools, it turns a simple meal into a special experience.
It makes you feel like you’re being treated to something extraordinary—even if you’re dining alone! And let’s be honest, with restaurant prices skyrocketing, there’s no better time to master Korean BBQ at home.
Here are our must-have Korean BBQ accessories to bring an authentic restaurant-quality experience to your own kitchen.
What Do You Actually Need for Korean BBQ at Home?
Before diving into the specific tools, let’s keep it simple. Here’s a quick checklist of the essential items you’ll need to create a great Korean BBQ experience at home:
| A grill pan or tabletop grill | The core of your setup, whether it’s gas or electric. |
| A heat source | Butane burner, electric stove, or stovetop to cook your meats evenly. |
| Tongs & kitchen scissors | Essential for handling and cutting meat into small, bite-sized pieces. |
| Small plates & sauce dishes | For serving banchan (side dishes) and dipping sauces like sesame oil dipping sauce or Korean chili paste. |
With these essentials in place, you’re ready to recreate an authentic Korean BBQ experience right at your dining table! Now, let’s go deeper into the specific accessories that will elevate your setup.
Essential Korean BBQ Accessories You Need
1. Korean BBQ Grill Pan
A high-quality Korean BBQ grill pan is the foundation of any home setup.
Whether you use a charcoal grill, tabletop grill, or portable butane stove, a non-stick coating and grill grates are key to achieving that perfect sear while allowing excess fat to drain away.
We recommend two Made in Korea grill pans: Happycall and TeChef.
While TeChef is more well-known in the U.S., Happycall has been a beloved brand in Korea for generations, trusted by home cooks and professionals alike.
Both brands are known for their excellent non-stick coating, high durability, and superior heat distribution.
Happycall’s grill pan offers a slightly larger cooking surface, making it a great option for larger gatherings, while TeChef provides a grill pan and butane stove combo for added convenience.
The quality of both is outstanding, and since they have different shapes and designs, you can pick the one that best suits your grilling style.
🔥 Pro Tip
Look for a grill pan that features a high-quality non-stick coating and a built-in grease draining hole.
This design helps prevent excess oil from pooling, making your BBQ healthier and easier to clean.
Choosing a pan with advanced coating technology ensures long-lasting durability, making it a reliable choice for frequent grilling sessions.
2. Portable Butane Gas Stove
For an authentic Korean BBQ experience, a portable butane stove is a must-have. This is the same kind used in Korean barbecue restaurants, allowing you to cook meats, side dishes, and even sweet potatoes right at the table.
Recommended: TeChef Portable Butane Stove
This product isn’t just high quality—it also has a sleek and stylish design that fits perfectly in a modern kitchen. You can really feel that special Korean BBQ vibe, bringing an authentic touch to your grilling experience.
- Slim and Stylish Design with High Power 2,800 kcal/hr (11,500 BTU) and Auto Piezo-Electric Ignition
- Advanced Magnetic Locking System for easy installation and safety
- Heat Panel System for fuel efficiency with the maximum and consistent output
🔥 Why You Need It
Butane burners provide consistent heat, work with most grill plates, and are compact enough for small gatherings.
If you’re Korean, chances are you’d prefer a gas grill over an electric one—and there’s a reason for that. Koreans don’t mess around when it comes to grilling—we like our meat sizzling fast and ready to eat now.
Waiting around for a slow grill? Not our style! With a gas burner and grill pan combo, you can cook meat much faster while making cleanup incredibly easy.
TeChef Combo – Simple & Convenient
If you don’t want to overcomplicate things and just want one all-in-one option, consider the TeChef grill pan and butane stove combo.
- Complete Cooking Set: Includes the TECHEF Agni Portable Stove and a high-quality Korean BBQ Grill Pan, perfect for table…
- Powerful Heat Output: The stove delivers 2,800 kcal/hr (11,500 BTU) for efficient grilling and cooking
- Auto Piezo-Electric Ignition: Ensures quick and reliable starts without the need for matches
It’s a Made in Korea product with a durable non-stick coating, excellent heat distribution, and long-lasting quality—everything you need for the perfect Korean BBQ setup at home.
💡 Looking for the best grill for your setup? Check out our 3 Best Korean BBQ Grills for Home Use to find the perfect option for your space and cooking style.
3. Tongs & Scissors
In Korean BBQ restaurants, you’ll always see grilled meats being flipped with stainless steel tongs and then cut into bite-size pieces using kitchen scissors. These are essential tools for cooking different cuts of meat without losing tenderness.
Best Tongs for Korean BBQ
Recommended: Non-Slip Korean BBQ Tongs with Stand
Honestly, you can use any kitchen tongs you have at home. Every type has its pros and cons, but personally, I recommend this set.
It comes in a pack, so everyone can have their own tongs to grab meat and fully participate in the BBQ experience.
Plus, it includes a stand, making it more hygienic when placed on the table.
And since it’s made of stainless steel and silicone, it’s dishwasher-safe for effortless cleaning.
Best Scissors for Korean BBQ
Recommended: Lock & Lock Korean BBQ Scissors
- Long Blade to Effectively Cut Meat like Bulgogi or Kalbi
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel (420J2)
- Total Length: 9.8″ (25 cm)
I’m so excited that these kitchen scissors are available on Amazon!
These are the same ones commonly used in Korean BBQ restaurants, and I personally own multiple pairs.
They are ambidextrous, incredibly sharp, and highly efficient, making them a must-have for easily cutting meat at the table.
🔥 Pro Tip
Stainless steel tongs are the easiest and most hygienic option, but if you’re not careful, they can scratch your grill pan. If you want to minimize scratches, consider using silicone tongs for a gentler touch.
4. Korean BBQ Side Dish Plates & Sauce Dishes
Korean BBQ isn’t just about the meat—it’s about the entire spread. To create a restaurant-style setup at home, you can use small plates for side dishes (banchan), dipping sauces, and seasonings.
Recommended: Dowan Ceramic Dip Bowls
I personally own a lot of small dipping bowls, but there’s one set we use the most and absolutely love.
My husband always reaches for these, and their unique, stylish design makes them a favorite in our home.
They’re perfect not only for Korean sauces like gochujang, ssamjang, and soy sauce but also for Western condiments like ketchup.
We even use them for serving small portions of banchan, making them a versatile addition to any table.
🔥 New to Korean BBQ? Learn how to set up the perfect grilling experience at home with our Step-by-Step Guide to Korean BBQ Setup.
Fun & Unique Korean BBQ Accessories
If you want to take your Korean BBQ night to the next level, here are some fun and unique items that will make the experience even more exciting!!!!
Cabbage-Shaped Serving Bowl
Want to add a playful touch to your Korean BBQ setup? Try a cabbage-shaped serving bowl! It’s perfect for holding fresh veggies, lettuce wraps, and perilla leaves, making the table feel even more fun and visually appealing.
I often serve lettuce, peppers, and carrots in a cabbage-shaped bowl, and every guest I’ve had absolutely loved it.
It’s a small detail that brings a lot of joy to the dining experience!
Colorful Chopsticks
Setting the table with colorful chopsticks is a fun way to add personality to your Korean BBQ experience.
I love this design because it’s the same style commonly found in Korean restaurants.
They’re lightweight, round, and incredibly easy to use. Even my American husband is a huge fan of these chopsticks!
Color-Changing Soju Shot Glasses
Want to impress your guests? These color-changing soju shot glasses react to cold temperatures, revealing fun designs when you pour in your favorite chilled soju. They’re not just a conversation starter—they make every shot feel like a special event!
Final Thoughts
Having the right Korean BBQ accessories transforms your home into a restaurant-quality grilling experience. From a non-stick grill pan to butane burners, sauce dishes, and ventilation tools, these are the must-haves for an authentic Korean BBQ night.
FAQs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What is the most important thing for a home Korean BBQ setup?
- 2. Can I use a portable grill for Korean BBQ?
- 3. What side dishes should I serve with Korean BBQ?
- 4. How do I clean a Korean BBQ grill pan?
- 5. What type of grill is best for Korean BBQ?
- 6. How do I reduce smoke when cooking Korean BBQ indoors?
- 7. What are the best cuts of meat for Korean BBQ?
- 8. Can I marinate my own meat for Korean BBQ?
- 9. What dipping sauces should I serve with Korean BBQ?
- 10. How do I keep my grilled meat from sticking?
- 11. Where can I buy authentic Korean BBQ ingredients?
- 12. What’s the best way to serve Korean BBQ at a party?
- 13. Can I use an electric grill for Korean BBQ?
- 14. How can I make my Korean BBQ experience more authentic?
- 15. What’s the secret to the best Korean BBQ experience?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most important thing for a home Korean BBQ setup?
The grill and heat source are the most important, followed by the right tools like tongs, scissors, and sauce dishes.
2. Can I use a portable grill for Korean BBQ?
Yes! A portable butane stove is commonly used for indoor tabletop grilling, but an outdoor grill works too.
3. What side dishes should I serve with Korean BBQ?
Some of the best side dishes (banchan) include cucumber kimchi, seasoned green onion, napa cabbage wraps, and cold noodles.
Check out our guide on What to Serve with Korean BBQ: Complete Guide to Side Dishes to discover the perfect banchan pairings for your meal.
4. How do I clean a Korean BBQ grill pan?
Let the grill cool completely, then wipe it down with a damp paper towel. If needed, use warm water, rice vinegar, and mild soap to remove grease.
5. What type of grill is best for Korean BBQ?
The best grill depends on your needs. A butane stove with a grill pan is ideal for tabletop grilling, while a charcoal grill gives the most authentic smoky flavor.
6. How do I reduce smoke when cooking Korean BBQ indoors?
Use a smokeless grill, open windows, or set up a ventilation fan. Choosing leaner meats and using a drip tray can also help minimize smoke.
7. What are the best cuts of meat for Korean BBQ?
Popular choices include pork belly (samgyeopsal), short ribs (galbi), beef brisket (chadolbaegi), and marinated bulgogi.
8. Can I marinate my own meat for Korean BBQ?
Yes! Try a traditional marinade with soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, brown sugar, and Korean pear for an authentic flavor.
9. What dipping sauces should I serve with Korean BBQ?
Must-have sauces include sesame oil with salt and pepper, ssamjang (soybean paste mix), and gochujang (Korean chili paste).
10. How do I keep my grilled meat from sticking?
Brush the grill pan with cooking oil before cooking, and make sure your grill is fully preheated before adding meat.
11. Where can I buy authentic Korean BBQ ingredients?
Visit Korean markets (H Mart, Lotte), Asian grocery stores, or online retailers for high-quality meats and condiments.
12. What’s the best way to serve Korean BBQ at a party?
Set up a grill in the center of the table, offer a variety of banchan (side dishes), fresh veggies, and dipping sauces, and let guests cook their own meat.
13. Can I use an electric grill for Korean BBQ?
Yes! Electric grills are great, but gas or charcoal grills offer a more traditional experience.
14. How can I make my Korean BBQ experience more authentic?
Use Korean-style metal chopsticks, serve cold noodles or rice vinegar-based banchan, and pair your meal with soju or makgeolli.
15. What’s the secret to the best Korean BBQ experience?
It’s all about fresh ingredients, great company, and the right tools! Invest in a good grill pan, quality meats, and flavorful sauces for the ultimate Korean BBQ night.
🔥 Ready to start grilling? Grab your favorite meats, set up your table, and enjoy the authentic flavors of Korean BBQ at home!