How to Eat Korean Barbecue as a Vegan
There are a variety of vegan dishes that you can eat at Korean barbecue restaurants! All you have to do is keep these tips in mind:
Banchan Are Your Friend
Banchan are the small side dishes that arrive at your table. They can include bean sprouts in sesame oil, pickled cucumbers, or spicy daikon. Just steer clear of items that contain milk or cream—like dressed cabbage shreds and potato salad—and you’ll be off to a great start.
Veggies Are Awesome
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Ditch roasting animal flesh on that sizzling plate, because there’s now proof that eating meat is linked to cancer. Depending on the restaurant’s availability, request an array of vegetables—including squash and peppers—to roast instead. Season them with a dipping mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili powder, and you’re good to go.
Reach for Some Tofu
There are many plant-based foods that contain tons of protein. If you’re hungry for more than the veggies, reach for some tofu. Some places carry “tofu steak,” which is a slab of tofu that’s served on a sizzling plate. Yum! Other versions include tofu sundubu, a spicy stew. Make it vegan by requesting a water-based broth, and ask for no egg in your piping-hot bowl.
Rice Will Fill You Up
Vegan Bibimbap for lunch, anyone? #bibimbap #koreanfood #vegan #healthy #lunch #dtla
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If you’re looking for an all-in-one bowl, go for bibimbap, warm rice served in a stone pot (be careful—it comes out super-hot!) with a mix of fresh sautéed vegetables. Get yours without beef, and ask the server to hold the fried egg. Then stir in some gochujang (a spicy sauce), and enjoy!
Eating out as a vegan is easy. Be sure to check out our How to Go Vegan page for tasty recipes for all different types of cuisines.
