Have You Tried Japanese BBQ?
Many have heard of #koreanbbq due to the surge in popularity in recent years, but have you tried Japanese barbecue? Here are some distinguishable features between the two cuisines.
Marbled Prime Boneless Short Ribs from Anjin Restaurant in Costa Mesa, CA. Photo courtesy of @YvonLuxFood.
Korean barbecue is heavy on the marinades and does not necessarily involve using only the highest quality meat. Japanese barbecue’s priority is meat quality being served with light seasoning allowing to taste true beef goodness. Carnivores and beef enthusiasts will definitely find Japanese barbecue a necessary luxurious indulgence.
Marbled Prime Ribeye from Anjin Restaurant in Costa Mesa, CA. Photo courtesy of @YvonLuxFood.
Korean barbecue relies heavily on marinades for flavor, whereas Japanese barbecue is more sauce-oriented. Dipping sauces consisting of soy sauce, mirin and garlic among other ingredients are the most common accompaniment.
Kobe Style Beef from Anjin Restaurant in Costa Mesa, CA. Photo courtesy of @YvonLuxFood.
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Korean barbecue. One look at my food page and you’ll agree. If you’re already a fan of Asian cuisine and well-flavored meats, Japanese barbecue should be on your list of musts ASAP. Do keep in mind, Japanese barbecue tend to run pricier than its Korean counterpart. It is rare to find an All-You-Can-Eat establishment.
Beef Tongue from Anjin Restaurant in Costa Mesa, CA. Photo courtesy of @YvonLuxFood.
Anjin Restaurant is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Southern California. If you’re in town, be sure to check it out but please be prepared to wait. It’s a very popular spot so I’d suggest visit during non-peak times.
My favorites:
Marbled Prime Boneless Short Rib - Thin (but not too thin) marbled perfection. The light marinade is slightly sweet and compliments the fatty meat very well.
Marbled Prime Ribeye - The marbling ribeye has so much flavor! It is extremely juicy, tender, and melts in your mouth.
Homemade Kimchi - The kimchi here is the best I’ve ever had at any restaurant. Too often, you get kimchi that’s a bit too soaked with vinegar because it’s been sitting for too long. Anjin’s kimchi is consistently fresh, crunchy, spicy, with just a hint of sourness.
Kobe Style Beef Ribeye - Kobe beef lovers will enjoy this American Kobe ribeye as it’s so soft that you can cut it with your chopsticks.
Citrus Salad - All the meats can be quite heavy on your palette. This refreshing salad has a citrus dressing that cuts through the grease and accompanies the meats really well.
Bon appetit!
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@YvonLux is a marketing CEO and founder of VANT4GE, LLC who is also a social and beauty influencer, Yvon Lux. She is also a published blogger and editor for her Apple News channel.
The young female founder has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register, Modern Luxury Magazine, and various other media outlets. Connect with her on Instagram and subscribe to her channel!