This BBQ platter is the Korean version of a taco bar and was last featured in 2018. Set out the components - sweet / savory mushrooms, quinoa, pickled cucumbers, crisp greens, and hot sauce - and let everyone make their own bowl at the dinner table. Smarts: Gochujang is a Korean hot sauce that is less spicy and has much more flavor depth than other hot sauces. It's worth tracking it down if you can!
Kimchi
- 1/2 cup
(check the label as some versions contain fish)
Prep
Quinoa - (This makes enough for two nights.) Combine quinoa with stock in a saucepan. Add some salt. Bring to a boil covered. Lower heat, keep covered, and cook until liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Marinate mushrooms - Chop garlic. Grate ginger. Remove stems and thinly slice mushrooms. Combine garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and toasted sesame oil (portion for mushrooms) in a bowl. Add mushrooms and marinate for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 days. (Can be done up to 2 days ahead)
Pickle cucumbers - Cube cucumbers. Toss with vinegar and sugar (portions for cucumbers). (Can be done up to 2 days ahead)
Lettuce / Carrots - Prep as directed and combine. (Can be done 1 day ahead)
In a large bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, first portion of vinegar, and sugar (portions for BBQ platter). Add lettuce and carrots on top. Wait to toss until right before serving.
In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang and second part of vinegar (portion for BBQ platter).
Heat a wok over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and marinade and saute until marinade is mostly cooked off and mushrooms are tender.
Drain liquid off cucumbers and season with some salt.
Reheat quinoa if made ahead (reserve half for Thursday).
Toss salad in vinaigrette and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Set out salad, quinoa, mushrooms, gochujang, pickled cucumbers, kimchi, and cilantro. Let everyone assemble their Korean BBQ bowl at the table. (The crisp, cool salad is great mixed together in the bowls with the warm ingredients, but feel free to enjoy it on the side if you prefer.)