Asian Grilling: Siu Mei, Shaokao, Yakiniku & Teppanyaki Explained!

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated September 9, 2022

Grilling is a cooking method that uses direct high heat to cook food, typically meat or fish, with a sear on the outside and a juicy inside. It’s a popular way to cook in Asian cuisine.

Asians have used grilling to prepare a variety of dishes, including satay, Korean barbecue, and Japanese yakitori. Grilling is a common cooking method in Asian cuisine because it’s a quick and easy way to prepare food.

In this article, I’ll look at how grilling is used in Asian cuisine and share some of the best dishes.

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Grilling: The Heart of Asian Cuisine

Grilling is a cooking process that uses direct, high heat to cook food on a surface, typically a metal grill. It is a common cooking method found in many cultures and languages, and it offers a great way to add flavor and texture to all kinds of food. Grilling is typically used to cook meat, fish, and vegetables, and it requires a certain level of skill to get the perfect result.

The Grilling Process

Grilling requires a few key steps to ensure that your dish comes out perfectly:

• Pick the right cuts of meat: Certain cuts of meat are better suited for grilling than others. Look for cuts that are tender and contain a little fat, like pork chops or sliced beef.

• Marinate your meat: Marinating your meat in a sweet or spicy sauce can help to add flavor and tenderize the meat.

• Preheat your grill: Preheat your grill to a high temperature before adding your food. This will help to ensure that your food cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the surface.

• Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your food to ensure that it is cooked to the right temperature.

The Secret to Perfect Grilling

The secret to perfect grilling is all in the sauce. A good sauce can add a sweet, smoky, or spicy flavor to your dish, and it can help to keep your meat tender and juicy. Some typical Asian sauces used in grilling include soy sauce, miso, and sweet and spicy chili sauce.

Grilling in Asian Cuisine

Grilling is a staple in many Asian cuisines, and it is used in a variety of dishes, including:

• Satay: Skewers of meat or vegetables that are marinated and grilled to perfection. Satay is a popular dish in Thai and Indonesian cuisine.

• Korean BBQ: A type of grilling that involves cooking meat, typically beef or pork, on a grill at the table. The meat is usually marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce and served with rice and pickled vegetables.

• Yakiniku: A Japanese style of grilling that involves cooking bite-sized pieces of meat, typically beef or chicken, on a grill at the table. The meat is usually served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Grilling for Vegetarians

Grilling isn’t just for meat-eaters. Vegetarians can also enjoy the delicious flavors of grilled vegetables and tofu. Some great vegetarian grilling options include:

• Grilled vegetables: Try grilling zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a flavorful and healthy side dish.

• Grilled tofu: Tofu can be marinated and grilled to create a flavorful and protein-packed dish.

The Best Cuts of Meat for Grilling

Some of the best cuts of meat for grilling include:

• Chicken: Chicken breasts and thighs are both great options for grilling. Just be sure to marinate the chicken beforehand to keep it tender and flavorful.

• Fish: Grilled fish is a healthy and flavorful option. Try grilling salmon or tilapia for a delicious and nutritious meal.

• Beef: Flank steak and sirloin are both great cuts of beef for grilling. Just be sure to slice the meat against the grain for a tender and flavorful dish.

Grilling: A True Art Form

Grilling is more than just cooking food on a hot surface. It is an art form that requires skill, patience, and a little bit of heart. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can learn to grill like a pro and create flavorful and tender dishes that are sure to impress. So fire up the grill, pick your favorite recipe, and get ready to enjoy the delicious flavors of perfectly grilled food.

The Chinese Grilled Pork Dishes You Need to Try: Siu Mei & Shaokao

Siu Mei, also known as Char Siu, is a popular grilled pork dish found in Chinese restaurants worldwide. It involves marinating pork in a mix of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and other spices before grilling it over an open flame. The result is a smoky, vibrant, and gloriously charred piece of meat that’s dripping with flavor. Siu Mei is typically served thinly sliced and topped with a sweet and spicy red sauce. Some common varieties of Siu Mei include:

• Siu Yuk: Roast pork belly
• Siu Lap: Roast duck
• Siu Ngap: Roast chicken
• Siu Jaap: Roast pork ribs

Shaokao: The Street Food Favorite

Shaokao, also known as Chinese barbecue, is a popular street food found in many cities in China. It involves skewering various types of meat, such as beef, lamb, and pork, and grilling them over charcoal ovens. The meat is heavily spiced with cumin powder, chilli powder, and other seasonings, giving it a strong and spicy flavor. Shaokao is typically served on wires or sticks and topped with sesame seeds and other toppings. Some common types of Shaokao include:

• Yangrou Chuan: Lamb skewers hailing from Northern China
• Rougan: Dried meat skewers
• Mutton skewers: Heavily spiced mutton skewers

Where to Find Siu Mei and Shaokao

Siu Mei and Shaokao can be found in many Chinese restaurants and street food vendors throughout Asia and the Western world. Siu Mei is a common item found in Chinese restaurant storefronts, while Shaokao is typically found in outdoor street markets. Some restaurants even have a special Siu Mei section on their menu, followed by other categories such as Bulgogi and Banchan. If you’re looking to try these dishes, make sure to keep an eye out for the following:

• Siu Mei: Look for a restaurant with a large Siu Mei display in the kitchen or on the table.
• Shaokao: Look for street vendors with charcoal ovens and skewered meats hanging on display.

The Sizzle of Yakiniku & Teppanyaki in Asian Cuisine

Yakiniku is a popular Japanese dish that originated in the Meiji Restoration period. Yakiniku means “grilled meat,” and it is a dish where diners choose from various types of meat and vegetables, which are then grilled on a small, open charcoal grill at the table. The process of preparing yakiniku is unique, as the chef finely chops the meat into small pieces with a suitable knife, skewers it, and serves it to the diners.

Here are some interesting facts about yakiniku:

• Yakiniku is often confused with hibachi, but they are two different things. Hibachi is a small, portable container that holds burning charcoal, while yakiniku is a small, open charcoal grill.
• Yakiniku sets usually come with a dipping sauce called tare, which is made from soy sauce, fruit, sesame, and other ingredients.
• Yakiniku is traditionally served with rice, noodles, and offal.
• The most famous yakiniku restaurant in Japan is believed to be Misano in Tokyo, which was opened in 1946 by Shigeji Fujioka.

Teppanyaki: The Performance of Grilling

Teppanyaki is another popular Japanese dish that involves grilling meat and vegetables on a heated plate. The word “teppanyaki” means “grilled on an iron plate,” and it is a dish that is cooked and served right in front of diners. Teppanyaki chefs are known for their impressive knife skills and entertaining performances, which often involve flipping and juggling food.

Here are some interesting facts about teppanyaki:

• Teppanyaki is a relatively recent invention, believed to have been invented in the 1940s by a chef named Shigeji Fujioka.
• Teppanyaki is often confused with hibachi, but they are two different things. Hibachi is a small, portable container that holds burning charcoal, while teppanyaki is a heated plate.
• Teppanyaki is a popular dish in restaurants all over the world, and it is often associated with Japanese steakhouse chains.
• Some of the most popular teppanyaki dishes include ayu fish, chargrilled with salt, and steak, broiled to perfection on a hot plate.
• Modern teppanyaki tables are often equipped with metal hoods to help contain smoke and fumes.
• Teppanyaki chefs use a variety of ingredients to prepare their dishes, including meat, vegetables, and noodles.
• Teppanyaki is often served with dipping sauces, such as soy sauce and sesame oil.

Bulgogi & Chadolbegi: Korean Grilled Beef Dishes

Bulgogi and Chadolbegi are two of the most popular grilled beef dishes in Korean cuisine. Bulgogi is thinly sliced beef that is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and other ingredients before being grilled. Chadolbegi, on the other hand, is a large, thinly sliced brisket that is grilled and served with a dipping sauce.

Discovering Mu Kratha & Gai Yang: Two Must-Try Grilled Dishes in Asian Cuisine

Mu Kratha and Gai Yang are two popular grilled dishes that originated in Thailand. Mu Kratha is a Thai-style barbecue that features a hot pot placed in the center of the grill, while Gai Yang is a grilled chicken dish that is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and other spices.

How are they prepared?

Preparing Mu Kratha involves placing a pot filled with broth, vegetables, and meat in the center of the grill, while sliced pork, beef, and seafood are placed around the pot to cook. Gai Yang, on the other hand, involves marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and other spices for at least an hour before grilling.

What are the key ingredients?

The key ingredients for Mu Kratha include sliced pork, beef, seafood, vegetables, and a broth made with a combination of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and other spices. For Gai Yang, the key ingredients are chicken, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and other spices.

What makes them special?

Mu Kratha’s unique feature is the hot pot in the center of the grill, which allows for a communal dining experience. Gai Yang’s special feature is the sweet and spicy dipping sauce, which adds an incredible flavor to the mouth-watering grilled chicken.

Can they be prepared in a vegetarian or vegan version?

For a vegetarian version of Mu Kratha, substitute the meat with tofu and vegetables. For a vegan version of Gai Yang, substitute the chicken with tofu or seitan and use a vegan-friendly soy sauce.

Any notes on preparing and storing?

When preparing Mu Kratha, make sure to cover the pot with a lid to prevent the broth from drying out. For Gai Yang, marinate the chicken for at least an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Leftover portions of both dishes can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.

Where can you find them?

Mu Kratha and Gai Yang can be found in many Thai restaurants around the world. For those who want to try making them at home, there are many recipes available online, including on Pinterest. When stocking up on ingredients, we recommend using a good brand of soy sauce and sugar to ensure the best flavor.

Satay & Ikan Bakar: A Flavorful Journey Through Asian Grilling

Satay and Ikan Bakar are two of the most popular grilled dishes in Asian cuisine. Satay is a type of grilled meat dish that originated in Indonesia and is now a staple in many Southeast Asian countries. It is typically made with pork or chicken, skewered and grilled over hot coals, and served with a spicy soy sauce. Ikan Bakar, on the other hand, is a grilled fish dish that is commonly found in Malaysia and Indonesia. The fish is usually marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, skewered, and grilled over an open flame.

What are the benefits of grilling?

Grilling is a popular cooking method all over the world, and for good reason. Here are some of the benefits of grilling:

• Grilling is a healthy cooking method that allows excess fat to drip away from the food.
• Grilling adds a smoky and charred flavor to the food, which is hard to replicate with other cooking methods.
• Grilling is a great way to cook meat and seafood, as it helps to keep the natural flavors and juices intact.
• Grilling is a fun and social way to cook, as it allows diners to gather around the grill and enjoy the performance of the cooking process.

Must-Try Asian Grilling and BBQ Recipes

Looking for a smoky and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a summer barbecue party? Look no further than Chinese grilled beef short ribs. This dish uses a typical Chinese marinade of soy sauce, sugar, and rice wine, plus a secret ingredient: miso paste. The result is a sticky and sweet beef that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve with some pickled vegetables and cool rice for the perfect meal.

Korean BBQ Skewers

Korean BBQ, or bulgogi, is a staple of Korean cuisine. But have you ever thought about making it into skewers? This dish offers all the flavor of traditional Korean BBQ, but in a more portable and easy-to-cook form. Marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, these skewers are perfect for grilling and serving as a snack or party food.

Thai Grilled Salmon with Lemongrass Salsa

For a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a summer barbecue, consider Thai grilled salmon with lemongrass salsa. The salmon is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and chili paste, then grilled to perfection. The lemongrass salsa adds a bright and zesty flavor that perfectly complements the fish. Serve with some cold beer and you’ll feel like you’re in Thailand.

Yakitori Chicken Skewers

Yakitori is a Japanese style of grilling where meat is skewered and cooked over charcoal. Chicken is a typical meat used in yakitori, and it’s marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that’s perfect for a summer barbecue. Serve with some grilled corn and potato for a heavenly meal.

Chinese Grilled Eggplant with Cumin Butter

For a vegetarian option that’s packed with flavor, try Chinese grilled eggplant with cumin butter. The eggplant is sliced and grilled until it’s tender and smoky, then topped with a mixture of cumin, chili, and butter. The result is a dish that’s both spicy and buttery, with a crispy surface and a soft interior. Serve with some cool rice and you have a perfect summer meal.

Filipino Chicken Inasal Burger

For a twist on the classic burger, try a Filipino chicken inasal burger. Inasal is a Filipino style of grilling where chicken is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, and spices. The chicken is then grilled until it’s perfectly tender and flavorful. Add some pickled vegetables and a sweet and spicy sauce for the perfect burger.

Japanese Grilled Asparagus with Miso Sauce

Asparagus is a great vegetable for grilling, and it’s even better when it’s served with a miso sauce. The asparagus is grilled until it’s slightly charred and smoky, then served with a sauce made from miso paste, sugar, and rice vinegar. The result is a dish that’s both sweet and savory, with a perfectly cooked vegetable that’s sure to please.

Thai Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter

Corn is a summer staple, and it’s even better when it’s grilled and served with a spicy butter. The corn is grilled until it’s slightly charred and smoky, then served with a butter made from chili paste, lime juice, and butter. The result is a dish that’s both sweet and spicy, with a perfectly cooked vegetable that’s sure to please.

Conclusion

So there you have it- a brief introduction to the art of grilling in Asian cuisine. 

It’s a great way to add flavor and texture to various types of food, from meat to vegetables. As with any cooking method, the secret to perfect grilling is to find the right cuts of meat, marinate them, and preheat the grill properly before cooking. 

I hope you’ve learned a thing or two about grilling and Asian cuisine today.

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Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.