There’s something exciting about grilling your own steak. The sound of the sizzle, the smell of meat hitting the hot grill, and the moment when you slice into a perfectly cooked piece—it’s all part of the experience. And at places like NURI Grill & Bar, you get to enjoy this traditional Korean-style setup through the full Korean grilling experience at NURI.
If you’re new to grilling steak at the table or just want to learn how to do it better, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through the best way to grill steak, explain how it’s done at a Korean grill restaurant, and share tips to help you enjoy every bite.
Whether you’re a steak lover or simply curious, it all starts with one thing: learning the perfect steak grilling techniques.
What Makes Korean Grilling Special?
Korean barbecue is not just about the food—it’s also about the experience. You sit at a table with a built-in grill, choose your cuts of meat, and cook them yourself. It’s interactive, fun, and makes dining out feel more like a celebration.
At Nuri Grill & Bar, you can enjoy our talented staff grill a great steak right at your table. Here’s how you and our team can make the Korean grilling experience extra special:
Step 1: Choose the Right Cut
The first step in grilling a steak is picking the right cut of meat. In Korean BBQ, popular choices include:
- Ribeye – Juicy, rich, and full of flavour.
- Sirloin – A bit leaner, but still tender when cooked properly.
- Short rib (Galbi) – Marinated and sliced thin for quick grilling.
- Tenderloin – Soft and delicate, often best cooked rare or medium.
When you’re at Nuri Grill & Bar, don’t hesitate to ask the staff about the different cuts. They’ll guide you to what suits your taste and help you get the most out of the grilling experience.
Step 2: See the Grill Being Prepared
The grill will already be hot and ready when you’re seated, as our staff prepare everything in advance to ensure a smooth start. Korean grills are usually gas or charcoal-based, with the centre being the hottest and the edges slightly cooler. The heat variation can be used to your advantage:
- Thicker cuts are cooked in the centre first.
- Cuts are moved to the side to finish cooking gently.
- Use the edge of the grill to keep cooked pieces warm.
This simple heat control is expertly managed by our team—it helps prevent burning and ensures your steak stays juicy and full of flavour.
Step 3: Don’t Skip the Big Fat
Before placing the steak on the grill, it’s important to oil the surface to prevent sticking and to create those perfect grill marks. At Nuri Grill & Bar, we brush the hot grill with Prime Beef Tallow (fat), adding a layer of rich flavour while ensuring the meat cooks beautifully without sticking.
If the meat has a marinade, like soy sauce or garlic, be careful not to let it drip too much on the flame. Too much marinade can cause the grill to flare up, burning the outside of the steak before the inside is cooked.
Step 4: Know When to Flip
Flipping the steak at the right time is one of the most important steps in the best way to grill steak.
- Let one side cook without touching it for 1–2 minutes.
- You’ll know it’s ready to flip when it no longer sticks to the grill.
- Turn it over and repeat.
- For thinner cuts (like bulgogi or thin short rib), flipping more often is okay.
- For thicker steaks, stick to once or twice for the best texture.
Resist the urge to press the steak down with your tongs. It squeezes out the juices and makes the meat dry.
Step 5: Check the Doneness
Everyone likes their steak a little different. Some prefer it pink and juicy, others like it cooked all the way through. Here’s a simple way to tell:
- Rare: Red in the middle, very soft to touch.
- Medium: Pink in the centre, with a bit of bounce.
- Well Done: No pink, firm to touch.
Use tongs to gently press on the steak. Over time, you’ll get used to the feel. Or ask the friendly staff at Nuri to help—they’re happy to guide you.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Once the steak is cooked the way you like it, let it rest on the side of the grill for a minute. This lets the juices settle, keeping it tender.
After that, slice the steak into bite-sized pieces using the scissors provided. In Korean BBQ, steak is usually shared, so cutting it into small portions makes it easy for everyone at the table to enjoy.
Step 7: Enjoy It the Korean Way
In Korean dining, steak isn’t eaten alone—it’s paired with sides and sauces that make every bite exciting. At Nuri Grill & Bar, your grilled steak can be enjoyed with:
- Lettuce wraps (ssam) – Place the steak in a lettuce leaf with rice, garlic, and sauce.
- Gochujang – A slightly spicy chilli paste.
- Kimchi – Fermented vegetables for a tangy crunch.
- Pickled radish or cucumber – For a refreshing balance.
Mix and match. There’s no wrong way to do it. What matters most is enjoying the meal and sharing it with others.
Tips for a Great Grilling Experience
- Start with a clean grill – Keeps the flavours fresh.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill – Leave space so heat circulates evenly.
- Use tongs or chopsticks – Avoid piercing the meat with a fork, as it lets the juices escape.
- Ask for help if you’re unsure – At Nuri, staff are always ready to assist.
- Have fun – This is about more than just food. It’s about creating moments.
Final Thoughts
Grilling steak at a Korean barbecue is an experience like no other. You’re not just eating—you’re part of the process. From picking your cut to watching it sizzle on the grill and sharing it with loved ones, every step adds to the joy.
At Nuri Grill & Bar, the atmosphere is welcoming, the ingredients are fresh, and the process is simple enough for anyone to enjoy. And while you don’t have to grill the meat yourself—our skilled staff will do it for you—you’ll still get to enjoy the experience of seeing it grilled live, right at your table.
Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, you’ll find something special in the sizzle, the flavour, and the togetherness around the table.
If you’re searching for the best way to grill steak, this is it—fresh ingredients, proper heat, and a shared meal full of flavour and connection.
So next time you’re at Nuri, take your time. Watch the grill, laugh loudly, and enjoy every bite.
