When you hear the words Mongolian barbecue, you probably assume that this cuisine is all in the name- it must be a kind of barbecue they make in Mongolia, right? Interestingly, this tasty cuisine is neither Mongolian or a type of barbecue, but it sure is delicious. Here's our guide to Mongolian BBQ and where you can try it for yourself.
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What is Mongolian Style BBQ?
Mongolian barbecue is a stir fry dish in which meat and veggies are cooked on large, round iron griddles at high temperatures. This type of food was invented by Wu Zhaonan, a Taiwanese restaurateur and comedian. He had a street food stall in Taiwan, and named it Mongolian barbecue.
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His stall was incredibly popular, and as its fame grew, wealthy diplomats and businessmen began to frequent it. Because of a whirlwind of life events, from a flood that destroyed his stall to becoming a very successful comedian, he left the restaurant business. However, by then, his delectable Mongolian stir fry had caught the attention of the city, and a number of others began imitating his newly invented style of cooking.
The dish eventually spread to the west, where it was an instant hit. Now, we can find Mongolian BBQ almost anywhere in the world. This tasty all-you-can-eat meal involves thinly sliced veggies and meats, which are marinated in sauces and oils and then cooked on the griddle. You can enjoy them with noodles, rice or steamed buns.
How Does Mongolian BBQ Work?
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Although Mongolian BBQ can seem intimidating if you've never gone before, the concept is simple. You stack a plate with all the fresh vegetables, meats, and sauces your heart desires. There are typically a wide variety of veggies to choose from, like bell peppers, green onion, bog choy, and carrots. For the meat, you can choose from Mongolian beef, pork, lamb, turkey, and more. The sauces often include soy sauce, ginger, teriyaki, and other common Asian sauces.
Then, you bring your plate to the chef to cook. The chef cooks the meat and veggies quickly by constantly tossing them over the grill with long chopsticks. Some Mongolian BBQ chains will cook different foods in different parts of the grill, and others will cook them together.
When the chef is done cooking, the dish is transferred to a bowl and returned to the diner. Many chains allow multiple servings, so you can head back to the grill for seconds if you still have room.
Where to Eat Mongolian BBQ In the South
1. BD's Mongolian Grill- Many Locations
BD's Mongolian Grill is the place to go for make-your-own stir fry. Using fresh ingredients, this chain serves up classic Mongolian BBQ in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. You can find a BD's Mongolian Grill in many places throughout the country, and it's the perfect spot for a filling, flavorful Mongolian BBQ experience.
2. Khan Mongolian Grill- Warner Robins, GA
Kahn Mongolian Grill serves delectable Mongolian BBQ and Chinese food in Warner Robins, GA. Beloved for its fresh ingredients and welcoming atmosphere, this is the perfect place to eat if you're in the mood for flavorful Asian BBQ at a cheap price.
3. Genghis Grill- Many Locations
Genghis Grill is another chain that serves mouthwatering Mongolian BBQ throughout the south and midwest. This restaurant sets itself apart with its creative menu options like the Cajun bowl, Pad Thai Bowl, and a Mexican variation made with carne asada. Enjoy Mongolian BBQ in many different flavors at this tasty restaurant.
4. Khan Mongolian Grill- Warner Robins, GA
Kahn Mongolian Grill serves delectable Mongolian BBQ and Chinese food in Warner Robins, GA. Beloved for its fresh ingredients and welcoming atmosphere, this is the perfect place to eat if you're in the mood for flavorful Asian BBQ at a cheap price.
5. Khan Mongolian Grill- Lafayette, LA
Although this has the same name as the restaurant in Georgia, it is in fact it's own tasty BBQ spot! With appetizers like miso soup and a wide meat selection, this Mongolian BBQ restaurant is a great place to branch out from typical southern food and try something new.
READ MORE: 10 Best All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ Restaurants in the South
