Discover American BBQ in Pyeongtaek at UJ Smokehouse
- Melissa Edwards-Whittington
- Dec 15, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 11
A Taste of Home: American BBQ in Pyeongtaek
Moving to Korea, one might not think that they would be able to enjoy American BBQ locally. Since Korea is known for its style of BBQ, you would not expect to find a smokehouse delivering all the smoky goodness of American BBQ. However, American BBQ has become more prevalent in Korea. In the past, to get that taste of home, you had to go to Seoul. However, Pyeongtaek offers quite a selection of multicultural feasts.
Being from the South, my husband and I have tried every local American-style BBQ joint in Pyeongtaek. We don't really get into the arguments over which state has the best style of BBQ. Living in Korea, we also learned to temper our expectations when we eat out. Therefore, finding a local restaurant that makes you feel like you are back home is a pleasant surprise.
Meet the Pitmaster: Chef DongGyu Lee’s Journey to Texas-Style BBQ
Stepping into UJ Smokehouse, the simple set-up with tables and booths is reminiscent of BBQ restaurants in the states. Decorating the walls are a Texas state flag, a United States flag, and a decorative Texas longhorn. It is a welcoming spot with indoor and outdoor seating available.
Nestled in Paengseong, UJ Smokehouse serves up Texas-style BBQ and sides. With meats deliciously smoked, this restaurant is an oasis for those in Pyeongtaek looking for a taste of American BBQ.
Chef DongGyu Lee has been cooking for his friends and family for over ten years before opening his location for UJ Smokehouse. His friends all say that his palate is perfect. He often can taste a dish and then make it. This ability came in handy when he decided to launch his restaurant.
Camping with his family is an activity that Chef Lee has always enjoyed. He often grilled meats for everyone to eat during these trips. Several years ago, while camping, he became interested in different ways of grilling meat for more flavor.
While visiting Geoje, Chef Lee ate at UJ Smokehouse there. After tasting their delicious smoked meats, he knew he wanted to learn these methods. So, he researched and learned more about grilling and smoking meats like American BBQ to open his restaurant.
Bringing the Smoke: Sourcing Equipment and Perfecting the Process
When working on his dishes, Chef Lee experiments until he finds just the right combination of flavors. For the Texas-style BBQ, he has worked to get his flavors right for the American palates because he wants them to feel like home. He often incorporates customer feedback regarding dishes to help keep his flavors on point.
Although it was challenging to find the right equipment for smoking the meats, Chef Lee was able to acquire what he needed. He had friends help him get the grills and smokers from the states. Once he had the equipment, he knew that he had to find good wood for smoking.
Flavor Matters: From Walnut and Cherry Wood to Prime Cuts
Texas BBQ usually uses oak, mesquite, hickory, or pecan for smoking. However, some of these woods are more challenging to source in Korea. Chef Lee decided to use walnut and cherry wood to smoke his meats. With these woods, he smokes deep flavors into the barbecue and hopes customers will enjoy the meats.
When learning how to smoke the meats properly, Chef Lee found it took work to get the right temperature for cooking the meat and achieving the smoke ring. Selecting the right cuts of meat can be challenging since meat is more expensive in Korea. Therefore, finding good cuts and offering affordable pricing can take time and effort. However, he serves prime-level meats and dishes produced and sold on the same day because the quality is essential.
Although Chef Lee has never been to the US, he wants his food to transport American customers back home. They should feel like they went to their local BBQ joint for a meal. Ultimately, he wants them to have a taste of home, which makes them less homesick while they live in Korea.
Southern Comfort: Sides and Dishes That Hit Home
His best-selling dishes are his brisket and smoked chicken. And many customers praise not only his delicious smoked meats but also his coleslaw and baked beans that remind them of home. Some customers have told Chef Lee that his side dishes taste just like what "Mama" makes back home.
Texas Chef James Canter says, "When I get the yearning for Texas-style comfort food and BBQ, it is nice to know that I can scratch that itch at UJs in Pyeongtaek."
Korean Customers Discover a New BBQ Experience
When Koreans first experience the Texas-style BBQ, Chef Lee says they often need clarification about the smoke ring on the meat. The red color gives the appearance that the meat is undercooked. Occasionally, he hears that the food is salty. However, after the second bite, they taste the flavorful and savory taste of the BBQ.
Also, some Koreans need to familiarize themselves with eating the dishes and look around for clues from other customers. Having never eaten American-style BBQ, they often feel confused about how best to enjoy it. When Koreans experience his cooking, Chef Lee hopes they will feel like they have traveled to the states and experienced another culture.
From Sosabeol to Anjeong-ri: The Story of UJ Smokehouse’s Growth
Chef Lee first opened UJ Smokehouse in September 2020 in the Sosabeol area of Pyeongtaek. However, in October 2022, he moved his location to Anjeong-ri outside of Camp Humphreys Pedestrian gate.
What’s on the Menu at UJ Smokehouse?
UJ Smokehouse offers pulled pork, brisket, pork belly, smoked chicken, pork spare ribs, and beef ribs. If customers want beef ribs, place the order a day in advance. Their side dishes include macaroni and cheese, baked beans, salad, coleslaw, french fries, mashed potatoes, and fried vegetables. Also, brisket fried rice is available.
During the week, they offer lunch platters (including meat-lover lunch platters for those who want fewer vegetables or side dishes). Lunch platters are not available on weekends and holidays. In addition, the menu includes three platter sizes to share.
Drinks: Craft Beer and Cocktails
The bar area has a great collection of alcohol. They have several whiskeys, wines, and cocktails available. Also, they carry local Korean craft beers from Gorilla Brewery, Ganadara Brewery, Jeju Beer, and Galmegi Brewing. Or you can grab a Corona or Heineken to enjoy with your meal.
Visit UJ Smokehouse: Location, Hours, and Contact Info
The restaurant is open for lunch on Mondays from 11:30 to 15:00 and lunch and dinner on Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 to 21:00 (break time is from 15:00 to 17:00 Tuesday through Friday, no break time on the weekend). In addition, UJ Smokehouse provides take-out and catering options. They are also available for parties or functions.
Address: 121 Anjeongsunhwan-ro, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do
Phone: 0507-1335-2720
Instagram: @ujsmoke.pt
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UJ SMOKEHOUSE
113-193 Anjeong-ri Paengseong-eup Pyeongtaek-si Gyeonggi-do
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