Cycle 17 – Item 196

Post 6,040

20 (Mon) July 2026

Taste Test: Hanwoo 1 Ribeye v USDA Choice Rib Fingers

3.0

by me

at home

-Oksu, Seongdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea-

with W and IZ

Contemplating which cut to grill for a simple “Korean BBQ” meal – both acquired on a recent Costco run –  I decided to try both and compare.

Both situated in the middle of their respective rating systems: Hanwoo 1++, 1+, 1, 2, 3 / USDA Prime, Choice, Select (Standard, Commercial, Utility, Cutter, and Canner are typically not available for purchase at the consumer level).

By appearance, the American beef appeared to have better marbling.  And in prior experiences, albeit velveted (see previously 17.081 Beef with Broccolini in Black Pepper Sauce), it had turned out very nice.

Unanimously, the Hanwoo won.  Way juicier, with cleaner flavor.

(See RESTAURANTS IN KOREA)

(See GLOBAL FOOD GLOSSARY)

(See HANSIK)

(See BOOZE)