Kal-Bi
Kal-Bi is a flavorful Korean-style marinated short rib dish featuring rich sesame, garlic, ginger, and sweet-savory soy-based marinade. Perfect for grilling enthusiasts and those craving bold, aromatic flavors, it offers tender, juicy meat with a delightful glaze after broiling over charcoal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine toasted sesame seeds with sesame seed oil, shoyu sauce, chopped green onions, crushed garlic, crushed ginger, brown sugar or honey, and ajinomoto in a bowl.
- Mix well to create the marinade.
- Marinate the short ribs in the refrigerator overnight.
- Broil the marinated meat over charcoal until cooked to desired doneness.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, allow the short ribs to marinate for at least 12 hours, preferably overnight. If you don't have shoyu sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. You can also use agave syrup in place of brown sugar or honey for a vegan option. Toasting sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor, so don't skip this step.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kal-Bi with steamed rice and a side of Quick Microwave Broccoli for a nutritious meal. It also pairs well with a refreshing Carrot Cabbage Slaw that complements the rich flavors of the ribs. For a complete dining experience, consider offering a light dessert like Apricot Sherbet after the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Kal-Bi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or broiler for the best results, as it will help maintain the meat's texture. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kal-Bi contains roughly 2132 calories, with 65g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 196g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (131% of the Daily Value), iron (124% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 32g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, while short ribs are traditional, you can use other cuts of beef such as flank steak or brisket. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may require varying times to achieve tenderness.
How can I make this dish less salty?
To reduce the saltiness, consider using low-sodium soy sauce or shoyu. Additionally, you can increase the quantity of brown sugar or honey to balance the flavors, or dilute the marinade with a bit of water before marinating the meat.
What is ajinomoto, and can I substitute it?
Ajinomoto is a brand name for monosodium glutamate (MSG), which enhances umami flavor. If you prefer not to use it, you can omit it entirely or use a small amount of soy sauce or a dash of salt to achieve a similar effect.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).