Kalbi(Korean-Style Barbecued Ribs)

Prep: 240 min Cuisine: Korean

Juicy, flavorful Korean-style barbecued ribs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for outdoor grilling or oven broiling, ideal for summer gatherings or family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 4 lb. short ribs
  • 1/4 cup shoyu
  • dash of pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
  • 1 Tbsp. honey
  • 1/2 tsp. minced ginger
  • 1 tsp. sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Combine shoyu, pepper, minced garlic, honey, minced ginger, and sesame oil to make a sauce.
  2. Marinate the short ribs in the sauce for 4 to 6 hours.
  3. Barbecue the ribs over coals in a hibachi or broil in the oven until cooked.

Tips & Substitutions

For an authentic flavor, use Korean soy sauce (ganjang) instead of regular shoyu. You can also add sliced green onions or a splash of rice wine for extra depth. If short ribs are unavailable, beef flanken cuts can be a good substitute. Marinating overnight enhances the flavor even more. Turn to Vegan recipes for plant-based alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Serve kalbi with steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables for a traditional Korean meal. It pairs beautifully with Garden Patch Salad for a fresh contrast. You can also offer dipping sauces like ssamjang for extra flavor. Consider adding a dessert like Sensational Spice Cake to round out your meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover kalbi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ribs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat on a grill for added flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Kalbi(Korean-Style Barbecued Ribs) contains roughly 170 calories, with 8g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (417% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

170 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.2g 16% DV
Total Fat 6.2g 8% DV
Carbs 26.5g 10% DV
Fiber 15.9g 57% DV
Sugar 9.9g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 334.2mg 15% DV
Potassium 1184.6mg 25% DV
Cholesterol 0.9mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 77.2mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 375.1mg 100% DV
Calcium 76.1mg 6% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Sesame

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 other types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pork ribs or even chicken wings as alternatives. Adjust the cooking time based on the meat's thickness. Make sure to marinate them in the same sauce for the best flavor.

What if I don't have a grill?

If you don't have a grill, you can broil the ribs in the oven. Place them on a broiler pan and cook on high for about 6-8 minutes per side, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

How can I make this dish less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, cut back on the honey or substitute it with a sugar alternative like agave syrup or a lower-sugar marinade. You can also balance the sweetness with more soy sauce and add a bit of vinegar for acidity.

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).

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