Korean Kalbi Jjim
Korean Kalbi Jjim is a rich and savory braised short rib dish, where beef short ribs are slow-cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender in a sweet and umami-packed sauce. The signature marinade typically combines soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and often Asian pear for natural sweetness and tenderization. It is a beloved Korean comfort food, often served as a celebratory main course.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in both protein from the beef and fat from the marbled short ribs, with a moderate amount of carbs from the sweeteners in the braising liquid. It provides significant iron, zinc, and B vitamins, but a single serving can be quite calorie-dense, often ranging from 600 to 800 calories depending on portion size and sauce richness.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 25 g |
| Fat | 35 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
| Potassium | 600 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Zinc | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 4.5 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 10 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Phosphorus | 300 mg |
| Selenium | 35 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Kalbi Jjim is a quintessential 'gourmet' home-cooked meal in Korea, often prepared for special occasions like holidays or family gatherings. Nutritionally, the slow braising process helps break down tough connective tissue into gelatin, which can aid in nutrient absorption and gives the sauce its characteristic velvety texture.
