How to make Kalbi Tang by c_bluesky
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There is this really good deli in Minnesota where all the staple Korean foods were soooo delicious. The first time I tried Kalbi Tang was in early winter, and this was very comforting. I went ahead and made it myself the following weekend.

I would describe this version as follows: tender short rib soup with squash and noodles - Korean Style. The picture shows you the finish presentation. You will need to shop for:

1 1/2 lbs. beef short ribs, cut into big bite-size squares between the bones
2 cups water; have extra to add later
2 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
1 teaspoon white ground pepper
1 teaspoon white miso (optional)
4 bunches bean thread vermicelli
2 zucchini squash or 1 chayote squash, peeled, and then sliced into 1/2-inch thick half moons
3 eggs, beaten with a fork
4 spring onions or scallions, white and green parts chopped 1/4-inch thick (discard roots)

Please note that the authentic Kalbi Tang uses daikon radish instead of squash and no broth but more water. Like I mentioned above, I made this version in the winter. Especially during winter, I try to find all ingredients in one store. I still love going to Asian grocery store, but I know I will not come out with just daikon radish when I get in.

 
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Step 1:

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1. Cooking beef short rib meat and making beef broth.

Use approximately 1.5 lbs of beef short rib, cut between bones into a size that fits your soup spoon or is comfortable to grip with your fingers or your chopsticks while eating. Season with 2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground white pepper, and if you like this: 1 teaspoon white miso. Add about two cups of chicken broth and two cups of water. This makes much tastier broth than adding just water.

I use my soup pot which is an enameled cast iron pot. Let the liquid boil on high heat, and then the meat will simmer on small heat, covered, until tender, at least 1 hour and up to three hours. It's really worth the time. If you don't want to wait, you may use a slow-cooker. Watch out for the liquid level. Add some more chicken broth when needed.

Let cool for 30 minutes. Skim the fat with either 8 sheets of paper towel or a soup spoon.
blasian says: Aug 22, 2009. 10:27 AM
Galbi tang does not have squash--it calls for Daikon Radish. Also, you do not put chicken stock in galbitang. The flavor from galbitang comes from boiling all of the umami tastes from the bone of the galbi. I'm sure this soup tastes good, but it is not galbi tang. I've included a link with an example of how to make authentic galbitang.

http://korean-cuisine.blogspot.com/2008/06/galbi-tang.html

c_bluesky (author) says: Sep 3, 2009. 10:03 PM
You are right! In the mid of winter in Minnesota, I certainly do not want to tread my way to an Asian grocery store to get daikon radish, so I went to the nearby grocery where I can get all the ingredients, including the pre-frozen beef. Unlike fresh meat, the pre-frozen kind needs the support from chicken broth, which is another good thing in winter. Thank you for the link.
lavothas says: Apr 6, 2009. 10:11 PM
nice instructable, a separate ingredient list at the start would be quite useful though.
c_bluesky (author) says: Apr 14, 2009. 7:22 PM
Thank you for your feedback. I have added the list of ingredients into the introduction part. Please keep in mind that I try to make this instructable easier for cooks who do not go to an Asian grocery store on a regular basis.
lavothas says: Apr 14, 2009. 10:37 PM
great, thanks, makes deciphering what I need much easier now.
chefscotti says: Apr 14, 2009. 8:17 PM
I have had this soup at c_bluesky's hand and it is deceptively complex and wonderful in such a simple recipe. We are so lucky to be on the inside! You on the outside should do it and enjoy!!
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