Kalbi sauce is a classic Korean marinade that is traditionally used to flavor beef short ribs. But this versatile sauce also works magic on pork, infusing it with sweet salty umami deliciousness. With just a few simple ingredients, kalbi marinade can transform ordinary pork into something extraordinary.
In this article, I’ll explain how to use kalbi sauce to make succulent, flavorful pork dishes. We’ll cover how long to marinate, best pork cuts to use, cooking methods, and recipe ideas. Read on to learn the easy secret that turns pork into Korean barbecue at home with a kalbi marinade.
Kalbi Sauce Basics
Kalbi sauce has a short list of ingredients that pack a flavor punch
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- Sesame oil
- Rice wine (sake)
- Minced garlic
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
- Asian pear or kiwi
Combined, these ingredients create a lightly sweet, salty, nutty marinade that tenderizes and intensely seasons. A little goes a long way to turn ordinary pork into a Korean-style delicacy.
While kalbi sauce is traditionally paired with beef short ribs, it also works wonderfully as a marinade for pork. The savory sauce soaks into the pork, making it incredibly moist, tender, and full of flavor.
Almost any cut of pork tastes better bathed in kalbi marinade. Let’s look at how to put this Korean sauce to use for fantastic pork dishes.
Best Pork Cuts for Kalbi Marinade
Leaner cuts of pork that tend to dry out when cooked are the best candidates for kalbi sauce. The marinade keeps them juicy and impart flavor. Some top options include:
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Pork tenderloin – Very lean yet tender. Soaks up flavor beautifully.
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Pork loin chops – Also lean. Cut chops on the thicker side.
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Pork sirloin chops – Similar to loin chops. Opt for 1-inch thick.
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Pork loin roast – Kalbi sauce adds lots of flavor to lean roasts.
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Boneless country-style ribs – These small rib sections shine with kalbi flavors.
The key is choosing relatively lean cuts that can use the marinade’s tenderizing and moisturizing magic. Avoid fatty rib and shoulder cuts.
How Long to Marinate Pork in Kalbi Sauce
For best results, pork should marinate in kalbi sauce for a minimum of 4-6 hours. Marinating overnight or up to 2 days produces the most tender, well-seasoned meat.
Here are general marinating time guidelines:
- Overnight or 12-24 hours is ideal
- At least 4-6 hours for good flavor
- 1-3 hours in a pinch
- Never less than 1 hour
Longer marinating times allow the sauce to penetrate deeper into the pork. This tenderizes while imparting more flavor.
If marinating more than a few hours, store the pork and marinade together in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before cooking.
How to Cook Kalbi Marinated Pork
Kalbi sauce works great with various cooking methods for juicy, delicious pork dishes:
Grilling
The high heat of the grill nicely caramelizes the sugars in the kalbi sauce to form a lovely crust on the pork. Grill over direct medium-high heat, 5-7 minutes per side.
Baste frequently with reserved marinade while grilling. Thicker cuts may need more time. Grill until just cooked through, 145°F internally.
Broiling
Similarly to grilling, high heat from broiling causes the kalbi sauce to caramelize into a tasty glaze coating the pork. Position pork 5-6 inches under the broiler, cooking 5 minutes per side until done.
Pan Searing
In a very hot skillet, sear marinated pork 2-3 minutes per side to create browned exterior. Finish cooking in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
Baking / Roasting
For lean cuts like pork tenderloin or loin roast, bake kalbi marinated pork in a 350°F – 375°F oven. Check internal temp and roast to 145°F.
Braising / Stewing
For ribs or pork shoulder, braise chunks of pork in the kalbi sauce and aromatics until fork tender.
Stir-frying
Quickly stir-fry small slices of pork with veggies in a very hot wok or skillet after marinating.
No matter which cooking method you choose, the kalbi sauce delivers tender, flavorsome pork.
Fantastic Kalbi Marinated Pork Recipes
Beyond basic chops and roasts, kalbi sauce also shines in these more exciting pork dishes:
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Kalbi Pork Meatballs – Ground pork formed into balls, baked in kalbi sauce.
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Kalbi Pork Lettuce Wraps – With veggies and rice, wrapped in lettuce leaves.
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Kalbi Pork & Cabbage Dumplings – In homemade dumpling wrappers.
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Korean Pork Skewers – Kalbi pork threaded on skewers with peppers and onion.
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Kalbi Pork Sliders – On mini buns with spicy mayo.
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Kalbi Carnitas Tacos – Shredded pork tacos with kimchi and lime.
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Kalbi Pork Fried Rice – Tossed with veggies and egg.
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Kalbi Pork Banh Mi – Vietnamese sandwich with pickled veggies.
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Kalbi Pork Bulgogi – Famous Korean barbecue made with pork.
Mix up your kalbi pork routine by using the sauce in fun, inventive ways like these.
Handy Tips for Kalbi Pork Success
To get the most out of using kalbi sauce with pork, keep these tips in mind:
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Remove tough silverskin – Trim off this membrane so sauce penetrates better.
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Cut larger roasts in half – Maximizes surface area for marinade exposure.
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Reserve extra marinade – Use as a sauce or for basting while cooking.
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Blot dry before cooking – For better searing and caramelization.
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Use a meat thermometer – Cook pork to safe internal temp of 145°F.
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Let pork rest 5-10 minutes – Allows juices to redistribute after cooking.
Follow these tips and kalbi sauce will make your pork irresistibly delicious every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kalbi Pork
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using kalbi sauce with pork:
What’s the best cut of pork for kalbi marinade?
Leaner cuts like pork tenderloin, loin chops, sirloin chops, and boneless ribs work best. Avoid fatty ribs and shoulder.
Can I use kalbi sauce on chicken or beef too?
Absolutely! It makes a fantastic marinade for all kinds of meats.
Is it necessary to use Asian pear in the sauce?
While not 100% required, it does help tenderize. Substitute kiwi if needed.
Can I convert this to a kalbi pork BBQ sauce?
Yes, simmer marinade to a boil to safely use as a finising sauce to brush on pork.
Should I discard leftover marinade after marinating?
It’s not recommended to reuse marinade that touched raw pork due to bacteria concerns.
Can I prepare kalbi pork in my Instant Pot?
You could cook kalbi pork in the Instant Pot on the Saute setting then pressure cook briefly.
Take Pork to the Next Level with Kalbi
Adding kalbi marinade to your grilling and pork cooking routine brings an exciting Korean flair. The sweet, salty flavor never fails to make pork irresistible.
Whether using traditional cuts like chops and roasts or getting creative with kalbi pork sliders and more, the simple marinade guarantees you mouthwatering Korean-style pork.