Korean short ribs, also known as kalbi kui, are sweet and spicy ribs cooked until tender. In addition to its smoky, peppery taste, the Korean short rib distinguishes itself from other types of ribs because it is cut across the bone. The Korean short rib is a high-fat and high-sodium meat. Knowing the nutrition information may help you make adjustments to your diet to fit in these savory morsels of meat.
Calories
A 5-ounce portion of Korean short ribs on the bone contains 274 calories, making it a high-energy dense food. High-energy dense foods take more calories to help satisfy your appetite, which can make it more difficult for you to maintain a healthy weight.
Fat
Most of the calories in Korean short ribs -- about 72 percent -- come from their fat content. A 5-ounce serving contains 22 grams of total fat and 3 grams of saturated fat. In addition to being high in total fat, Korean short ribs are also high in saturated fat. High intakes of saturated fat raise blood cholesterol levels. For heart health, the American Heart Association recommends you limit your intake of total fat to 25 to 35 percent of calories, and saturated fat to less than 7 percent of total calories.
Protein and Carbohydrates
Despite being a cut of meat, Korean ribs are not that high in protein. A 5-ounce serving contains 11 grams of protein, or about 2 gram per ounce. Most cuts of meat contain about 7 grams of protein per ounce. The short ribs also contain some carbohydrates, with 8 grams in one serving. Both protein and carbohydrates are essential parts of your diet. Carbs should provide 45 to 65 percent of your daily calorie intake, and protein 10 to 35 percent.
Sodium
Korean short ribs are highly seasoned, which increases sodium content. One serving contains 640 milligrams of sodium. People with higher intakes of sodium also tend to have higher blood pressure, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. High blood pressure increases your risk of both heart disease and kidney disease. To improve your health and lower your risk, limit your intake of sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams a day.
References
- Epicurious; Grilled Korean-Style Short Ribs Recipe; July 2002
- Rice King: Korean Barbecue Ribs
- MayoClinic.com; Energy Density and Weight Loss: Feel Full on Fewer Calories; January 2011
- American Heart Association: Know Your Fats
- MayoClinic.com; Exchange List: Meat and Meat Substitutes; May 2010
- McKinley Health Center; Macronutrients: The Importance of Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fat; March 2008
- U.S. Department of Agriculture; Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010; Foods and Food Components to Reduce



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