I Asked Michelin Chefs to Make $20 Budget Meal

I Asked Michelin Chefs to Make $20 Budget Meal is a medium Korean recipe that serves 5. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Danny Kim on YouTube.

Prep: 45 min | Cook: 1 hr 15 min | Total: 2 hrs 20 min

Cost: $18.88 total, $3.78 per serving

Ingredients

  • 300 g Beef Shank (cut into 2‑3 inch pieces)
  • 500 g Beef Bones (marrow) (frozen, untrimmed)
  • 1 large Green Onion (white and green parts separated)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 inch Ginger (peeled and sliced)
  • 1 small Onion (peeled and quartered)
  • 1 tsp Salt (kosher salt)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 cups Cooked Rice (leftover short‑grain rice, cold)
  • 1 each Egg (soft boiled, optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Defrost and Rinse Bones

    Place frozen beef bones in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes, then rinse under cold running water to remove any blood and surface impurities.

    Time: PT30M

  2. Prep Aromatics

    Trim the green onion, separating the white part from the green. Mince garlic, slice ginger, and quarter the onion.

    Time: PT10M

  3. First Blanch (Scum Removal)

    In a large stockpot, add the beef bones and shank, cover with cold water, bring to a rapid boil for 2 minutes, then discard the water and rinse the meat and bones.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 100°C

  4. Second Blanch for Clarity

    Refill the pot with fresh cold water, add the bones and shank again, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 30 minutes, skimming any foam that rises.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 90°C

  5. Pressure Cook Beef Shank

    Transfer the shank (with a cup of water) to a pressure cooker, seal, and cook on low pressure for 45 minutes. Allow natural pressure release.

    Time: PT45M

  6. Simmer Bone Broth

    Keep the bones simmering on low heat for an additional 30 minutes while the shank cooks, allowing flavors to meld.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 80°C

  7. Strain and Clarify Broth

    Remove bones and meat, then strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot. Press gently to extract maximum liquid.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Shred Beef and Return to Soup

    Remove the cooked shank, shred the meat into bite‑size pieces, and return it to the strained broth. Add black pepper and salt to taste.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Warm Rice and Garnish (Toyong Method)

    Place the cold leftover rice in serving bowls. Pour hot broth over the rice, allowing it to heat gently and absorb flavor. Top with sliced green onion greens, optional soft‑boiled egg, and a drizzle of sesame oil.

    Time: PT10M

  10. Plate and Serve

    Ladle the soup, rice, and beef into bowls, ensuring each serving has broth, rice, and meat. Serve hot.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
8g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Can be made vegetarian by omitting meat and using vegetable broth

Allergens: Egg

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Instead of Beef Shank: Chuck roast, Short ribs
  • Instead of Beef Bones (marrow): Oxtail bones, Chicken bones
  • Instead of Green Onion: Scallions
  • Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
  • Instead of Ginger: Ground ginger
  • Instead of Onion: Shallot
  • Instead of Salt: Sea salt
  • Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
  • Instead of Cooked Rice: Quinoa
  • Instead of Egg: Tofu

Equipment Needed

  • Large Stockpot
  • Pressure Cooker
  • Fine Mesh Sieve
  • Chef’s Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Bowls for Rinsing
  • Ladle or Soup Spoon
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Kitchen Timer
  • Heat‑Resistant Gloves

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

  • Defrost and rinse bones
  • First blanch to remove scum
  • Pressure cook beef shank
  • Strain and clarify broth

Chef Tips from the Video

  • Select beef shank with visible marbling; it adds richness without extra cost.
  • Rinse bones under cold water multiple times to eliminate blood and impurities.
  • Use the toyong method (pouring hot broth over cold rice) for a sweeter, fluffier rice texture.

Troubleshooting

Broth is cloudy

Ensure thorough blanching and skimming of foam. Perform a second blanch or strain twice through a cheesecloth.

Beef shank is tough

Check pressure cooker seal and cooking time; increase pressure cooking by 10‑15 minutes or ensure natural pressure release.

Soup tastes bland

Adjust seasoning after straining; add a pinch more salt and freshly ground pepper. A splash of soy sauce can deepen umami.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store broth in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze broth in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months.

Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; cool quickly and refrigerate.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Broth can be made up to 2 days ahead; reheat gently before serving.
  • Shred the cooked beef and store separately; combine just before serving.
  • Cold rice can be prepared in advance; keep refrigerated and add to hot broth when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cultural significance and history of Naeji Guk in Korean cuisine?

Naeji Guk is a traditional Korean beef soup that originated as a humble, nourishing dish for farmers and laborers. It showcases the Korean emphasis on clear, flavorful broths made from bones and modest cuts of meat, embodying comfort and resourcefulness.

What are the traditional regional variations of Naeji Guk in Korean cuisine?

In the northern provinces, Naeji Guk often includes barley or millet for added heartiness, while southern versions may add gochujang for a subtle heat. Some regions garnish with perilla leaves or toasted sesame seeds for extra aroma.

How is Naeji Guk authentically served in Korea?

Authentic Naeji Guk is served hot in a shallow bowl with a side of steamed short‑grain rice, kimchi, and a small dish of ssamjang. The green onion greens are added just before eating for freshness.

What occasions or celebrations is Naeji Guk traditionally associated with in Korean culture?

Naeji Guk is commonly enjoyed during the colder months, on family gatherings, and as a restorative dish after holidays like Chuseok. It is also served to guests recovering from illness because of its gentle, nourishing qualities.

What makes Naeji Guk special or unique in Korean cuisine?

The dish stands out for its crystal‑clear broth achieved through careful blanching and skimming, and for using inexpensive cuts like beef shank while delivering deep umami from marrow bones. This balance of simplicity and depth reflects Korean culinary ingenuity.

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Naeji Guk at home?

Common errors include adding salt too early (which clouds the broth), boiling the bones vigorously (causing cloudiness), and skipping the double blanch. Also, under‑cooking the shank will result in tough meat.

Why does this Naeji Guk recipe use a pressure cooker for the beef shank instead of a traditional long simmer?

The pressure cooker dramatically reduces cooking time while still extracting collagen and flavor, giving the shank a melt‑in‑the‑mouth texture without the several‑hour simmer required in classic methods.

Can I make Naeji Guk ahead of time and how should I store it?

Yes, you can prepare the broth a day ahead. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days, and reheat gently before adding the rice and garnish. The shank can be shredded and stored separately.

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Naeji Guk?

The broth should be clear amber with no cloudiness, and the beef shank should be fork‑tender, easily pulling apart. The rice should be fluffy, and the green onion garnish should retain a bright green color.

How do I know when Naeji Guk is done cooking?

The broth is done when it has a clean, slightly sweet aroma and the bones have released their gelatin. The shank is done when it can be shredded with a fork and feels tender throughout.

What does the YouTube channel Danny Kim specialize in?

The YouTube channel Danny Kim focuses on budget‑friendly, high‑quality cooking tutorials, often featuring collaborations with Michelin‑starred chefs to show how to create restaurant‑level dishes at home for under $20.

How does the YouTube channel Danny Kim's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

Danny Kim emphasizes cost‑efficiency and technique, breaking down expensive‑looking dishes into affordable ingredients while still teaching professional methods like proper bone blanching and pressure‑cooking, unlike many channels that focus solely on traditional recipes without budget considerations.

Last updated: August 21, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

I Asked Michelin Chefs to Make $20 Budget Meal

Recipe by Danny Kim

Learn how Michelin‑starred Chef Shim creates a clear, beefy Korean soup called Naeji Guk using only $20 worth of ingredients. This budget‑friendly, restaurant‑quality broth combines beef shank, marrow bones, and aromatic vegetables, served over rice and garnished with green onion and optional egg.

MediumKoreanServes 5

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
50m
Prep
2h 10m
Cook
22m
Cleanup
3h 22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.88
Total cost
$3.78
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Defrost and rinse bones
  • First blanch to remove scum
  • Pressure cook beef shank
  • Strain and clarify broth

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw beef with clean hands and sanitize surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use heat‑resistant gloves when handling the hot pressure cooker.
  • Release pressure according to manufacturer instructions to prevent steam burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Naeji Guk in Korean cuisine?

A

Naeji Guk is a traditional Korean beef soup that originated as a humble, nourishing dish for farmers and laborers. It showcases the Korean emphasis on clear, flavorful broths made from bones and modest cuts of meat, embodying comfort and resourcefulness.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Naeji Guk in Korean cuisine?

A

In the northern provinces, Naeji Guk often includes barley or millet for added heartiness, while southern versions may add gochujang for a subtle heat. Some regions garnish with perilla leaves or toasted sesame seeds for extra aroma.

cultural
Q

How is Naeji Guk authentically served in Korea?

A

Authentic Naeji Guk is served hot in a shallow bowl with a side of steamed short‑grain rice, kimchi, and a small dish of ssamjang. The green onion greens are added just before eating for freshness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Naeji Guk traditionally associated with in Korean culture?

A

Naeji Guk is commonly enjoyed during the colder months, on family gatherings, and as a restorative dish after holidays like Chuseok. It is also served to guests recovering from illness because of its gentle, nourishing qualities.

cultural
Q

What makes Naeji Guk special or unique in Korean cuisine?

A

The dish stands out for its crystal‑clear broth achieved through careful blanching and skimming, and for using inexpensive cuts like beef shank while delivering deep umami from marrow bones. This balance of simplicity and depth reflects Korean culinary ingenuity.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Naeji Guk at home?

A

Common errors include adding salt too early (which clouds the broth), boiling the bones vigorously (causing cloudiness), and skipping the double blanch. Also, under‑cooking the shank will result in tough meat.

technical
Q

Why does this Naeji Guk recipe use a pressure cooker for the beef shank instead of a traditional long simmer?

A

The pressure cooker dramatically reduces cooking time while still extracting collagen and flavor, giving the shank a melt‑in‑the‑mouth texture without the several‑hour simmer required in classic methods.

technical
Q

Can I make Naeji Guk ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the broth a day ahead. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days, and reheat gently before adding the rice and garnish. The shank can be shredded and stored separately.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Naeji Guk?

A

The broth should be clear amber with no cloudiness, and the beef shank should be fork‑tender, easily pulling apart. The rice should be fluffy, and the green onion garnish should retain a bright green color.

technical
Q

How do I know when Naeji Guk is done cooking?

A

The broth is done when it has a clean, slightly sweet aroma and the bones have released their gelatin. The shank is done when it can be shredded with a fork and feels tender throughout.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Danny Kim specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Danny Kim focuses on budget‑friendly, high‑quality cooking tutorials, often featuring collaborations with Michelin‑starred chefs to show how to create restaurant‑level dishes at home for under $20.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Danny Kim's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

A

Danny Kim emphasizes cost‑efficiency and technique, breaking down expensive‑looking dishes into affordable ingredients while still teaching professional methods like proper bone blanching and pressure‑cooking, unlike many channels that focus solely on traditional recipes without budget considerations.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Tandoori Chicken Wraps Budget Friendly Meal Prep
27

Tandoori Chicken Wraps Budget Friendly Meal Prep

A nutritious, high‑protein Indian‑inspired wrap featuring marinated tandoori chicken, a tangy cucumber‑yogurt sauce, and fresh veggies, all rolled in a protein‑rich tortilla. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that’s flavorful and packed with macros.

1 hr 7 minServes 4$25
Indian
7 Interesting Ways Michelin Chefs Cook Steak
24

7 Interesting Ways Michelin Chefs Cook Steak

A gourmet steak recipe inspired by Michelin‑starred Chef Jeremiah, featuring a ribeye charred over hot coals and brushed with a warm beef‑fat vinaigrette made from the trimmed fat and aromatics. The technique delivers a smoky, crispy exterior and a juicy medium‑rare interior.

1 hr 10 minServes 2$51
American
How to make 10 Tasty Meals on a budget 🤝💵
31

How to make 10 Tasty Meals on a budget 🤝💵

A cheap, high‑protein chicken stir‑fry that makes ten ready‑to‑eat meals for about $23 total. Simple ingredients, quick cooking, and perfect for meal‑prep beginners.

55 minServes 10$32
Asian (Stir‑Fry)
Simple High Protein Meal Prep on a Budget **Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner under £20**
20

Simple High Protein Meal Prep on a Budget **Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner under £20**

A three‑meal, five‑day meal‑prep plan that covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a budget. Includes creamy overnight oats, sticky honey‑soy chicken with rice and broccoli, and a rich creamy meatball sauce with peas. All ingredients are sourced from Aldi and the recipes are designed for easy preparation, storage, and reheating.

2 hrs 25 minServes 5$61
American Fusion
The Best Canned Corned Beef Recipes - Shelf Stable, Year Round Budget Friendly Meals
21

The Best Canned Corned Beef Recipes - Shelf Stable, Year Round Budget Friendly Meals

A budget-friendly, one‑pan Asian‑style stir fry featuring canned corn beef, crisp cabbage, carrots, and green beans, served over rice. Perfect for quick weeknight meals using shelf‑stable ingredients.

55 minServes 4$4
American
I Asked Michelin Chefs How They Cook Chicken Thigh
20

I Asked Michelin Chefs How They Cook Chicken Thigh

A crispy, juicy fried chicken thigh recipe inspired by Harlem street food. The thighs are brined for three days, coated in a seasoned flour‑cornmeal mix, and double‑fried for ultimate crunch. Serve as a sandwich, with collard greens, or on its own.

43 minServes 4$8
American (Harlem)