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
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
Prep Aromatics
Trim the green onion, separating the white part from the green. Mince garlic, slice ginger, and quarter the onion.
Time: PT10M
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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






