How Many Calories Are in Yuk Gae Jang?

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for a single serving of Yuk Gae Jang can vary dramatically, ranging anywhere from approximately 111 kcal to over 400 kcal, depending on preparation method and serving size. This beloved Korean spicy beef soup is packed with flavor, but its nutritional profile is far from uniform across different versions.

Quick Summary

A serving of Yuk Gae Jang can have a wide range of calories, influenced by ingredients like beef fat content, vegetable-to-meat ratio, and the preparation method. Homemade versions allow for greater control over nutrition, while restaurant meals may contain more fat and sodium. The dish is a good source of protein and vitamins.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: Calorie content for Yuk Gae Jang varies widely (111-450+ kcal per serving) based on specific ingredients and preparation.
Homemade vs. Restaurant: Homemade versions offer better control over fat and sodium levels, allowing for a lower-calorie, leaner meal.
Lean Beef and Vegetables: Using a lean cut of beef and increasing the amount of low-calorie vegetables like mushrooms and bean sprouts can significantly lower the dish's calorie count.
Oil and Sodium Control: Reducing the use of sesame oil and choosing low-sodium sauces are effective strategies for creating a healthier soup.
Protein and Fiber Rich: Despite caloric differences, Yuk Gae Jang is generally a good source of protein, fiber, and micronutrients like iron and potassium.
Satiating and Comforting: The hearty, spicy nature of the soup can be very satisfying and is traditionally considered nutritious comfort food in Korea.

Understanding the Calorie Differences in Yuk Gae Jang

Determining exactly how many calories are in Yuk Gae Jang can be tricky because the ingredients and proportions can vary significantly. Factors such as the cut of beef, the amount of sesame oil used, and the quantity of vegetables all play a role in the final calorie count. For example, one source reports a 250-gram serving of Yuk Gae Jang with 111 calories, while another specifies a 447-calorie count for a version with vegetables. This wide discrepancy highlights the importance of considering the specific recipe and preparation method when assessing the nutritional information.

Homemade vs. Restaurant Versions

When you make Yuk Gae Jang at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, which is the most effective way to manage the calorie and sodium content. Restaurants, on the other hand, often prioritize flavor richness, which can mean more oil and seasoning. A traditional restaurant preparation might use a higher-fat cut of beef or more oil to achieve a deeper flavor profile, driving up the overall calorie count.

For a leaner homemade version:
- Use a leaner cut of beef, such as brisket with the fat trimmed, and simmer it slowly.
- Skim off excess fat that rises to the top during the simmering process.
- Increase the ratio of low-calorie vegetables like bean sprouts, green onions, and mushrooms.
Restaurant-style preparation:
- Often features a richer broth with more rendered beef fat and sesame oil.
- Serving sizes can be generous, meaning a single bowl may contain a significant portion of your daily calorie and sodium intake.

Key Ingredients and Their Impact on Calories

Each ingredient contributes to the final nutritional makeup of Yuk Gae Jang. The primary components are beef, various vegetables, and the broth seasonings.

Beef: The type and amount of beef are major calorie factors. Leaner cuts like flank steak or brisket have less fat and fewer calories than fattier cuts. The protein in the beef is beneficial for building and repairing muscle tissue.
Vegetables: Vegetables such as gosari (fernbrake), mushrooms, and green onions add fiber, vitamins, and minerals with minimal calories. A higher vegetable-to-beef ratio can help reduce the overall calorie density of the dish.
Oil and Seasoning: The amount of sesame oil and chili powder used for the spicy paste directly impacts calorie content. Using less oil or a lighter hand with the chili can make a healthier, lower-calorie version.

Calorie Comparison: Yuk Gae Jang vs. Similar Soups


Soup Type	Approximate Calories per Serving	Key Calorie Sources	Nutritional Highlights
Yuk Gae Jang	150-450+	Beef fat, sesame oil, starch, and protein	High in protein, fiber, and micronutrients like potassium and iron
Kimchi Jjigae	200-350	Pork belly or tofu, kimchi, oil	Often features rich, pungent fermented flavors and is typically served with rice.
Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)	500-800+	Processed meats (sausage, spam), instant noodles	Very high in sodium and saturated fat due to processed ingredients.
Miso Soup	40-70	Tofu, miso paste, seaweed	Low-calorie, probiotic-rich, but can be high in sodium.

Customizing Your Yuk Gae Jang for a Healthier Profile

If you are watching your caloric intake, there are several ways to enjoy Yuk Gae Jang with less guilt. The soup’s composition is flexible, allowing for healthy modifications without sacrificing flavor.

Select a leaner beef: Opt for extra-lean brisket or flank steak and trim any visible fat before cooking. This simple step can drastically reduce saturated fat and calorie content.
Increase vegetable volume: Load your soup with more bean sprouts, mushrooms, and green onions. The added fiber and nutrients will increase satiety and lower the overall calorie density.
Mind the oil: Reduce the amount of sesame oil and other cooking oils used for sautéing the chili paste and beef. A little goes a long way for flavor.
Control sodium: While a restaurant version can be quite salty, you can control the sodium levels in your homemade soup by using low-sodium soy sauce or adjusting the amount of salt and soup soy sauce added.
Serve with a smaller portion of rice: Rice adds carbohydrates and calories. Pairing your soup with a smaller serving or opting for brown rice can be a healthier choice.

Conclusion: A Nutritious Meal with Mindful Preparation

While calorie counts for Yuk Gae Jang can vary widely, the soup's base ingredients—lean beef and assorted vegetables—offer substantial nutritional benefits. The rich, flavorful broth provides comfort, while the protein and fiber content offer satisfying sustenance. By preparing Yuk Gae Jang at home and being mindful of ingredient choices, you can easily create a version that is both delicious and aligned with your health goals. Whether you’re enjoying a restaurant-made bowl or a lighter homemade preparation, understanding the factors that influence its nutritional value empowers you to make informed decisions about your diet.

Visit a Korean kitchen blog for authentic Yuk Gae Jang recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a single serving of Yuk Gae Jang can range from approximately 150 kcal for a very lean homemade version to over 450 kcal for a richer, restaurant-style preparation.

Yes, serving Yuk Gae Jang with rice will increase the total calorie count. A single bowl of white rice typically adds around 200 calories, so consider a smaller portion for a lower-calorie meal.

Yuk Gae Jang can be a very nutritious meal. With lean beef, a high vegetable content, and proper portioning, it provides protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron. The healthiness largely depends on how it is prepared.

To reduce calories, use a lean cut of beef and trim all visible fat. Increase the amount of low-calorie vegetables like bean sprouts and mushrooms. You can also minimize the use of cooking oil and opt for low-sodium soy sauce.

The sodium content in Yuk Gae Jang can be high due to ingredients like soy sauce, Korean soup soy sauce, and salt used for seasoning. Restaurant versions may be particularly high in sodium to enhance flavor.

The main ingredients contributing calories are the beef (especially if it's a fattier cut), the cooking oils (like sesame oil), and any added carbohydrates from noodles or rice served with the soup.

Yes, a vegetarian version can be made by substituting the beef with ingredients like tofu or mushrooms and using a vegetable broth base, which would significantly reduce the calorie count. The absence of meat would also reduce fat and cholesterol.