Grilled Kalbi Flank Steak

Celebrating Father's Day was always a day to honor my dad with a home-cooked meal and maybe a new shirt. Not just any shirt, but one that was bright in colors - preferably royal blue. My dad always had this thing with new shirts; he insisted they be colorful to show he was young at heart.  The truth is that even with his colorful shirts, he was still a curmudgeon to most people who knew him. Unless, that is, you were a part of our family.  His family recognized he was a tough old curmudgeon on the outside, but fragile and broken on the inside. In other words, he was not that much different than the rest of us.

Growing up I learned that love can be expressed through the blood, sweat, and tears of a Tiger Dad who was adamant that his kids were going to go much further in life than he could ever have gone for himself. Life in our family has always been a generational relay where batons are passed between generations, and the next runner can hear the faint cheers of past ancestors reminding you of their sacrifices that got you this far. I am, in many respects, the fulfillment of his dream. I don't take for granted the path my parents paved so that I would have a better life.

How do you repay a man you literally owe your life to? When Dad was alive, all he ever wanted on Father's Day was to be with his children and grandchildren. We were his crown of glory. Surrounded by the people who loved him and sharing a home-cooked meal was his favorite Father's Day present. Now that he's gone I love thinking about all the Father's days we did celebrate.

In honor of my dad, I would like to share with you a simple and delicious Korean recipe for grilled Kalbi flank steak. The soy sauce-based marinade is a blend of sweet and garlic-flavored ingredients to make one of the best-tasting steaks a home cook can make at home effortlessly. Just in time for summer, too. Enjoy!