Galbi (갈비): Juicy and Flavorful Korean BBQ Short Ribs

Introduction

Galbi (갈비) is a classic Korean BBQ dish featuring tender beef short ribs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled to perfection. Known for its rich flavor and delicious caramelized crust, galbi is a favorite at Korean BBQ restaurants and is just as easy to make at home. The marinade, made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness from Asian pear or sugar, tenderizes the beef and infuses it with layers of flavor. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking on a stovetop, galbi is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love Galbi

  1. Tender and Juicy: The combination of a long marination time and the natural tenderness of beef short ribs makes galbi incredibly juicy and flavorful.

  2. Sweet and Savory Marinade: The soy sauce-based marinade, balanced with garlic, ginger, and sweet notes from pear or sugar, gives the beef a rich, complex taste that’s hard to resist.

  3. Perfect for Grilling: Whether on a grill or stovetop, galbi caramelizes beautifully, creating that smoky, charred flavor that Korean BBQ is known for.

  4. Great for Gatherings: Galbi is perfect for sharing, making it a fantastic option for BBQs, family meals, or entertaining guests.

How to Enjoy Galbi

  1. Serve with Lettuce Wraps: Galbi is often enjoyed wrapped in lettuce leaves, along with a dollop of ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce) and a bit of rice for the perfect bite.

  2. Pair with Banchan: Like all great Korean meals, galbi is best served with banchan—an array of Korean side dishes such as kimchi, pickled radishes, and other small vegetable dishes.

 

 

With its tender texture and rich, savory-sweet flavor, Galbi (갈비) is a must-try dish for anyone who loves Korean BBQ. Whether you’re making it for a weekend feast or a special occasion, galbi is sure to impress and satisfy. Give it a try and enjoy the authentic taste of Korean cuisine at home!

Galbi (갈비) – Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce

  • 1/4 cup sugar (or honey)

  • 1/4 cup rice wine (mirin)

  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger

  • 1/2 small onion, grated

  • 1 Asian pear (or Bosc pear), grated

  • 2 green onions, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Beef:

  • 2 pounds (900g) beef short ribs, cut flanken-style (across the bone, about 1/2 inch thick)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Short Ribs:

    • Rinse the beef short ribs under cold water to remove any bone fragments from cutting.

    • Soak the short ribs in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess blood. This step helps tenderize the meat. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

  2. Make the Marinade:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, sesame oil, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, grated onion, grated pear, green onions, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.

  3. Marinate the Ribs:

    • Add the short ribs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a large resealable plastic bag. Let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight, for maximum flavor.

  4. Grill the Galbi:

    • Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

    • Remove the ribs from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off.

    • Grill the short ribs for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until nicely caramelized and cooked through. The sugars in the marinade will give the meat a beautiful char, but be careful not to burn it.

  5. Serve:

    • Once the ribs are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter and garnish with extra chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

    • Serve the galbi with steamed rice, lettuce leaves for wrapping, and an array of banchan (Korean side dishes) such as kimchi or pickled vegetables.

Tips:

  • Tenderizing the Meat: The grated pear or Asian pear in the marinade helps to tenderize the meat and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the soy sauce and garlic.

  • Cooking Methods: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the short ribs on a grill pan or in a broiler. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

  • Vegetarian Option: Try the same marinade with portobello mushrooms or firm tofu for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

 

This Galbi recipe is perfect for Korean BBQ lovers, delivering juicy, flavorful, and tender ribs with a sweet-savory glaze. Pair it with rice, lettuce wraps, and a variety of Korean side dishes for a complete meal! Enjoy!