Juicy Galbi (Korean-Style Short Ribs) Recipe: Perfect BBQ Magic

Galbi sparks an irresistible culinary adventure that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of seoul.

Rich, succulent meat redefines into a mouthwatering masterpiece through a magical marinade blending sweet and savory notes.

Korean cuisine celebrates this beloved dish with techniques that elevate humble beef ribs into a gastronomic sensation.

Intense flavors develop from carefully balanced ingredients that sing with umami and depth.

Complex marinades infuse each tender morsel with layers of taste that dance across your palate.

Grilling caramelizes the exterior, creating a tantalizing crust that seals in incredible juiciness.

Weekend gatherings and special moments become extraordinary with this show-stopping centerpiece.

How to Get the Tender Charred Finish Just Right

Step 1: Prepare The Meat

Rinse short ribs thoroughly under cool running water. Soak the ribs in cold water for 1-3 hours to remove excess blood and impurities.

• 1 onion
• Scallion whites
• Garlic cloves
• Pineapple chunks
• Fresh ginger
• Water
• Soy sauce
• Sugar
• Mirin
• Sesame oil
• Black pepper

Blend all marinade ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Marinate The Ribs

Rinse the ribs again and pat completely dry with paper towels. Place ribs in a large container and pour marinade over them, ensuring full coverage. Refrigerate for 12-24 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 3: Grill And Serve

Heat grill to medium-high temperature. Cook ribs for approximately 2 minutes per side until browned and nicely charred. Let ribs rest for 2-3 minutes after grilling. Cut ribs between bones for serving.

• Chopped scallions
• Sesame seeds

Serve alongside steamed rice and fresh leafy vegetables for a complete Korean-style meal.

Tips for Marinating Like a Korean BBQ Master

• Soak Strategically: Rinsing and soaking ribs helps remove excess blood and tenderizes the meat, creating a more delicate texture.
• Blend Boldly: Use a powerful blender to create a smooth, well-integrated marinade that coats every inch of the ribs.
• Marinate Masterfully: Longer marination (up to 24 hours) allows deeper flavor penetration and ensures maximum tenderness.
• Grill with Precision: Medium-high heat is crucial for achieving that perfect caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
• Serve Smartly: Let ribs rest briefly after grilling to lock in juices, and pair with fresh scallions and rice for an authentic Korean dining experience.

Keep That Charred Flavor in the Fridge

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Store galbi short ribs for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping them sealed tightly to preserve moisture and flavor.
• Reheat ribs gently in the oven to prevent drying out. Preheat to 350°F, place ribs in a baking dish, add a splash of beef broth or water, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Avoid microwave reheating when possible, as it can toughen the meat and reduce tenderness. If using a microwave, use 50% power in short intervals, rotating and checking frequently to maintain the ribs' juicy texture and prevent overcooking.

Perfect Pairings for Korean Short Ribs

• Sip Korean Rice Wine: Pair galbi with crisp, slightly sweet makgeolli to complement the rich, caramelized meat flavors and cut through the marinade's intensity.
• Embrace Banchan Buddies: Serve with refreshing cucumber kimchi and pickled radishes to balance the savory grilled meat and provide a cool, tangy contrast.
• Craft a Bright Salad Companion: Create a light Asian slaw with thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing to add freshness and crunch alongside the tender short ribs.
• Pour Craft Beer Magic: Select a hoppy pale ale or amber beer with malty undertones that can stand up to the robust, sweet-savory marinade of the galbi.

Fusion Twists That Still Feel Authentic

• Beef Bulgogi Variation: Slice beef thinly instead of using short ribs, keeping the same marinade for a classic Korean barbecue experience. Quickly stir-fry the meat for faster cooking and serve over steamed rice.
• Oven-Baked Version: Replace grilling with oven roasting at 425°F, placing marinated ribs on a wire rack for even cooking. Brush with extra marinade during baking to enhance flavor and moisture.
• Spicy Korean Kick: Add gochujang (Korean red chili paste) to the original marinade for a fiery, tangy dimension. Include red pepper flakes for extra heat and complexity in the flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute short ribs with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, using the identical marinade ingredients. Press tofu to remove moisture before marinating and grilling for a plant-based Korean-inspired dish.

Why Galbi Brings Korean BBQ to Your Kitchen

• Revolutionize Your Grilling: Korean galbi transforms ordinary short ribs into a mouthwatering feast with its unique sweet-savory marinade that tenderizes and infuses incredible flavor into every bite.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Taste: This recipe requires simple preparation steps like blending marinade ingredients and basic grilling techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels while delivering restaurant-quality results.
• Nutrient-Packed Protein Powerhouse: Each serving delivers a substantial 42g of protein, packed with rich flavors and balanced nutrition that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients for muscle recovery and energy.
• Cultural Culinary Adventure: Experience authentic Korean cuisine through a classic dish that brings vibrant flavors, combines traditional marinating techniques with modern grilling methods, and offers a delightful sensory journey on your plate.

What You’ll Need for Those Bold Short Ribs

• Short Ribs: Tender beef cut with bones that provides rich flavor and juicy texture, best when well-marbled and fresh from a butcher.

• Onion, Scallion Whites, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that create a deep, savory flavor profile for the marinade.
• Pineapple: Natural tenderizer that adds sweetness and helps break down meat fibers.
• Ginger: Adds warm, spicy undertone and helps tenderize the meat.

• Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and umami depth, choose traditionally brewed Korean or Japanese style.
• Water: Helps to blend marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Sugar: Balances flavors and helps create caramelization during grilling.
• Mirin: Sweet rice wine that adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty, rich Korean flavor, use toasted variety for best results.

• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and enhances overall seasoning.
• Scallions: Fresh green garnish that provides a sharp, clean flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch and traditional Korean garnish element.

Galbi (Korean-Style Short Ribs) Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Galbi brings Korean barbecue magic to home kitchens with tender, caramelized short ribs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. Sizzling directly from grill to plate, these ribs promise a delicious journey through Seoul’s rich culinary traditions you’ll savor with every memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) flanken-style bone-in beef short ribs, thinly sliced (about ½ inch thick)

Aromatics and Fresh Ingredients:

• ½ medium yellow onion
• 2 medium scallions
• 4 cloves garlic

Marinade and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup (237 milliliters) soy sauce
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) mirin
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) crushed pineapple in 100% juice (from half an 8-ounce can)
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (237 + 30 milliliters) water, with more if needed
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) toasted sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Garnish:

• Toasted white sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse beef short ribs under cool running water, then immerse in cold water for 1-3 hours to remove excess blood and tenderize the meat.
2. Create a robust marinade by blending whole onion, scallion white portions, fresh garlic cloves, ripe pineapple chunks, minced ginger root, water, and premium soy sauce until smooth and consistent.
3. Incorporate granulated sugar, sweet mirin rice wine, aromatic sesame oil, and freshly ground black pepper into the marinade, whisking to combine all flavors uniformly.
4. Rinse the short ribs once more under cool water, carefully pat completely dry using paper towels to ensure optimal marinade absorption.
5. Submerge the ribs entirely in the prepared marinade, covering each piece completely, and refrigerate for 12-24 hours to allow deep flavor penetration.
6. Preheat grill to medium-high temperature (approximately 400-450°F or 204-232°C), ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
7. Place marinated short ribs on hot grill, cooking approximately 2 minutes per side until exterior develops a rich caramelized brown crust and reaches desired internal temperature.
8. Allow grilled ribs to rest for 2-3 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
9. Skillfully slice ribs between bone sections, creating individual portions.
10. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh scallion greens and toasted sesame seeds.
11. Serve immediately alongside steamed white rice and crisp leafy vegetables for a complete Korean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Soak ribs in cold water to remove excess blood, ensuring a cleaner flavor and more tender meat.
• Blend traditional Korean marinade ingredients like onion, garlic, and pineapple to create a deeply flavorful and tenderizing sauce.
• Marinate ribs overnight to allow complex flavors to penetrate deeply, transforming tough meat into a mouthwatering delicacy.
• Grill ribs quickly over high heat to achieve beautiful caramelization and a perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Serve immediately with fresh scallion garnish and toasted sesame seeds for an authentic Korean barbecue experience that brings everyone together.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600 kcal
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 140mg