Mouthwatering Korean Galbi BBQ Short Ribs Recipe

Korean galbi has transformed my understanding of barbecue with its magnetic blend of sweet and umami flavors.

Marinades from seoul kitchens carry deep culinary traditions that make meat sing with complex notes.

Cultural wisdom infuses each tender slice of short ribs with generations of passionate cooking techniques.

Unexpected ingredients like asian pear and soy sauce create magical chemical reactions during marination.

Succulent beef becomes a canvas for incredible flavor combinations that challenge typical grilling expectations.

Meat lovers and curious cooks will appreciate how these ribs deliver an authentic taste journey.

Fired-up grills and bold seasonings await you in this incredible korean culinary adventure.

What Makes Korean Galbi Short Ribs So Addictive

• Savor Authentic Korean Flavors: Dive into a culinary journey with this traditional Korean BBQ recipe that brings the rich, bold tastes of Korea right to your dinner table.
• Master Easy Marinating Technique: Discover a foolproof method of marinating that transforms tough short ribs into melt-in-your-mouth tender meat packed with incredible depth of flavor.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Enjoy the flexibility of grilling outdoors or cooking indoors on a skillet, making this recipe perfect for any cooking setup or weather condition.
• Impress Guests with Minimal Effort: Create a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes sophisticated, yet requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.

What You’ll Need for Korean BBQ Short Ribs

• Beef Short Ribs: Premium cuts of beef with rich marbling that create a tender and flavorful base for the Korean barbecue dish.

• Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar: Provide a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors that help tenderize and caramelize the meat.
• Garlic, Ginger: Classic Korean aromatics that add depth and authentic flavor to the marinade.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty and rich undertone characteristic of Korean cuisine.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Offer a fresh, crunchy texture and visual appeal to the finished dish.
• Kimchi, Rice, Cucumber Salad: Traditional Korean side dishes that complement the rich flavors of the grilled short ribs.

• Black Pepper, Salt: Enhance and balance the overall seasoning of the meat.

Cooking Sweet & Savory Korean Galbi at Home

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together all the marinade ingredients until they create a smooth, well-blended sauce. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings will infuse the meat with incredible depth and complexity.

Step 2: Coat the Beef in Deliciousness

Transfer the beef ribs into a large ziplock bag or glass container. Pour the prepared marinade over the meat, ensuring every single piece gets thoroughly coated.

Use your hands or a utensil to massage the marinade into the ribs, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 3: Let the Magic Happen

Cover the container and let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator for a full 24 hours.

This crucial waiting period allows the marinade to tenderize the meat and develop an intense, rich flavor profile that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your BBQ grill to high heat until it’s smoking hot.

Brush the grill grates with a light coat of oil to prevent sticking and create those beautiful grill marks.

Step 5: Sear to Perfection

Carefully place the marinated beef ribs on the hot grill.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a beautiful caramelized exterior. The meat will be well-done but incredibly tender thanks to the long marination process.

Step 6: Alternative Cooking Method

If grilling isn’t an option, heat a skillet with a touch of oil over high heat. Cook the beef pieces for approximately 2 minutes per side, achieving a similar caramelized finish.

Step 7: Rest and Relax

Remove the ribs from the heat and let them rest, lightly covered, for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle the ribs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal. Plate alongside classic Korean accompaniments like kimchi, steamed rice, and a refreshing cucumber salad.

Kitchen Tips for Korean Galbi BBQ Success

• Marinate the ribs overnight to maximize flavor absorption and ensure tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth.
• Pat the beef dry before grilling to help achieve a perfect caramelized exterior with beautiful char marks.
• Use high heat when cooking to lock in the marinade's sweet and savory flavors and create a delicious crispy crust.
• For gluten-free options, swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the authentic Korean taste profile.
• Let the meat rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains moist and packed with incredible flavor.

Delicious Spins on Classic Galbi Short Ribs

• Spicy Korean Galbi: Add gochujang or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a fiery kick that intensifies the flavor profile.
• Honey Garlic Galbi: Replace some sugar with honey and increase garlic for a sweeter, more aromatic version that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
• Citrus Korean Galbi: Incorporate orange juice or lemon zest into the marinade to brighten the meat's richness and add a tangy undertone.
• Slow Cooker Galbi: Adapt the recipe for a tender, hands-off approach by cooking the marinated ribs on low heat for 6-8 hours until meat falls off the bone.

Great Sides for Korean Galbi BBQ Short Ribs

• Sip Korean Soju Cocktail: Pair the rich, caramelized galbi with a chilled soju cocktail, blending traditional Korean spirit with fruity notes to cut through the meat's intense flavor.
• Match with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling that balances the marinade's saltiness and complements the beef's umami character with its bright, acidic undertones.
• Enhance with Banchan Variety: Surround the short ribs with traditional Korean side dishes like tangy kimchi, refreshing cucumber salad, and steamed rice to create a harmonious and textural dining experience.
• Create Bold Red Wine Pairing: Choose a robust Syrah or Malbec with smoky undertones that mirror the caramelized meat's deep, grilled flavors and stand up to the marinade's intense profile.

Leftover Tips for Korean Galbi BBQ Short Ribs

• Refrigerator Storage: Place leftover Korean galbi in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor intensity.
• Freezer Preservation: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date to track freshness.
• Microwave Reheating: Sprinkle a few drops of water over ribs, cover with damp paper towel, and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Oven Rewarming: Preheat oven to 350°F, place ribs in baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes.

Common Questions About Korean Galbi, Solved

• What makes Korean galbi different from other BBQ styles?

Korean galbi uses a sweet-savory marinade with soy sauce, garlic, and sugar, creating a unique caramelized exterior and tender meat that sets it apart from Western BBQ techniques.

• Can I use different types of beef for this recipe?

Short ribs are traditional, but you can substitute with beef chuck, ribeye, or sirloin. Just ensure the cut is relatively thin for proper marinating and quick cooking.

• How important is marinating time for this dish?

Marinating for 24 hours is crucial. It helps break down meat fibers, infuse deep flavor, and create that signature tender texture Korean BBQ is known for. Less time will reduce the meat’s tenderness and flavor intensity.

• Is this dish spicy or mild?

This galbi recipe is more sweet and savory than spicy.

Sweet & Savory Korean Galbi BBQ Marinated Short Ribs Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 24 hours, 6–12 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Korean Galbi BBQ short ribs deliver a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors that dance across your palate. Marinated in a rich soy-based sauce and grilled to caramelized perfection, you’ll savor an authentic taste of Seoul’s street food magic.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 kilogram (2 pounds) beef short ribs, Korean-style butterflied

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup onion, finely grated
• 1/4 cup nashi pear, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 2 teaspoons garlic, finely grated
• 2 teaspoons ginger, finely grated

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

1. Create a robust marinade by whisking all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly blended and smooth.
2. Transfer beef ribs into a spacious marinating container, ensuring each piece receives complete marinade coverage through gentle massaging.
3. Refrigerate the marinated meat for a full day, allowing complex flavors to penetrate deeply and tenderize the protein.
4. Heat outdoor grill to approximately 450°F, creating intense direct heat zones for optimal caramelization.
5. Place marinated ribs onto searing hot grill grates, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side to develop rich mahogany-colored exterior.
6. Monitor meat closely, rotating periodically to prevent burning while achieving consistent golden-brown crusting.
7. For indoor cooking, utilize heavy cast-iron skillet at high temperature with minimal oil, searing ribs until exterior develops deep amber coloration.
8. Allow cooked ribs to rest 5-7 minutes, enabling internal juices to redistribute and maintain maximum tenderness.
9. Garnish with delicate sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for enhanced visual appeal and aromatic complexity.
10. Serve immediately alongside traditional Korean accompaniments like kimchi, steamed rice, and refreshing cucumber salad.

Notes

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Letting the ribs sit in the marinade for a full 24 hours ensures deep penetration of sweet and savory Korean flavors, making the meat incredibly tender and delicious.
• Grill vs. Skillet Options: While a smoking hot BBQ grill provides authentic charred edges, a high-heat skillet works perfectly for those without outdoor grilling access, delivering equally mouth-watering results.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce with tamari, and use coconut aminos as a low-sodium alternative that maintains the rich umami profile of the original recipe.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with traditional Korean side dishes like kimchi and cucumber salad to create a complete meal that balances the rich, caramelized meat with fresh, crisp accompaniments.

• Prep Time: 24 hours
• Cook Time: 6–12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg