Authentic Korean Short Ribs Galbi: Grilling Perfection in Every Bite

Authentic Korean Short Ribs: The Perfect Galbi Recipe You’ll Love

There’s nothing quite like the sweet and savory flavors of Korean short ribs, known traditionally as “galbi.” This beloved Korean dish features tender, marinated beef short ribs that are grilled to perfection, resulting in a mouthwatering meal that’s both impressive and surprisingly simple to prepare at home.

Why You’ll Love This Korean Galbi Recipe

These Korean-style beef short ribs are marinated in a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and Asian pear, creating the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. The marinade not only infuses the meat with incredible taste but also helps tenderize it, resulting in ribs that practically melt in your mouth.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply want to enjoy authentic Korean cuisine at home, this galbi recipe is guaranteed to impress!

What Are Korean Short Ribs?

Korean short ribs (galbi) are typically made with beef short ribs that are cut across the bone (known as “flanken style”). This unique cut allows the marinade to penetrate deeply and enables quick cooking while maintaining tenderness. In Korean cuisine, these ribs are traditionally grilled over charcoal but can also be prepared on a gas grill, stovetop grill pan, or even in the oven.

Ingredients for Perfect Korean BBQ Short Ribs

• 3 pounds beef short ribs, cut flanken style (across the bones)
• ¾ cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• ¼ cup rice wine (mirin)
• 1 Asian pear, peeled and finely grated
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl or ziplock bag for marinating
• Grill or grill pan
• Tongs for flipping the meat
• Small bowl for mixing marinade
• Cutting board and knife

How to Make Korean Short Ribs (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, grated Asian pear, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Place the short ribs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure all ribs are evenly coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but preferably overnight. Turn the ribs occasionally to ensure even marination.
4. When ready to cook, remove the ribs from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F).
6. Remove the ribs from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Don’t discard the marinade yet!
7. Grill the ribs for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. The thin-cut ribs will cook quickly, so watch them carefully.
8. While grilling, brush the ribs occasionally with the reserved marinade for the first few minutes of cooking to add extra flavor and moisture.
9. Once cooked, transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Expert Tips for the Best Korean Short Ribs

• Ask your butcher for “flanken-style” ribs – These are cut across the bones about ½ inch thick, which is traditional for Korean galbi.
• Don’t skip the Asian pear! – It contains natural enzymes that help tenderize the meat. If unavailable, you can substitute a ripe bosc pear or even kiwi.
• Longer marinating = better flavor – While 6 hours is sufficient, marinating overnight (or up to 24 hours) will result in the most flavorful and tender ribs.
• Watch the heat – Because these ribs are cut thin, they cook quickly and can burn easily. Keep a close eye on them while grilling.
• Let them rest – Allow the cooked ribs to rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Variations to Try

Spicy Korean Short Ribs: Add 1-2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade for a spicy kick.

Oven-Baked Galbi: No grill? Bake the marinated ribs on a lined baking sheet at 425°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Alternative Meats: This marinade works wonderfully with sliced ribeye (for bulgogi), chicken thighs, or even pork belly.

What to Serve with Korean Short Ribs

Complete your Korean feast with these traditional accompaniments:

• Banchan – Small side dishes like kimchi, seasoned spinach (sigeumchi namul), or pickled radish
• Steamed rice – Essential for soaking up all the delicious sauce
• Lettuce leaves – For wrapping the meat (ssam-style)
• Ssamjang – A spicy dipping sauce made from doenjang (soybean paste) and gochujang
• Japchae – Korean glass noodles with vegetables

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Make-Ahead: The marinade can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The ribs can be marinated up to 24 hours before cooking.

Storage: Leftover Korean short ribs can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Gently reheat in a covered skillet with a splash of water, or microwave on 70% power until just warmed through to prevent overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Short Ribs

What cut of meat is used for Korean short ribs?

Korean short ribs typically use beef short ribs cut “flanken style,” where the ribs are cut across the bones into thin strips about ½-inch thick. Ask your butcher specifically for this cut.

Can I make Korean short ribs without a grill?

Absolutely! You can cook them under the broiler (3-4 minutes per side), in a hot cast-iron skillet, or even bake them in the oven at 425°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What is a good substitute for Asian pear in galbi marinade?

If Asian pear is unavailable, you can substitute with a ripe Bosc pear, apple, kiwi, or even pineapple. All contain enzymes that help tenderize the meat.

Can I freeze the marinated short ribs?

Yes! You can freeze the marinated ribs for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

Perfect Your Korean BBQ Skills with Homemade Galbi

There’s something truly special about gathering around the grill with family and friends to enjoy the irresistible aroma and flavor of Korean short ribs. This galbi recipe brings authentic Korean BBQ right to your backyard, offering a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a seasoned fan, these tender, flavorful ribs are sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation.