Marinated Short Ribs
Galbi, meaning "ribs" in Korean, is a quintessential dish that showcases the bold and savory flavors of Korean BBQ. Traditionally made with marinated beef short ribs, galbi can also be prepared with pork for a slightly different but equally delicious twist.
The marinade—a harmonious mix of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil—infuses the meat with a sweet and savory richness that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. Known for its tender, juicy texture and irresistible flavor, galbi has become a centerpiece of Korean BBQ culture, perfect for both special occasions and casual gatherings.
Whether grilled outdoors over an open flame or cooked on a stovetop grill pan, galbi promises a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Pair it with steamed rice and a variety of banchan (side dishes) for a true taste of Korea’s vibrant food culture. It's a dish that’s sure to impress any BBQ lover!
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
For the Ribs:
Suggested Banchan (Side Dishes):
Cabbage Kimchi (Baechu Kimchi)
Seasoned Bean Sprouts (Kongnamul Muchim)
Soy-and-Sesame Spinach (Sigeumchi Muchim)
Pickled Radish (Musaengchae)
Toasted Seaweed (Gim)
Steamed Rice
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, rice wine or mirin, water, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated onion, grated Asian pear (if using), honey or corn syrup, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Mix well until the sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well incorporated.
Marinate the Ribs:
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Add the beef short ribs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
Grill the Ribs:
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Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the ribs from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid.
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Grill the ribs for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely charred and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Serve:
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Transfer the grilled ribs to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot with a variety of banchan (side dishes) and steamed rice. Enjoy wrapping the ribs in lettuce leaves with a bit of dipping sauce for the full Korean BBQ experience.
Maricel's Tips
- For a bit more depth and a slight kick in your marinade, try adding a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean red chili paste).
- If you’re short on time, give your meat at least 30 minutes in the marinade to soak up the flavors or check out the pre-marinated galbi or other meats at your local Korean grocer—it’s a great option for a delicious, no-fuss dinner
