Description
Galbi, or Korean BBQ short ribs, is a beloved Korean dish featuring marinated beef ribs that are rich in flavor and tender in texture. The ribs are soaked in a sweet and savory marinade made from Korean pear, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar, which not only imparts a depth of flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. After marinating for at least 4 hours, the ribs are pan-seared to achieve a beautiful caramelized crust. Served traditionally with garnishes like green onions, toasted sesame seeds, kimchi, lettuce, and white rice, this dish is perfect for dinner or lunch and brings the authentic taste of Korean barbecue right to your table.
Ingredients
Beef
- 3 lbs beef short ribs
Marinade
- 1 Korean pear, peeled and cored (about 400 g)
- 1 medium yellow onion, peeled (about 350 g)
- 9 cloves garlic
- 1 inch ginger, about 2 teaspoons minced
- ½ cup water or pineapple juice
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup mirin
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
To Serve
- Green onion, sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Kimchi
- Lettuce leaves
- White rice
Instructions
- Clean the ribs: Rinse the beef short ribs thoroughly and soak them in cold water for 20 minutes to remove any excess blood and impurities. Drain and pat dry before marinating.
- Make the marinade: In a blender, combine the Korean pear, yellow onion, garlic cloves, ginger, and water or pineapple juice. Blend until the mixture is completely pulverized into a smooth puree. Transfer the puree to a mixing bowl and stir in soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.
- Marinate the ribs: Place the short ribs in a shallow container with a lid. Pour the prepared marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are fully submerged or well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Cook the ribs: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once hot, remove excess marinade from the ribs and arrange them in a single layer in the skillet. Sear the ribs for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through with a caramelized crust.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked galbi to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve alongside kimchi, fresh lettuce leaves, and steamed white rice for a complete Korean BBQ experience.
Notes
- Marinate the ribs overnight if possible to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Use Korean pear for authentic sweetness and tenderizing effect; if unavailable, substitute with Asian pear or apple.
- Remove excess marinade before cooking to prevent splattering and ensure proper searing.
- Serve grilled galbi with fresh lettuce leaves to wrap the meat, adding a refreshing crunch.
- For grilling, an outdoor grill or a grill pan can substitute the skillet method.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
