Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi): The Ultimate Tender and Flavorful Grilling Recipe

Authentic Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi) – A Mouthwatering Korean Classic

If you’ve never tried Korean BBQ short ribs (also known as Galbi), you’re in for a real treat! This iconic Korean dish features tender beef short ribs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce that caramelizes beautifully when grilled. The result is an irresistible combination of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Seoul.

Why You’ll Love These Korean-Style Beef Short Ribs

There’s something magical about the combination of tender beef, sweet Asian pear, and the umami-packed marinade that makes Galbi a crowd-pleaser every time. The best part? This recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home, requiring just a little planning for marination time. The actual hands-on cooking is quick and simple!

The Secret to Perfect Korean BBQ Short Ribs

The key to amazing Galbi lies in three important elements:

• The cut: Traditional Korean short ribs are cut “flanken style” – across the bones so each slice has 3 small bone segments
• The marinade: A balanced blend of soy sauce, Asian pear (for tenderizing), brown sugar, and aromatics
• The grilling technique: Hot and fast cooking to achieve caramelization without overcooking

Ingredients You’ll Need for Authentic Galbi

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

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

1. Prepare the short ribs by patting them dry with paper towels. If needed, score the meat lightly between the bones to help the marinade penetrate better.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, grated Asian pear, minced garlic, sesame oil, ginger, green onions, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Whisk until sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Place the short ribs in a large, shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure all ribs are well coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight (up to 24 hours) for the best flavor and tenderness. Turn the ribs occasionally to ensure even marination.
5. When ready to cook, remove the ribs from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
6. Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450-500°F).
7. Remove the ribs from the marinade, shaking off excess. Reserve some marinade if you’d like to brush it on while grilling.
8. Grill the short ribs for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness, or to your preferred level of doneness. The high heat will caramelize the sugars in the marinade, creating a delicious crust.
9. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Expert Tips for Perfect Korean Galbi

• Ask your butcher for help: Request “flanken-style” short ribs cut about 1/2 inch thick. This is the traditional Korean cut for Galbi.
• No Asian pear? You can substitute a ripe regular pear, apple, or even kiwi as they all contain enzymes that help tenderize meat.
• Grill basket option: If you’re concerned about the meat falling through the grill grates, a grill basket works well.
• Indoor cooking alternative: No grill? These ribs can also be cooked under a broiler for 3-4 minutes per side, or in a very hot cast iron pan.
• Serving suggestion: Traditionally, Galbi is served with rice and an assortment of banchan (Korean side dishes) like kimchi, pickled vegetables, and lettuce leaves for wrapping.

Common Questions About Korean BBQ Short Ribs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! While traditional Galbi uses short ribs, you can also use this marinade with thinly sliced ribeye (for bulgogi), chicken thighs, or even pork shoulder.

How long should I marinate the ribs?

For optimal flavor, marinate for at least 6 hours, but preferably overnight (up to 24 hours). The longer the marination, the more flavorful and tender your ribs will be.

Can I make the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! The marinade can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container.

What side dishes go well with Korean BBQ short ribs?

Traditional Korean sides include steamed rice, kimchi, cucumber salad, pickled radish, and lettuce leaves. A spicy ssamjang (dipping sauce) is also common.

Why These Korean BBQ Short Ribs Will Become Your New Favorite

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the flavor combination in these Korean BBQ short ribs. The marinade creates the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, while the quick grilling method ensures the meat stays juicy and tender. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a special weekend dinner, this Galbi recipe is sure to impress!