Galbi - Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Additional Time
1 d
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
431 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Asian, Korean, International
Galbi - Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs
Description
Galbi - Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs are prepared by soaking thin cuts of beef short ribs in a flavorful marinade composed of soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, grated onion and pear, grated garlic and ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and water. The grated pear acts as a natural tenderizer while adding subtle sweetness. The marinade melds these ingredients, coating the meat thoroughly and is left to work for 24 hours.
The ribs are then cooked quickly on a very hot grill or in a hot skillet with a little vegetable oil. This high-heat method caramelizes the marinade sugars, producing savory, slightly charred edges with retained juiciness inside. The beef slices are thin enough to grill rapidly and evenly, ensuring tenderness that contrasts with the smoky, rich marinade glaze.
This dish can be served garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. It pairs well with common Korean sides such as kimchi fried rice and smashed cucumbers, providing a balance of flavors and textures to the meal. No additional sauce is needed due to the intense marinade coating.
The notes explain the special preparation of the short ribs, requiring either precision slicing through the bone or butterflying for quick cooking. They also offer tips for substitutions if Korean ribs are not available, such as boneless short ribs or beef oyster blade, and advice on marinade ingredient alternatives. Storage suggestions include freezing the salted beef to marinate during thawing and consume within several days for best quality.
Ingredients
- 1 kg/ 2lb beef short ribs or thinly sliced through the bone (Note 1 for subs, butterflied Korean style
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil , for cooking
Korean Barbecue Marinade:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (all purpose or light soy, not dark or sweet)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp mirin (Note 2)
- 1/4 cup onion , finely grated (including juice)
- 1/4 cup nashi pear , finely grated including juice (sub normal pear or any red apple, Note 3)
- 2 tsp garlic , finely grated
- 2 tsp ginger , finely grated
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame oil Note 4, toasted
- 1 tsp black pepper
Serving (optional):
- green onion for garnish, and coriander aka cilantro leaves
- sesame seeds
- Coriander
- Kimchi Fried Rice
- cucumber smashed
Instructions
- Make Marinade: Whisk Marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Marinade 24 hours: Place beef in a ziplock bag, glass or ceramic container. Pour over Marinade, mix well to coat. Cover and marinade for 24 hours.
Cooking:
- Remove beef from Marinade, discard Marinade.
- BBQ - Heat on high until smoking hot, then brush grills with vegetable oil. Lay beef on BBQ and cook for 2 minutes on one side until caramelised. Turn and cook the other side until caramelised. Remove, loosely cover with foil, cook remaining beef.
- Stove - Cut beef strips into pieces that will fit your skillet. Heat skillet with oil over high heat. Add beef and cook for 2 minutes until caramelised, then turn and cook the other side for 2 minutes.
Serving:
- Garnish beef with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. You don't need a sauce for this one - it is literally dripping with flavour! Pictured in post with Kimchi Fried Rice and Ginger Smashed Cucumbers.
Notes
- Galbi ribs should be thinly sliced through the bone or butterflied for quick, even cooking.
- Substitute with boneless short ribs sliced thin or beef oyster blade cut into thin slices if Korean ribs are unavailable.
- Mirin adds sweetness and complexity; replace with Shaoxing wine or omit if unavailable.
- Nashi pear is preferred for tenderizing and flavor, but any sweet crisp pear or red apple works.
- Use toasted sesame oil for more pronounced flavor; standard bottle in Australia is usually toasted.
- Marinated beef can be frozen immediately to marinate as it thaws overnight.
- Cooked galbi is best fresh but can keep refrigerated for 4-5 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 431 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 431cal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 7% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 108mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 1269mg | 53% |
| Potassium | 742mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 16g | 32% |
| Vitamin A | 3IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 37mg | 4% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.