Galbi – Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs Recipe

If you’ve ever savored smoky, tender beef at a Korean BBQ restaurant and caught yourself wishing you could recreate it at home, look no further than Galbi – Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs. This dish is all about the rich, savory-sweet marinade infusing thin slices of beef short rib, creating irresistible bites sure to delight any crowd. Galbi’s combination of flavors—garlic, soy, sesame, and a touch of fruit—makes every morsel a beautiful balance of sweet, salty, and umami, with charred bits from the grill that are simply irresistible. Whether you’re firing up a backyard grill or using your home oven, get ready to bring restaurant-quality Korean BBQ into your own kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of easy-to-find ingredients can make Galbi – Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs truly shine. Each element plays a crucial role: from the tender beef ribs that soak up flavor, to the fruits and sauces that make the marinade sing. Here’s what you’ll need, and why it matters:

• Beef short ribs, flanken-cut: These thin cross-sections ensure maximum surface area for the marinade and quick, flavorful grilling.
• Soy sauce: This forms the salty, umami backbone of the marinade and gives the dish its signature depth.
• Brown sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness and helps caramelize the meat as it cooks.
• Asian pear (or Bosc pear/apple): A classic tenderizer that also brings subtle fruity notes to the marinade.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for bold, aromatic punch that’s unmistakably Korean BBQ.
• Ginger: Grated ginger brings brightness and a little warmth to balance the sweet and savory.
• Green onion (scallions): For a fresh, oniony kick with a pleasing pop of color.
• Sesame oil: Just a touch brings nutty, fragrant complexity to the marinade.
• Rice wine or mirin: Enhances the depth of flavor and helps tenderize the beef.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground for gentle heat and an earthy undertone.
• Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish): Offers crunch and an extra hit of sesame flavor before serving.

How to Make Galbi – Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs

Step 1: Prep the Beef

The foundation for Galbi – Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs starts with the right cut. Choose flanken-cut short ribs, which are thinly sliced across the bones for maximum marinade coverage. Rinse them under cold water to remove any tiny bone fragments, then pat dry with paper towels. This step primes your beef for delicious, even marination and helps the sauce really cling to every crevice.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

Here’s where the magic starts! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, freshly peeled and grated Asian pear (or apple/pear substitute), minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, sesame oil, rice wine, and black pepper. This blend turns into a fragrant, syrupy bath that’s so tempting, you’ll wish you could bottle it. The fruit not only enhances flavor but also helps tenderize the meat naturally.

Step 3: Marinate the Ribs

Add the prepared rib pieces to the bowl, making sure every slice is fully coated. Massage the marinade into the beef “with love,” as Korean moms would say! Once coated, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better. The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor gets, so don’t rush this step if you want genuine Galbi – Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs magic at home.

Step 4: Get Grilling

Traditional Korean BBQ uses a charcoal grill, but a gas grill, grill pan, or even your broiler can deliver delicious results. Preheat your grill to medium-high and brush it lightly with oil. Lay the marinated ribs in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, getting a savory caramelized char with every flip. Watch closely, as the sugar in the marinade means things can go from browned to burned in seconds!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once off the heat, sprinkle your Galbi – Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs with a generous flurry of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions. This final touch adds color, aroma, and just the right amount of crunch to every bite.

How to Serve Galbi – Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs

Garnishes

Nothing completes Galbi – Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs quite like a shower of toasted sesame seeds and a scattering of thinly sliced green onions. For a pop of freshness, you can add a few curls of fresh red chili or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. These garnishes provide a fresh visual pop and additional flavor that elevates each mouthful.

Side Dishes

Galbi shines brightest when surrounded by classic Korean sides, known as banchan. Think cool, tangy kimchi, crisp pickled radish, and refreshing cucumber salad. Steamed white rice is a must: it soaks up all those luscious juices. Lettuce leaves or perilla leaves are great for wrapping beef, kimchi, and a dab of gochujang for a perfect bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond the classic platter, try serving Galbi – Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs as fun build-your-own lettuce wraps, or slice the ribs off the bone for tacos with a Korean twist. For dinner parties, set up a “Korean BBQ board” with grilled vegetables, rice, and a rainbow of pickles for a feast with wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your cooled Galbi – Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days, and the leftover flavors seem to deepen overnight—making them excellent for packed lunches or next-day rice bowls.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked, marinated short ribs in a zip-top freezer bag for up to two months. Label clearly and squeeze out excess air. For cooked Galbi, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to one month—perfect for a quick Korean BBQ fix.

Reheating

To reheat, arrange the ribs in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. For small portions, a quick stint in a skillet over medium-low heat works too. Add a splash of water to keep things juicy and prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Galbi – Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs?

While flanken-cut short ribs are traditional (and give that incredible texture), you can use boneless beef short rib or even thinly sliced ribeye if needed. Just note that texture and presentation will be a little different, but the marinade works deliciously on both!

Do I need a grill to make Galbi?

Absolutely not! While grilling gives classic smoky notes, Galbi – Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs can also be cooked indoors on a grill pan or under the oven broiler. Just focus on high heat and a brief cook time for the best caramelization.

How long should I marinate the beef?

For bold flavor and tenderness, aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. The longer marinating time allows the pear and aromatics to really work their way into the meat, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Definitely! Mix the marinade up to 3 days in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. This makes prep on BBQ day quick and easy—just add beef when ready and marinate as usual.

Is Galbi – Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs spicy?

Classic Galbi isn’t spicy; it’s all about a sweet-savory profile. If you love heat, add a spoonful of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or some chopped chili peppers to the marinade for a spicier twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about gathering friends or family around a platter of Galbi – Korean BBQ Marinated Beef Short Ribs, sharing stories and savoring every bite. Whether you’re new to Korean home cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers big flavor and pure joy. So fire up your grill—or broiler—and get ready to bring a little (or a lot!) of delicious Korean BBQ magic into your home tonight.

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