Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi): A Flavorful Favorite

Korean BBQ short ribs, known as Galbi (or Kalbi), are a popular and delicious dish that highlights the sweet, savory, and smoky flavors of Korean cuisine. The dish features beef short ribs marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, sesame oil, and other ingredients, then grilled to perfection. Korean BBQ short ribs are often served at Korean BBQ restaurants but can easily be made at home with the right ingredients.

Here’s how you can make authentic Korean BBQ short ribs that will impress your family and guests.

Ingredients:

For 4 servings, you will need:

For the Short Ribs:

2 pounds beef short ribs (flanken-style cut, thin slices across the bone)

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey)

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons mirin (optional, for extra sweetness)

2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, and onion.

If you like your ribs a little spicy, add the gochujang or crushed red pepper flakes.

For a sweeter marinade, include the mirin.

2. Marinate the Short Ribs

Place the short ribs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the ribs are evenly coated with the marinade.

Seal the bag or cover the dish, and marinate the ribs in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful and tender they will become.

3. Grill the Short Ribs

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C).

Remove the short ribs from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.

Grill the short ribs for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely caramelized and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as the ribs are thin and cook quickly.

If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook them under a broiler in your oven, flipping once to ensure even charring.

4. Serve

Transfer the grilled short ribs to a serving platter.

Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions:

Korean BBQ short ribs are traditionally served with a variety of sides, including:

Steamed Rice: 

Plain white rice or sticky rice helps balance the bold flavors of the ribs.

Kimchi: 

A fermented cabbage dish that adds a spicy, tangy contrast to the rich ribs.

Korean Side Dishes (Banchan): 

Serve with small dishes of pickled vegetables, seaweed salad, or Korean-style potatoes for an authentic meal.

Lettuce Wraps (Ssam): 

Serve with fresh lettuce leaves to wrap the meat in, along with rice, kimchi, and a drizzle of ssamjang (Korean BBQ dipping sauce).

Tips for Success:

Choose the Right Cut: 

Flanken-style short ribs, cut across the bone, are the best for this dish because they cook quickly and absorb the marinade well. You can find them at most Asian grocery stores or ask your butcher.

Marinating Time: 

Marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor. The longer they soak, the more tender and flavorful the meat will be.

Grilling Method: 

Use medium-high heat to grill the short ribs quickly, allowing the sugars in the marinade to caramelize without burning. Keep an eye on them since they cook fast.

Make it in Advance: 

You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This allows for even faster preparation when you’re ready to grill.

Final Thoughts:

Korean BBQ short ribs, or Galbi, are a crowd-pleasing dish with layers of flavor. The sweet, savory marinade combined with the smoky char from the grill creates a mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or craving Korean flavors at home, these short ribs are a perfect choice. Pair them with your favorite Korean side dishes, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor. Enjoy!