Galbi

Galbi are beef short ribs marinated in a sweet soy and pear mixture, then grilled until charred at the edges. They are a popular choice for family barbecues.

Galbi

Korean.food-Galbi-03: ayustety (a flickr user), CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Where it comes from

Galbi means 'rib', and grilled ribs have long been served at gatherings and celebrations in Korea. The meat is cut flanken-style so it cooks quickly over charcoal.

Explore the cuisine of South Korea.

Recipe

Make Galbi at home

Serves 4-6Time 50 minutes plus marinating

Ingredients

  • 3 lb beef short ribs, flanken-cut
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 Asian pear or apple, grated
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice syrup or honey
  • Black pepper
  • Scallions and sesame seeds

How it's made

  1. Soak the ribs in cold water for 30 minutes to draw out blood; drain and pat dry.
  2. Blend soy sauce, sugar, pear, onion, garlic, sesame oil, honey and pepper.
  3. Marinate the ribs 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  4. Heat a grill or cast iron pan to high.
  5. Cook the ribs 3-4 minutes per side until well browned and cooked through.
  6. Snip into pieces and serve with lettuce, rice and sauces.

Variations

  • Dwaeji galbi: spicy pork ribs
  • Galbi-jjim: braised short ribs
  • LA galbi: thin cross-cut style

Cook’s tip: Grill over medium-high heat and watch the sugary marinade, which can burn quickly.

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About this page

Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.

Photo credit
  • Korean.food-Galbi-03: ayustety (a flickr user), CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)