Traditional Korean BBQ: Authentic Galbi Recipe

Ingredients

2 lbs beef short ribs
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sesame oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 Asian pear, grated
1/2 cup mirin (Japanese rice wine)
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Optional garnish: additional chopped green onions and sesame seeds

Steps and instructions

Clean the beef short ribs under cold running water and pat dry with a paper towel.
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, chopped onion, grated pear, mirin, and black pepper. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Add the beef short ribs to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the ribs from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Reserve the marinade for basting.
Grill the ribs, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade, for about 3-4 minutes each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Transfer the cooked ribs to a platter. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving. Optionally, garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tools for making

Grill - A grill is needed to cook the beef short ribs to perfection.
Large bowl - A large bowl is required to mix the marinade and coat the beef short ribs.
Plastic wrap - Plastic wrap is needed to cover the bowl and marinate the beef short ribs in the refrigerator.
Paper towel - A paper towel is necessary to pat dry the beef short ribs before marinating.
Tongs - Tongs are essential for flipping and handling the beef short ribs on the grill.

Recipe variations

Substitute beef short ribs with pork ribs for a different flavor profile.
Use boneless chicken thighs instead of beef for a poultry version of Galbi.
Add a spicy kick by including gochujang (Korean red chili paste) to the marinade.
Experiment with different types of sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
Add crushed pineapple or pineapple juice to the marinade for a touch of tropical sweetness.
Include grated ginger or ginger powder for an extra layer of fragrance and flavor.
For a vegetarian/vegan alternative, use extra-firm tofu or seitan as a meat substitute and adjust the marinating time accordingly.
Try grilling the marinated Galbi indoors on a cast-iron grill pan instead of an outdoor grill.
For a different presentation, remove the meat from the bones and skewer the marinated pieces before grilling.
Create a Galbi stir-fry by slicing the marinated meat into thin strips and cooking it with vegetables in a wok or skillet.

Recipe overview

Galbi, or Korean BBQ short ribs, is a classic dish beloved for its sweet and savory flavor profile. This recipe will guide you through the process of marinating and grilling these ribs to perfection, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone. Expect to use traditional Asian ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and mirin, with the surprising addition of a grated Asian pear to tenderize the meat and add a subtle sweetness. The marinating process is crucial for infusing the ribs with flavor, so allowing it to sit overnight in the fridge is recommended when possible. Once marinated, the ribs are quickly grilled and then served with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and green onions. This dish is sure to impress at your next BBQ or family dinner.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe? Yes, you can use beef flanken or beef chuck short ribs as an alternative to beef short ribs.
Is there a substitute for Asian pear? If you can't find Asian pear, you can use regular pear or apple as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe without a grill? Yes, if you don't have a grill, you can broil the marinated ribs in the oven. Preheat the broiler, place the ribs on a broiler pan, and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Can I freeze the marinated ribs? Yes, you can freeze the marinated ribs. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the marinade? Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less sugar based on your desired level of sweetness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can marinate the ribs overnight, so they are ready to be grilled the next day. This makes it a convenient dish for parties or gatherings.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill - A grill is needed to cook the Galbi to perfection.
Tongs - Tongs are essential for flipping and handling the ribs on the grill.
Basting brush - A basting brush can be used to brush the marinade onto the ribs while grilling.
Platter - A platter is useful for transferring the cooked ribs and presenting them for serving.
Chopping board - A chopping board is needed for mincing garlic, chopping onions, and preparing the garnishes.
Knife - A knife is required for cutting the beef short ribs and chopping the green onions.
Grater - A grater is necessary for grating the Asian pear to add to the marinade.
Measuring cups - Measuring cups are needed to accurately measure the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and mirin.
Mixing bowl - A mixing bowl is essential for combining the marinade ingredients and marinating the ribs.
Plastic wrap - Plastic wrap is used to cover the bowl and marinate the ribs in the refrigerator.
Grill brush - A grill brush is helpful for cleaning the grill grates before and after cooking.
Serving utensils - Serving utensils, such as forks or tongs, are needed to serve the Galbi to guests.

Origin stories

Galbi, a quintessential Korean barbeque dish, has a rich history that dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). During this period, beef was a luxury ingredient reserved for royalty and the upper class. Galbi, which translates to "rib" in Korean, was served at royal banquets, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. The iconic marinade, a blend of sweet and savory flavors, is a testament to the Korean culinary philosophy of balance and harmony. The use of pear in the marinade, apart from tenderizing the meat, is a nod to the plentiful pear orchards found across Korea. Today, Galbi is a beloved dish worldwide, enjoyed in homes and restaurants alike, bringing a taste of Korean history to the table with each bite.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.