Korean Grilled Beef Short Ribs (Galbi)

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Master the art of Korean-style beef short ribs with this savory, sweet marinade featuring blended pear and aromatics for perfect tenderness and depth.

↓ The ingredients ↓ The steps

Korean beef short ribs, or galbi, are a cornerstone of Korean barbecue, cherished for their balance of sweet and savory flavors. The secret lies in the marinade, which typically uses grated or blended fruit like pear to act as a natural meat tenderizer. This version creates an incredibly succulent result, perfect for a cozy home grilling session.

A succulent, perfectly charred Korean beef short rib, fresh off the grill.
A succulent, perfectly charred Korean beef short rib, fresh off the grill.
Prep25 mins
Cook20 mins
Total45 mins
Yield4 servings
DifficultyMedium
Calories650 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare the beef ribs
    Raw beef short ribs laid out in a dark bowl.

    Place the raw beef short ribs into a large bowl. Soak them in cold water to draw out the excess blood, which helps remove any unwanted odors before marinating.

    Tip: Soaking the meat for 30 minutes to an hour will yield the cleanest flavor and a clearer final presentation.
  2. 2Prepare the aromatics
    Chunks of white pear and onion stacked inside a clear blender canister.

    Roughly chop the pear, onions, and other aromatics. Place all the chopped fruit and vegetable pieces into a blender canister.

    Tip: Using pear not only adds a gentle, natural sweetness but also introduces enzymes that naturally tenderize the beef.
  3. 3Blend into a puree
    A hand holding a clear blender canister filled with a smooth, thick fruit and vegetable puree.

    Blend the aromatics and fruit until they break down and form a completely smooth, pale puree. Ensure there are no large chunks left so the marinade will coat the meat evenly.

    Tip: If the mixture is too thick and the blender gets stuck, add a small splash of water or some of the soy sauce to get the blades moving.
  4. 4Mix the marinade
    Stirring a thick, yellowish-brown marinade mixture in a bright green bowl.

    Transfer the blended puree to a large mixing bowl. Add in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and a dash of pepper, then stir everything together until fully incorporated.

    Tip: Always taste your marinade before adding the raw meat; adjust the sweetness or saltiness if needed.
  5. 5Coat the beef
    A hand dipping pieces of raw beef short ribs into a thick, blended marinade in a green bowl.

    Add the drained raw beef short ribs into the bowl with the marinade. Massage the mixture thoroughly into the meat, ensuring every piece is generously coated.

    Tip: Massaging the meat by hand helps the marinade penetrate deeper into the tissues for maximum flavor.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerator
3 days
Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container.
Reheating
5 min
Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep the meat moist.

Burn It Off

Running
~65 minutes at a vigorous pace (~11 km/h).
Hyrox
~65 minutes of high-intensity functional training.
Pickleball
~90 minutes of active competitive play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Asian pear is traditional, but Bosc or Bartlett pears work well. Kiwis are a powerful alternative but use them sparingly, as they are much more acidic and can make the meat mushy if marinated too long.
Soaking the ribs in cold water is a traditional step to remove residual blood, which helps eliminate any gamey odor and ensures a cleaner, more savory taste in the final dish.
Toughness usually results from insufficient marinating time or overcooking. The enzymes in the pear puree need time to break down the connective tissues, and high-heat, quick cooking is essential to keep the meat tender.
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