Korean Marinated Short Ribs (LA Galbi) - CJ Eats Recipes (2024)

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By Chris Joe

5 from 9 votes

Jul 15, 2023

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Korean Marinated Short Ribs, also known as LA Galbi, are a specific type of Galbi (Korean Grilled Ribs), and they are one of my favorite meats to grill! They are tender and flavorful in the sweet Galbi marinade, and perfect for grilling over hot coals, broiling in the oven, or searing over the cast iron skillet.

You can easily make delicious Korean BBQ at home. Making this type of BBQ at home may seem intimidating, but it’s extremely easy to do because it’s mostly inactive cooking time marinating the meat. It’s really simple to make!

Watch the Korean Marinated Beef Short Ribs Recipe Video Below!

These Korean short ribs come out delicious every time! The ribs are so juicy and tender, and when grilled they develop a wonderful char from the grill due to the sugar content in the marinade. They’re absolutely incredible!

Korean Marinated Short Ribs (LA Galbi) - CJ Eats Recipes (2)

I love cooking these ribs on the grill, but you can also broil them in the oven, or cook them up on the pan or cast iron at home!

Korean Marinated Short Ribs (LA Galbi) - CJ Eats Recipes (3)

Ingredients for Korean Marinated Short Ribs

You only need a few ingredients to make these delicious short ribs. Here is what you’ll need to make them!

  • 3 lb Beef Short Ribs (cut flanken style, which is lengthwise across the bone – they will usually come thinner and include 3 pieces of bone with each rib)
  • 1Korean Pear
  • 1onionwhite or yellow
  • 10clovesgarlic
  • 1inchginger
  • 3/4cuplow sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2cupwater
  • 1/3cupbrown sugar
  • 1/4cupmirin
  • 2tbspsesame oil
  • 1/2tspblack pepper
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How To Select Your Short Ribs

Typically at the butcher or grocery store, short ribs are sold two ways:

  • English Cut – the ribs are separated completely and cut along with the meat. This is a cut you’ll typically see when short ribs are braised and come with a thicker section of meat. Traditionally for Galbi, this section is butterflied into a long, thin piece of short rib and grilled.
  • Flanken Cut – this is the cut we’re after for this type of Galbi, also known as LA Galbi (based on the city where this style of grilled short ribs originated). The ribs are cut into thin strips across the rib bones, and typically include 3 bones in each piece of rib. You can find this cut more commonly at your local Asian supermarket.
Korean Marinated Short Ribs (LA Galbi) - CJ Eats Recipes (5)

INGREDIENTS TIPS

KOREAN PEAR
Ideally you will need a Korean or Asian pear for this recipe to tenderize the meat. The fruit will contain an enzyme called Calpain which helps with the tenderization process. Alternatively, you can use apple or kiwi if you have trouble finding this specific ingredient.

MIRIN
You can substitute mirin with equal parts sugar!

Cooking Korean Marinated Short Ribs: Recipe Instructions

Rinse the Short Ribs

Begin by rinsing the ribs in cold water. These short ribs are cut flanken style, which may mean they have some loose bone fragments on them and extra sediment, which you definitely don’t want to eat. Rinse the ribs, drain the water, and set them aside!

Korean Marinated Short Ribs (LA Galbi) - CJ Eats Recipes (6)

Prepare the Marinade for the Korean Marinated Short Ribs

Once the ribs are rinsed, now it’s time to make the base of the marinade. To a blender, add Korean pear, onion, garlic and ginger, then blend on high until it becomes a smooth pulp.

Korean Marinated Short Ribs (LA Galbi) - CJ Eats Recipes (7)

Blend the ingredients

The next step will be to blend the ingredients together into a pulp. Blending is the easiest method here, but if you don’t have a blender you can always use a food processor or grate the vegetables and fruit by hand. Using an Asian or Korean pear is key for this recipe because it includes an enzyme called Calpain which helps tenderize the meat. If you can’t find Korean pears near you, apples or even kiwis can work as a substitute.

Korean Marinated Short Ribs (LA Galbi) - CJ Eats Recipes (8)

Strain the Pulp (optional)

This step is optional, but I like to strain the pulp from the juice after it is blended. I find that the pulp can sometimes burn easily on the ribs, and you really only need the juice to incorporate the flavor into the meat. I simply take a cheese cloth or a reusable nut milk bag to strain out the pulp and extract the juice into a large mixing bowl!

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Add the seasonings to the marinade

Add the seasoning ingredients (low sodium soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and black pepper). Stir the marinade until the sugar is fully dissolved. Now you’re ready to marinate your ribs!

Korean Marinated Short Ribs (LA Galbi) - CJ Eats Recipes (10)

Marinate the ribs

Marinate the ribs make sure they are fully submerged in the marinating liquid. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and put them in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 6 hours or ideally overnight for best results.

Korean Marinated Short Ribs (LA Galbi) - CJ Eats Recipes (11)

Cook the ribs

Grill the ribs over medium high/high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they develop a nice crust around the ribs! These ribs will not take long at all to cook since they are cut so thinly, which is perfect for a quick and easy meal during the week. They’re also a wonderful main dish to bring to a barbeque or for some weekend grilling activities 🙂

Korean Marinated Short Ribs (LA Galbi) - CJ Eats Recipes (12)

RECIPE TIPS

MARINATING TIME
Take your time marinating these ribs to achieve the best flavor. 6 hours or overnight should be plenty of time for the flavors to develop in the ribs.

COOKING METHODS
I prefer to grill these ribs over hot charcoals or wood, but if you don’t have a grill you can also broil the ribs in the oven or cook them in a pan over medium high heat!

Cook the ribs until they develop a nice crust on the outside like in the photo below. These only took about 2 minutes per side over high heat.

Korean Marinated Short Ribs (LA Galbi) - CJ Eats Recipes (13)

What to Serve with Korean Marinated Short Ribs

The ribs are done! I serve my short ribs with a variety of banchan, such as kimchi or cucumber salad. You can also serve them with red leaf lettuce, perilla leaf, and sprinkle them with sesame seeds for garnish. Enjoy!

Korean Marinated Short Ribs (LA Galbi) - CJ Eats Recipes (14)

If you liked these Korean Short Ribs, check out some of my other popular Korean meat and side dish recipes!

  • Beef Bulgogi
  • Spicy Pork Bulgogi
  • Korean Cucumber Salad
  • Korean Bean Sprout Side Dish
  • Korean Spinach Salad

5 from 9 votes

Korean Marinated Short Ribs (Galbi)

By: Chris Joe

Servings: 5

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Marinating Time: 8 hours hrs

Save

Korean Marinated Short Ribs (LA Galbi) - CJ Eats Recipes (15)

Make these Korean Marinated Short Ribs at home with this super flavorful marinade which is perfect for tenderizing the meat and adding tons of flavor. Grill them up on the barbeque or broil them in the oven for amazing Korean BBQ at home!

Ingredients

  • 3 lb beef short ribs, cut Flanken style

Marinade (enough for 3-5 lbs of ribs)

  • 1 Korean Pear
  • 1 onion, white or yellow
  • 10 cloves garlic
  • 1 inch ginger
  • 3/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup mirin
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Garnish

  • 2 tsp sesame seeds
  • scallions, chopped

Instructions

  • Rinse the ribs in cold water to remove loose bone fragments and sediment. Drain well and set aside.

  • In a blender or food processor, blend Korean pear, onion, garlic, ginger, and water until is becomes a smooth pulp and add to a large mixing bowl. Optionally, pour into a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth and drain the juice into a large mixing bowl and discard pulp.

  • To the large mixing bowl, add low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well then add the ribs and marinate for 6 hours or overnight for best results.

  • Grill, broil, or pan fry them over medium high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

  • Sprinkle theribs with sesame seeds and sliced scallion and enjoy! Serve with kimchi, perilla leaf and other banchan.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Korean

Tried this recipe?Mention @cj.eats_ or tag #cjeatsrecipes!

Korean Marinated Short Ribs (LA Galbi) - CJ Eats Recipes (16)

About CJ

I’m a third generation Chinese-American home cook who has always loved cooking & eating! Welcome to my food blog, where you can find trusted, tested, easy & approachable recipes for the everyday home cook that taste delicious! I am so glad you're here!

Read more about me

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Korean Marinated Short Ribs (LA Galbi) - CJ Eats Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between short rib and La Galbi? ›

It's cut across and along the bone. Each piece that goes on the grill is one section of the rib, with one piece of bone in it. It's a lot thicker. LA galbi is only cut across the bone, not along, so each piece on the grill is a longer, thinner strip, and includes 3 pieces of bone.

Why is La Galbi so expensive? ›

LA Galbi is one of the most famous and expensive meats in Korean BBQ. The main feat why it is so expensive is because of the excellent marbling it has. As a result, despite it being a bit thicker than most Korean BBQ meat, it remains tender and juicy to eat.

What is the difference between Korean ribs and short ribs? ›

Unlike American and European-style short ribs, which include a thick slice of bone-in beef, Korean-style short ribs are cut lengthwise across the rib bones. The result is a thin strip of meat, about 8 to10 inches in length, lined on 1 side with 1/2-inch thick rib bones.

How long can you marinate short ribs? ›

Toss to evenly distribute the marinade, then seal bag, removing as much air as possible (if using baking dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap). Transfer short ribs to refrigerator, and marinate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours.

What cut of meat is closest to short ribs? ›

Flavorful, easy-to-prep boneless short ribs aren't actually cut from the rib section of the cow, as their name implies. They are cut from the chuck, or shoulder, of the animal. For that reason, chuck roast is the best substitute when boneless short ribs are unavailable.

What does La in La Galbi mean? ›

While the dish is called LA galbi, it actually has nothing to do with the city. “Most people mistakenly believe that the recipe comes from Los Angeles, but actually the name refers to the “lateral cut” of the meat, as it is cut in a way that shows the sides,” explains Daero.

What is the difference between Korean galbi and La Galbi? ›

Traditionally, galbi is cut to expose one smooth bone along the short edge with the meat uniformly filleted in flat layers. An alternative cut, "LA galbi", also known as a flanken cut, features cut bones peeking out along the long edge.

What is the difference between bulgogi and galbi marinade? ›

The marinade for kalbi is specifically tailored to enhance the flavor and tenderness of the beef short ribs. Bulgogi, on the other hand, typically uses thinly sliced beef (commonly sirloin or ribeye) as the main ingredient. Soy Sauce Base: Bulgogi marinade commonly uses a soy sauce base, which gives it a.

Is bulgogi or galbi better? ›

If you find both on the menu in a Korean restaurant, Galbi is likely to be considerably more expensive. But the differences between the two cuts of beef used are actually not that great, apart from those rib bones.

What is a good side dish for Korean short ribs? ›

Here are some popular side dishes to serve with a Korean BBQ platter:
  • Kimchi: This fermented cabbage dish is a staple in Korean cuisine. ...
  • Banchan: A variety of small side dishes collectively known as banchan are often served with Korean BBQ. ...
  • Steamed Rice: Plain steamed rice is a simple and essential side dis.
Oct 9, 2023

What to eat with Korean short ribs? ›

Over rice: If you don't have any lettuce on hand, kalbi pairs perfectly well with a bowl of steamed rice. Toss a few fresh cucumber slices with rice vinegar, salt, and sesame seeds and serve alongside. With side dishes: Serve kalbi with assorted banchan, like kimchi, pickles, or soy-braised potatoes.

What cut of meat for Korean short ribs? ›

Korean Short Ribs (Thin Cut)

Korean Short Ribs come from the chuck end of the short ribs, making them one of the best sources for short ribs. They are cut lengthwise across the bone resulting in a thinner meat section (¼ inch thick) with three small rib bones.

Do you rinse marinade off ribs before cooking? ›

Do you rinse marinade off ribs? There's no need to rinse the meat here after it's finished marinating.

Can you over marinate short ribs? ›

The compounds that flavor the meat are going to do their thing in the first 12-18 hours, more than that will deepen the flavor some, just not anywhere near as much. There's no need to freeze your ribs if you're going to eat them in 2 days, marinating won't impact that either way.

Should I marinate my ribs the night before? ›

Once this is done cover the ribs with foil tightly and let them marinate in the dry rub overnight or for at least 8 hours. I like to do this the night before and let them sit overnight so they are ready to put in the oven early afternoon.

What cut of meat is LA Galbi? ›

"Galbi" is the Korean word for "rib", and the dish is usually made with beef short ribs. When pork spare ribs or another meat is used instead, the dish is named accordingly. Galbi is served raw, then cooked on tabletop grills usually by the diners themselves.

What type of meat is LA Galbi? ›

Korean Marinated Short Ribs, also known as LA Galbi, are a specific type of Galbi (Korean Grilled Ribs), and they are one of my favorite meats to grill! They are tender and flavorful in the sweet Galbi marinade, and perfect for grilling over hot coals, broiling in the oven, or searing over the cast iron skillet.

What are the two types of short ribs? ›

Butchers cut beef short ribs in two dominant fillets: flanken and English. We also know flanken short ribs as crosscut ribs, kosher ribs, and Korean-style ribs. Chefs may refer to English cut short ribs as braising ribs, barbeque ribs, or fancy cut ribs because of the dense slab of meat perched atop their bones.

What is another name for short rib meat? ›

They may also be known as barbecue ribs, braising ribs, or fancy cut ribs. A section of short ribs from the plate (ribs six through eight, with their intercostal muscle) is known as a "short plate". Rib short ribs are almost always sold as a plate.

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