When it comes to showcasing the essence of Korean cuisine, Korean-style braised short ribs (Galbijjim) stand out as a true classic.
Loved for its tender meat and rich soy-based marinade, this dish is a staple at family gatherings and festive celebrations.
Today,
let’s dive into how to enjoy Galbijjim at its best and explore a popular recipe
to bring this delightful dish to your table.
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| [Photo Credit] Alex Bundo, Korea Tourism Organization |
What Is Korean Galbijjim?
Galbijjim is a traditional Korean dish made with slow-cooking beef short ribs or pork ribs until they’re incredibly tender.
The sweet and savory soy-based sauce deeply infuses both the meat and vegetables, creating a dish that’s as flavorful as it is comforting.
"Though Galbijjim is a dish anyone can enjoy, making it just right
requires careful attention to ingredients and preparation methods."
Popular Galbijjim Recipe
Here’s a simplified take on the beloved
Galbijjim recipe inspired by celebrity Ryu Soo-young.
[Ingredients]
Main Ingredients
l Beef short ribs: 2 kg
(Fresh ribs are ideal for the best flavor. While fresh ribs are recommended,
frozen ones work fine too.)
l Onion: 1 medium-sized
l Green onion: 2 stalks
l Radish: 500 g
l Red chili pepper: 1 (adjust for spice
level)
l Minced garlic: 4 tablespoons
l Minced ginger: ½ tablespoon
l Water: 800 ml
l Cooking oil: A small amount
l Green chili pepper: 1 (use Cheongyang
chili for extra heat)
Sauce Ingredients
l Sugar: ½ cup (100 ml)
l Soy sauce: 1 cup (200 ml)
l Fish sauce: 3 tablespoons
l Cooking wine (Mirin): 1 cup (200 ml)
l Vinegar: 5 tablespoons
l Pear juice: 1 can (238 ml)
[Cooking Instructions]
l Soak the beef short ribs in cold water for 2 hours to remove excess
blood. Change the water periodically for better results.
Pro tip: Avoid soaking for too long (over 2 hours), as it can dilute the
beef's natural flavor.
l Slice the onion thinly.
l Chop the green onions into small pieces.
l Cut the radish into thick chunks (2–3 cm wide).
l Slice the red chili pepper diagonally.
l Combine sugar, soy sauce, and fish sauce to create a flavorful base
sauce.
l Heat a large pot or pan. Add cooking oil (two turns of the pan),
followed by onion and green onion. Stir-fry over high heat until fragrant.
l Add minced garlic and ginger to the mix and cook briefly.
l Pour the prepared sauce into the pot and let it simmer until it
thickens slightly.
l Add the soaked and drained short ribs into the pot. Ensure the ribs
are evenly coated in the sauce.
l Stir occasionally to make sure the marinade evenly seeps into the
meat.
l Pour cooking wine, vinegar, water, and pear juice into the pot. Add
the radish on top.
l Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then cover and simmer on
medium heat for about 1 hour. Ensure the liquid covers the ribs fully.
l After 50 minutes, add green chili peppers for a hint of heat.
l Garnish with sliced red chili peppers for color and serve hot.
Braised short ribs, or Galbijjim, embody the warmth and richness of Korean cuisine. With tender meat and a deeply flavored marinade, they’re a perfect choice for holidays, celebrations, or simply bringing loved ones together at the table.
You can recreate this classic with ease and precision using Ryu Soo-young's method.
[Video Source] YouTube | KBS Entertain | One Meal for All | Ryu Soo-young Recipe (Korean)
[Tips]
The recipe by YouTuber Maangchi may differ from this version.
All the ingredients can be found at a Korean market.
You can use any type of fish sauce, such as tuna, anchovy, or sandlance.
Essential Korean Spices and Sauces: A Comprehensive Guide for Home Cooks
Enjoying Your Perfect Galbijjim
1) Pair It with Steamed Rice
Galbijjim’s bold flavors shine brightest
when paired with warm rice. A touch of sauce drizzled over rice creates a
mouthwatering combination.
2) Side Dish Harmony
Complement the dish with light and
refreshing sides such as:
l Mild greens (namul)
l Cubed radish kimchi (kkakdugi)
l Traditional napa cabbage kimchi (baechu kimchi)
3) Sauce Versatility
Don’t let the sauce go to waste! It can
double as a dip for chewy rice cakes (tteok), noodles, or even potatoes.
"Every bite of marinated meat and
vegetables stands strong on its own, making them delightful side dishes."
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| [Photo Credit] Torai Republic, Korea Tourism Organization |
The Allure of Korean Galbijjim
Galbijjim is more than a dish; it celebrates family, tradition, and love. Its secret lies in fresh
ingredients and meticulous preparation.
"A great Galbijjim isn’t just
cooked—it’s crafted with care."
This dish graces holiday tables, birthday
feasts, and any special occasion, adding a touch of festivity and joy. Why not
bring this tradition to your own family and make new memories?
Variations on Galbijjim Recipes
Galbijjim isn’t limited to one recipe. With
slight tweaks, you can enjoy exciting new flavors. Here are three popular
variations to try:
1) Spicy Galbijjim
Prefer a fiery kick?
l Add red pepper paste (gochujang), red chili
flakes, and spicy green chili peppers (Cheongyang gochu) for
a bold and spicy twist.
l Ingredients:
Ø 2 tbsp gochujang
Ø 1 tbsp chili flakes
Ø 2 spicy green chilies, chopped
l Tip: Blend green chilies into the sauce
and reduce it over high heat for extra intensity.
2) Sweet Pumpkin Galbijjim
For a touch of natural sweetness:
l Add sweet pumpkin (kabocha), which melts in your
mouth and balances the dish.
l Ingredients:
Ø ½ a sweet pumpkin, seeded and cubed
l Tip: Add pumpkin toward the end of
cooking to keep it firm yet tender.
3) Mushroom Galbijjim
Want a healthier, earthier flavor?
l Add a medley of mushrooms such as shiitake, king
oyster, and enoki.
l Ingredients:
Ø 3 king oyster mushrooms
Ø A handful of enoki mushrooms
l Tip: Sauté the mushrooms lightly in oil
before adding them to the braise for a richer taste.
Galbijjim: A Fusion of Tradition and Modern Enjoyment
Korean-style braised short ribs go beyond mere food—they represent family, love, and cherished memories.
Taking the time
to prepare this dish shows care and creates a centerpiece for meaningful
gatherings.
"Galbijjim is always the right choice.
It’s a masterpiece of flavor and heart."
Ready to give it a go? Share your creation
with family or friends and make this weekend unforgettable.
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