Kalbi (Galbi) is a popular Korean BBQ dish made with marinated beef short ribs. The ribs are typically cut across the bone, marinated in a savory-sweet sauce, and then grilled to perfection. This recipe brings the authentic flavors of Korean BBQ to your home, making it perfect for family gatherings or a special meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 – 4 pounds cross-cut beef short ribs (galbi cut) about ⅓ – inch thick
- 1/2 Korean/Asian pear (or 1 apple), grated
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 medium onion, grated
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onion for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Rinse the ribs to wash off bone dust and remove any blood on the surface. Drain well.
- Lightly pound the meat with a meat tenderizer to help tenderize it, although this step is optional.
- Make the Marinade:
- In a blender, combine the grated pear (or apple), onion, garlic, and ginger. Blend until smooth.
- In a large bowl or container, mix the blended ingredients with soy sauce, water, sugar, honey, mirin, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Marinate the Meat:
- Add the short ribs to the marinade, ensuring each rib is well-coated.
- Marinate the meat for 6-8 hours, or overnight for best results. Flip the ribs halfway through the marinating time to ensure even coating.
- Cook the Ribs:
- Grilling:
- Preheat the grill over medium-high heat.
- Grill the short ribs, turning only once, for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely charred and caramelized.
- Broiling in the Oven:
- Preheat the broiler and set the oven to broil.
- Lay the ribs in a single layer on a broiling pan and place it on the top rack of the oven, about 6 inches below the broiler.
- Cook until the ribs are slightly charred and caramelized, about 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Pan-Frying:
- Preheat a large non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Lay the ribs in a single layer, 4 or 5 ribs at a time depending on the size of the pan.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes. When the pan gets dry, add the marinade through a strainer and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the sauce is gone and the ribs are nicely browned.
- Serve:
- Garnish the ribs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Korean BBQ short ribs!
Helpful Tips:
- Cut of Meat: Ensure you get cross-cut beef short ribs for the authentic galbi cut.
- Marination Time: Marinate the ribs overnight for the best flavor infusion.
- Cooking Method: While grilling is preferred for that authentic smoky flavor, broiling and pan-frying are great alternatives if you don’t have access to a grill.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with steamed rice and a side of kimchi.
- Pair with a variety of banchan (Korean side dishes) for a full Korean BBQ experience.
- Enjoy with a cold beverage, such as Korean beer or soju.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different cut of meat?
- The recipe is specifically for cross-cut short ribs, but you can try using other cuts like flanken-style ribs. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- What can I use if I don’t have Korean/Asian pear?
- An apple can be a good substitute as it provides a similar sweetness and tenderizing effect.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.
- Can I freeze marinated ribs?
- Yes, you can freeze the marinated ribs for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 1 serving (assuming 6 servings)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 28g
Total Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 6-8 hours (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours 35 minutes
Enjoy this delectable Kalbi (Galbi) Korean BBQ Short Ribs recipe, and savor the rich flavors of Korean cuisine right at home!
Recipe Card

Kalbi (Galbi) Korean BBQ Short Ribs
Kalbi (Galbi) is a popular Korean BBQ dish made with marinated beef short ribs. The ribs are typically cut across the bone, marinated in a savory-sweet sauce, and then grilled to perfection. This recipe brings the authentic flavors of Korean BBQ to your home, making it perfect for family gatherings or a special meal.
Ingredients
- – 3 – 4 pounds cross-cut beef short ribs galbi cut about ⅓ – inch thick
- – 1/2 Korean/Asian pear or 1 apple, grated
- – 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- – 1/2 medium onion grated
- – 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- – 1/2 cup soy sauce
- – 1/2 cup water
- – 3 tablespoons sugar
- – 2 tablespoons honey
- – 1/4 cup mirin
- – 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- – 1 teaspoon black pepper
- – Sesame seeds for garnish
- – Green onion for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Ribs:
- – Rinse the ribs to wash off bone dust and remove any blood on the surface. Drain well.
- – Lightly pound the meat with a meat tenderizer to help tenderize it, although this step is optional.
Make the Marinade:
- – In a blender, combine the grated pear (or apple), onion, garlic, and ginger. Blend until smooth.
- – In a large bowl or container, mix the blended ingredients with soy sauce, water, sugar, honey, mirin, sesame oil, and black pepper.
Marinate the Meat:
- – Add the short ribs to the marinade, ensuring each rib is well-coated.
- – Marinate the meat for 6-8 hours, or overnight for best results. Flip the ribs halfway through the marinating time to ensure even coating.
Cook the Ribs:
– Grilling:
- – Preheat the grill over medium-high heat.
- – Grill the short ribs, turning only once, for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely charred and caramelized.
– Broiling in the Oven:
- – Preheat the broiler and set the oven to broil.
- – Lay the ribs in a single layer on a broiling pan and place it on the top rack of the oven, about 6 inches below the broiler.
- – Cook until the ribs are slightly charred and caramelized, about 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
– Pan-Frying:
- – Preheat a large non-stick pan over medium heat.
- – Lay the ribs in a single layer, 4 or 5 ribs at a time depending on the size of the pan.
- – Cook for 4-5 minutes. When the pan gets dry, add the marinade through a strainer and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the sauce is gone and the ribs are nicely browned.
Serve:
- – Garnish the ribs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- – Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Korean BBQ short ribs!