There’s something undeniably special about Korean BBQ. It’s not just about the food — it’s about the experience: the sizzle of the grill, the aroma wafting through the air, and the communal feeling that brings everyone together. But if you’re tired of the usual American BBQ scene and want to level up your grilling game, Grilled Beef Galbi is where you need to start.
This marinated short rib recipe brings together a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors — and it’s shockingly easy to make at home. Forget about long hours of slow cooking. With just a quick marinade and a hot grill, you’ll have tender, juicy galbi ready to devour in under 30 minutes.
Ready to turn your next grilling session into a feast? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Grilled Beef Galbi: A Flavorful Korean Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Grilled Beef Galbi is a Korean BBQ classic that brings together the rich, savory-sweet flavor of marinated beef short ribs. With a smoky char from the grill, this dish is perfect for gathering loved ones and celebrating tradition.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of beef short ribs (bone-in for authentic taste)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (optional for added depth)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup rice wine or mirin
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1/2 pear or apple, grated (optional, for added sweetness and tenderizing)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), chopped green onions, rice wine, and grated pear/apple. Stir everything together until the sugar has dissolved and all ingredients are well-mixed.
- Place the beef short ribs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours. For the best results, marinate overnight.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using charcoal, let the coals burn down until they are glowing red. If using a gas grill, set it to a medium-high setting.
- Remove the beef short ribs from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the ribs on the preheated grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- After grilling, allow the beef to rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Notes
Galbi is traditionally made with beef short ribs, chosen for their marbling and tenderness. Marinate overnight for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: beef galbi, grilled beef, korean bbq, short ribs, galbi
Why Grilled Beef Galbi is Special
When you think of ribs, what comes to mind? Maybe slow-cooked, tender pork ribs slathered in BBQ sauce, right? But here’s the thing — while American BBQ certainly has its charm, Grilled Beef Galbi brings something altogether different to the table.
Galbi is all about the cut of meat. Unlike thick, bone-heavy short ribs that require hours of slow braising, LA-style galbi uses flanken-style short ribs that are cut thin, across the bone. This creates more surface area, allowing the marinade to soak in deep, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
What makes this cut so perfect for grilling is that it cooks quickly and evenly, giving you a rich, savory base with a hint of sweetness and char. Pair this with the marinade — a delicate balance of soy sauce, brown sugar, and fresh Asian pear — and you’ve got yourself a dish that’s as flavorful as it is fun. It’s the kind of food that gets everyone at the table excited, cutting the meat with shears, wrapping it in leaves, and dipping it in savory ssamjang.
Let’s be real: Korean BBQ isn’t just about eating; it’s about experiencing something new with every bite. Grilled Beef Galbi captures the essence of this tradition, making it an ideal introduction to Korean grilling at home. And once you’ve tasted it, you’ll probably find yourself wondering why you didn’t try it sooner.
What Makes the Marinade Work: A Savory-Sweet Balance
If the beef galbi is the star of the show, then the marinade is its supporting cast — and trust me, this marinade does not disappoint. What makes it so special is the perfect balance between savory, sweet, and a touch of heat. Think of it as the ultimate flavor harmony that complements the beef without overwhelming it.
At the heart of the marinade is soy sauce, which gives it a salty, umami-rich base. From there, things start to get interesting. Asian pear adds a surprising sweetness and a subtle fruity freshness that softens the savory soy sauce, making it perfect for grilling. And because this marinade uses brown sugar, it also deepens the sweetness, giving the ribs that delicious caramelized char when they hit the grill.
But it doesn’t stop there — we’re talking about layers of flavor. Garlic and ginger bring a fragrant, aromatic kick, while sesame oil provides a nutty bitterness that balances the sweetness. Finally, black pepper and scallions round everything off with a bit of spice and freshness.
The beauty of this marinade is in its simplicity. A quick whizz through the food processor and you’ve got a rich, flavorful mix that sticks to the meat like it was made for it. And, just like that, you’ve set the stage for a perfectly charred, juicy galbi. Ready to cook?
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Grilled Beef Galbi
Preparing the Marinade
The key to great galbi starts with the marinade, and lucky for you, it’s incredibly easy to put together. Grab a food processor and toss in your onion, Asian pear, garlic, and ginger. Pulse everything into a coarse purée, ensuring that the pear’s natural sweetness shines through. Next, add in your soy sauce, water, brown sugar, mirin, and black pepper. Let the processor run until everything blends together smoothly.
Finally, stir in the scallions, sesame oil, and sesame seeds to finish it off. The sesame seeds give a slight crunch, and the sesame oil adds that unmistakable nuttiness that makes Korean BBQ so special. Your marinade is now ready to work its magic!
Marinating the Ribs
Once the marinade is ready, place your flanken-style short ribs in a large bowl or a gallon-size zipper-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure every piece is generously coated. Seal the bag, or cover the bowl tightly, and let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours if you’ve got the time. The longer the marination, the deeper the flavor — but don’t rush it; letting it sit really lets the flavors meld.
Grilling the Galbi
Now that the ribs are well-marinated, it’s time to get grilling! If you’ve got a charcoal grill, light it up and let the coals get nice and hot. You want to be grilling over high heat to achieve that perfect char without overcooking the meat. If you’re using a gas grill, set half the burners to high heat and preheat the grill for about 10 minutes.
Remove the ribs from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid (but don’t wipe it completely dry — we want those flavors to stick!). Place the ribs directly over the coals, or on the hot side of the gas grill. Grill the ribs for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning them frequently to avoid burning the sugars in the marinade. The goal is to get a little char on the outside while keeping the meat juicy on the inside.
You’ll know they’re ready when they’re nicely browned and slightly caramelized on the surface but still tender and juicy on the inside — and the best part? This all happens in less than 10 minutes!
Serving and Enjoying Galbi: A Feast for the Senses
Once those beef galbi ribs are grilled to perfection, it’s time to dig in — but not before adding some fun, interactive touches that make Korean BBQ such an experience. This isn’t just about eating; it’s about creating a feast that engages all your senses.
The Ultimate Galbi Meal
Galbi is best served immediately, still sizzling from the grill. Bring the ribs to the table on a serving platter and arm yourself with kitchen shears. Why? Because the ribs are typically served whole, and it’s up to you to cut them into bite-sized pieces. It’s a fun, hands-on way to enjoy your meal with family and friends.
And while the galbi is the star, there’s no shortage of sides to complement it. Serve your galbi with steamed rice, lettuce, and perilla leaves (also known as Korean sesame leaves), which you’ll use to wrap the grilled meat. Add a dollop of ssamjang — a savory and spicy dipping sauce — for an extra flavor kick. And don’t forget the banchan! These small side dishes (like kimchi, pickled radishes, and sautéed vegetables) are a quintessential part of Korean dining, adding variety and balance to the meal.
Using Shears to Portion the Meat
If you’ve never used shears to cut your meat before, you’re in for a treat! The shears let you easily cut through the bones and portion the galbi into bite-sized pieces, ready for wrapping or dipping. It’s an interactive way to share the meal and makes the whole experience feel more communal.
For a complete Korean BBQ experience, pair your Grilled Beef Galbi with Grilled Zucchini Boats to add a fresh, smoky flavor to your meal. These boats complement the rich taste of the galbi while providing a light, vegetable-packed option
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! While grilling galbi over charcoal or gas provides that delicious smoky flavor, you can also cook the short ribs in a skillet or broil them in the oven. If you’re using a skillet, just make sure it’s hot and well-oiled before placing the ribs in. Cook them on medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. If broiling, place the ribs on a baking sheet and cook under the broiler for 4-5 minutes per side, keeping a close eye to avoid burning the marinade.
What is the best cut of beef for galbi?
For galbi, you’ll want flanken-style beef short ribs. These are short ribs cut across the bones, which gives them the thin, long pieces that are perfect for marinating and grilling. If you can’t find flanken-style ribs, you can ask your butcher to cut regular short ribs this way, or you can use regular bone-in ribs and adjust your cooking method (they may require longer grilling or braising).
How long can I marinate the ribs?
For the best flavor, marinate the ribs for at least 1 hour. If you’ve got the time, marinating them for up to 24 hours will allow the flavors to deepen. Just make sure to store them in the fridge while marinating — this keeps the meat safe and helps preserve the marinade’s freshness.
Can I freeze the marinated ribs?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated ribs! Just make sure to place the ribs and marinade in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight before grilling.
After you’ve grilled the galbi, don’t forget to make Grilled Cajun Wings to add a spicy kick to your BBQ feast. The zesty flavor of the wings will provide a nice contrast to the sweet and savory notes of the galbi.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Korean BBQ Feast
And there you have it — your very own Grilled Beef Galbi, ready to enjoy right at home. This recipe brings all the savory, sweet, and smoky goodness of Korean BBQ without the need for a fancy grill or complicated techniques. It’s the perfect dish to share with family and friends, especially when paired with all those classic sides like ssamjang, lettuce wraps, and banchan.
Whether you’re a seasoned BBQ pro or a first-timer looking to explore Korean cuisine, this galbi recipe is sure to impress. So fire up that grill, get marinating, and let the grilling begin. Your taste buds will thank you, and your guests will be asking for seconds.
Ready to dive into the world of Korean BBQ? It’s just a grill away.
If you’re looking for a perfect side dish to complement your galbi, try making Sourdough Hamburger Buns for a homemade touch that’s ideal for wrapping the grilled meat. These buns are soft, slightly tangy, and perfect for enhancing the overall flavor of your BBQ spread.
