Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs, or “Galbi-jjim,” is a heartwarming dish that highlights the deep, savory flavors of tender beef braised to perfection. This dish is a feast for the senses, with its rich sauce, tender meat, and vibrant vegetables. It embodies the essence of Korean comfort food, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is not just about the food; it’s about the stories and memories that come with it. Growing up, I remember my grandmother preparing Galbi-jjim for special occasions, filling the house with its intoxicating aroma. The way the tender short ribs would fall off the bone and melt in your mouth created a sense of warmth and togetherness that always brought our family closer. You’ll love this recipe because it’s not only delicious but also a way to create your cherished moments around the dinner table. Plus, the combination of flavors—sweet, savory, and slightly spicy—will have your taste buds dancing!
Tips and Tricks
- Marinate the beef: For maximum flavor, marinate the short ribs for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the meat to absorb the savory marinade deeply.
- Searing is key: Searing the beef before braising enhances the flavor significantly. Don’t skip this step!
- Use a heavy pot: A Dutch oven or a heavy pot distributes heat evenly, preventing the meat from burning.
- Skim the fat: After braising, skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce for a cleaner taste.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to include carrots, potatoes, or radishes in the braising liquid for added nutrition and flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can marinate the short ribs a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to develop further. The braised short ribs can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen as they sit, making them even better when reheated!
Recipe Variations
- Spicy version: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian alternative: Swap beef short ribs for eggplant and mushrooms to create a hearty vegan version.
- Slow cooker method: For a hands-off approach, use a slow cooker. Just sear the meat and then add all ingredients to the slow cooker, cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
How to Serve
Serve the Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs hot, generously spooning the rich sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color. Pair with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce, and consider serving with kimchi or pickled vegetables on the side for a traditional touch.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, try a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, or a refreshing lager to complement the richness of the dish. As for side dishes, consider serving with a simple cucumber salad or steamed bok choy. For dessert, a sweet rice cake (tteok) or fresh fruit would round out the meal nicely.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the braised short ribs in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened.
Equipment Needed
- A large Dutch oven or heavy pot for braising
- A mixing bowl for the marinade
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Tongs for handling the meat
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. For a nut-free version, ensure that no nut-based ingredients are included in your marinade or sides.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the winter, use hearty root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, which add warmth to the dish. During spring and summer, consider incorporating fresh asparagus or snap peas for a lighter touch.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use other cuts of beef? While short ribs are ideal for their rich flavor and texture, you can use chuck roast, but adjust cooking times as needed.
- How do I know when the beef is done? The beef should be tender and easily shred with a fork, but not so overcooked that it falls apart completely.
- Is it okay to substitute the soy sauce? You can use coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute, but it may alter the flavor profile slightly.
Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs
Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs, or “Galbi-jjim,” is a heartwarming dish that highlights the deep, savory flavors of tender beef braised to perfection.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef short ribs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice wine or mirin
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by marinating the short ribs. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Add the short ribs, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Remove the short ribs from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear them in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the sliced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the reserved marinade and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the short ribs to the pot, add the carrots, and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and transfer the pot to the preheated oven. Braise for about 2.5 to 3 hours until the beef is tender.
- Once cooked, skim off any excess fat from the surface. Serve with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds on top.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 928Total Fat: 63gSaturated Fat: 25gTrans Fat: 3gUnsaturated Fat: 38gCholesterol: 227mgSodium: 2807mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 2gSugar: 19gProtein: 64g
Asianplated.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs are more than just a dish; they are an experience filled with flavor and warmth. The process of making this dish is a labor of love, and the result is a comforting meal that brings family and friends together. I encourage you to try making this recipe and savor the delightful aromas and tastes that will fill your kitchen, creating lasting memories around the dinner table. Enjoy!
