LA Galbi, or Korean BBQ Short Ribs, is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Korean cuisine. These tender, marinated short ribs are grilled to perfection, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. The combination of sweet, savory, and umami elements makes LA Galbi not just a meal, but an experience. Whether served at a lively gathering or a cozy family dinner, these short ribs are sure to impress with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and aromatic glaze.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will fall in love with this LA Galbi recipe for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. The marinade, which features a delightful balance of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, infuses the meat with sweetness and depth, creating a dish that is both comforting and exotic. Cooking these short ribs on a grill or stovetop gives a smoky flavor that is hard to resist. Plus, this recipe fits perfectly into a variety of dietary lifestyles, as it can be enjoyed by meat lovers and those looking for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Tips and Tricks
- For the best flavor, marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.
- Use a sharp knife to trim excess fat from the ribs to prevent flare-ups when grilling.
- If grilling isn’t an option, using a cast-iron skillet or broiler can yield delicious results.
- For an added depth of flavor, try adding a splash of rice wine or a sprinkle of black pepper to the marinade.
Make Ahead Tips
To save time during busy days, you can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The short ribs can be marinated up to 24 hours ahead of time for maximum flavor. Additionally, cooked short ribs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making them perfect for meal prepping.

Recipe Variations
Consider swapping out the brown sugar for honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile. For a spicy kick, add gochujang (Korean chili paste) to your marinade. If you prefer a smokier flavor, try incorporating smoked paprika or liquid smoke into the marinade. You can also experiment with different cooking methods, such as slow cooking or pressure cooking, for tender, fall-off-the-bone results.
How to Serve
Serve LA Galbi hot off the grill, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color. Pair it with steamed rice and a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the ribs. For an authentic Korean experience, wrap pieces of meat in lettuce leaves and top with ssamjang (a spicy dipping sauce).

Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, a light, crisp lager or a fruity soju complements the savory flavors of the ribs beautifully. If you’re in the mood for wine, a fruity red like a Pinot Noir works well. As for side dishes, consider serving with Korean-style potato salad or a refreshing cucumber salad. For dessert, a simple mango sticky rice or green tea ice cream makes for a delightful end to the meal.
How to Store
To store leftovers, place the cooled short ribs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the ribs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently in the oven or microwave, adding a bit of water or broth to keep them moist.
Equipment Needed
You will need a grill or stovetop for cooking the ribs. A large mixing bowl for the marinade and a whisk or fork for blending the ingredients will also be necessary. If you prefer a stovetop method, a cast-iron skillet or grill pan is ideal. A meat thermometer ensures your ribs are cooked perfectly.

Dietary Adaptations
For a vegan version, consider using marinated tofu or seitan as a substitute for the beef. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. If you’re nut-free, ensure that no sesame oil or seeds are included in the marinade.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to your marinade for an extra burst of freshness. In the fall or winter, you might incorporate warming spices like cinnamon or cloves into the marinade for a seasonal twist.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use beef ribs instead of short ribs? Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, but cooking times may vary.
How long should I cook the ribs? Grill or broil for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the meat reaches your desired doneness.
Can I substitute the sugar in the marinade? Brown sugar is best, but you can use coconut sugar or honey as alternatives.
What can I do if the ribs are tough? Ensure you’re not overcooking them and consider marinating longer next time.
LA Galbi (Korean BBQ Short Ribs)

LA Galbi, or Korean BBQ Short Ribs, is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Korean cuisine.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of LA galbi (short ribs)
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice wine, and black pepper. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the LA galbi short ribs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the ribs from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Discard any leftover marinade.
- Grill the ribs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice char and achieve your desired level of doneness.
- Once cooked, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 713Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 5588mgCarbohydrates: 63gFiber: 3gSugar: 51gProtein: 38g
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
Making LA Galbi at home is not only a rewarding culinary adventure, but it also brings a taste of Korea right to your dining table. With its rich flavors and tender texture, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy family dinner. So grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the delicious experience of Korean BBQ short ribs with friends and family!