Beef Short Ribs Recipe Korean

Introduction

Korean braised beef short ribs, known as “Galbi Jjim,” is a deeply flavorful and comforting dish that has gained popularity worldwide. This dish features tender beef short ribs simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, often enjoyed during special occasions and family gatherings. Its appeal lies in the harmonious balance of flavors and the satisfyingly melt-in-your-mouth texture of the beef. The relatively simple preparation belies the depth of flavor achieved through slow cooking, making it a favorite for both seasoned cooks and those new to Korean cuisine.

Ingredients

The key to an authentic Galbi Jjim starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a list of what’s needed:

Beef Short Ribs: About 3-4 pounds, cut into flanken style (thinly across the bone) or English cut (bone-in chunks). English cut requires longer cooking time.
Korean Soy Sauce (Ganjang): 1/2 cup, essential for the authentic savory flavor. Low sodium soy sauce can be used with a pinch of salt added.
Korean Pear (or Asian Pear): 1/2, grated. Provides sweetness, tenderizes the meat, and adds a unique flavor. A small apple can substitute.
Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, to balance the savory notes.
Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced.
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced.
Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon, for a nutty aroma and flavor.
Rice Wine (Mirin or Sake): 2 tablespoons. Helps to tenderize the meat and remove any gaminess.
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon.
Water: 3-4 cups, depending on the cooking method.
Optional Vegetables: Carrots (1, peeled and cut into chunks), potatoes (2 medium, peeled and quartered), daikon radish (4 oz, peeled and cubed), chestnuts (peeled), dried shiitake mushrooms (rehydrated).
Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions.

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation is crucial for tender and flavorful ribs. This involves removing impurities and building flavor from the start.

Soaking the Ribs: Soak the beef short ribs in cold water for at least 30 minutes, changing the water several times. This helps draw out excess blood and impurities, resulting in a cleaner flavor.
Preparing the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the Korean soy sauce, grated Korean pear (or apple), brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, rice wine, and black pepper. Whisk well to ensure the sugar is dissolved.
Marinating the Ribs: Place the drained short ribs into the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, or ideally overnight. The longer the marinating time, the more flavorful and tender the ribs will become.
Preparing Vegetables (Optional): While the ribs are marinating, prepare the vegetables by peeling and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Soaking dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the dish will help to rehydrate them and extract more flavor.

Cooking Instructions

There are several ways to cook Galbi Jjim. Here are two popular methods:

Stovetop Method:
1. Transfer the marinated ribs and marinade to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add water until the ribs are mostly submerged.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the ribs are very tender. If using English cut ribs, simmer for 2.5-3 hours.
3. Add the prepared vegetables (carrots, potatoes, daikon, mushrooms, chestnuts) to the pot during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Check the liquid level periodically and add more water if needed to prevent the ribs from drying out.
5. Once the ribs and vegetables are tender, remove the lid and simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) Method:
1. Place the marinated ribs and marinade into the Instant Pot. Add enough water to cover the ribs, but not exceeding the maximum fill line.
2. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 30-40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the ribs. For English cut, increase the cooking time to 45-50 minutes.
3. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
4. Carefully open the lid and add the prepared vegetables to the Instant Pot.
5. Set the Instant Pot to saut mode and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Galbi Jjim is best served hot and is often accompanied by various side dishes. Here are some popular serving suggestions:

Rice: Serve Galbi Jjim with steamed white rice or Korean purple rice (Heukmi Bap).
Banchan (Side Dishes): Offer an array of Korean side dishes such as kimchi, seasoned spinach (Sigeumchi Namul), pickled radish (Danmuji), and bean sprouts (Kongnamul Muchim).
Garnish: Garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Plating: Arrange the ribs and vegetables on a platter or individual bowls, ladling the rich sauce over the top.

Tips and Common Mistakes

To ensure success with your beef short ribs recipe korean, keep these tips and avoid these common mistakes:

Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can result in dry, tough ribs. Monitor the cooking time closely and check for tenderness.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the marinade and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Some prefer a sweeter taste, while others prefer a more savory flavor.
Use Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality beef short ribs and Korean soy sauce will significantly impact the final flavor of the dish.
Don’t Skip Soaking: Soaking the ribs is crucial for removing impurities and achieving a cleaner flavor.
Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, simmer it for a few more minutes with the lid off to allow it to reduce and thicken. A slurry of cornstarch and water can also be used as a thickening agent.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Learning to prepare Galbi Jjim unlocks a world of savory and comforting flavors, bringing a touch of Korean culinary tradition to the home kitchen. The combination of tender beef, sweet and savory sauce, and optional vegetables makes it a versatile dish for any occasion. The recipe is adaptable to different cooking methods and preferences, allowing for personal customization. It’s an invitation to explore Korean cuisine beyond the typical dishes. Take the plunge, create delicious memories, and find even more inspiring recipes at foodrecipestory.com.