How to Cook Korean Short Ribs

Looking for a new type of beef dish to try at home? Consider Korean short ribs, which are tender, full of flavor, and versatile enough to match your taste preferences. This guide gives you all the details you need to know to create Korean short ribs from your kitchen or grill, including how to season them, how to use various cooking methods, and an easy-to-follow recipe to try. 

What are Korean Short Ribs?

Also known as galbi or kalbi, Korean short ribs are marinated beef short ribs that are usually grilled or braised. The meat comes from the rib area, usually along the first several ribs, where there tends to be plenty of meat to cut from.

Popular in Korean culture, these ribs can be made with many variations in spices, sauces, or marinades, giving them unique flavors to complement the dish they’re included in. They are also served with various sides, including rice, kimchi, and grilled vegetables.

What to Know When Buying Korean Short Ribs

As with other beef cuts, it’s important to look for the highest quality short ribs when buying them from the store or butcher. First, check the color of the ribs. Are they bright red without pale or brown spots? If so, this indicates fresh meat. 

Next, look for thin white lines of fat, also known as marbling, running through the meat. Avoid short ribs with large chunks of fat, which can be difficult to break down when cooking. Also, choose short ribs with a texture that’s firm to the touch as opposed to squishy. The meat should bounce back when pressed gently with your finger.

Different Methods of Cooking Korean Short Ribs

Although traditionally cooked on the grill or braised on the stovetop, there are several ways to cook Korean short ribs. Here are the most popular methods:

On the Grill

Marinate the short ribs with your preferred marinade for at least two hours. Preheat the grill to high heat. Drain the marinade from the meat. Place the short ribs on the grill, cooking for 3-5 minutes before turning and doing the same to the other side. Remove from heat and rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving. 

In the Oven

After marinating the ribs for several hours in the fridge, drain the marinade, ensuring that you remove all excess marinade from the meat. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through. Turn on the broiler, and broil for 1-2 minutes. Rest for 5 minutes before enjoying. 

On the Stove

This method is known as braising. After marinating, place the short ribs in a heated Dutch oven with a drizzle of oil. Sear the ribs on each side for 3-4 minutes over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add your homemade sauce to the pan. A simple mixture of equal parts soy sauce, beef broth, and brown sugar, plus some spices like minced garlic and ginger, works well. Add enough sauce to cover the ribs entirely.

Bring the mixture to a boil and stir. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and allow to cook for two hours. 

In Crock Pot

Add the short ribs to the slow cooker, along with a mixture of soy sauce, beef broth, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.  

In Air Fryer

Marinate short ribs using your choice of marinade for at least two hours in the refrigerator before you’re ready to cook. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for about 10 minutes. Add the short ribs to the air fryer basket and cook for 3-4 minutes. Flip the ribs to the other side, cooking for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from the air fryer to rest for 5 minutes before serving. 

How to Season Korean Short Ribs for Best Flavor

Korean short ribs are typically marinated using traditional Korean flavors, including rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Some cooks also turn these flavors into a sauce to cook the ribs in, especially if braising. Combine these ingredients with a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce as it simmers. 

Additional ingredients to add for tasty Korean short ribs include brown sugar, paprika, red chili pepper flakes, minced onion, and beef stock. 

Tips to Perfect Korean Short Ribs

Following the cooking method descriptions above should help you cook Korean short ribs properly so that they’re tender and flavorful. Here are a few more tips to get the best results every time:

• Marinade the ribs overnight in the refrigerator if you have time. The longer marinating process will help tenderize the ribs.
• Pat the ribs dry before cooking them to help them sear.
• Use high heat on the grill or stove to get a quick cook and beautiful sear.
• Make sure the ribs are cut no more than ¼ of an inch thick to ensure tenderness and a proper cook.

Easy Korean Short Ribs Recipe

This easy-to-follow Korean short ribs recipe is sure to delight.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds of beef short ribs
• ¾ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp minced onion
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp red chili pepper flakes 

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients besides the short ribs in a bowl. Place the short ribs in a food-grade bag and pour the marinade over them, completely submerging the ribs. Marinate for at least 2 hours — preferably overnight — in the refrigerator.
2. Heat the grill to high heat. Remove the short ribs from the marinade and pat them completely dry. Place them on the grill.
3. Sear for 3-5 minutes; turn once and sear on that side for another 3-5 minutes.
4. Remove the ribs from the heat and rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving. 

Final Thoughts

Korean short ribs are fun to experiment with, so don’t be afraid to put your own twist on the marinade you use. Visit Steak University to get marinade recipes and inspiration to add new flavors to this mouth-watering dish.