Galbi Jjim (Korean Braised Short Ribs) Recipe

 

Galbi Jjim (갈비찜) is a traditional Korean dish made with tender beef short ribs braised in a sweet-savory soy sauce base with vegetables. Often served during holidays, family gatherings, and special celebrations, this Korean braised beef recipe is comforting, flavorful, and truly a show-stopping dish.

If you’re looking for an authentic Korean short rib recipe, a holiday dinner idea, or a rich beef stew with Asian flavors, Galbi Jjim is the perfect choice.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

• 1.5 lbs (700g) beef short ribs
• 2 medium carrots, cut into large chunks
• 2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, cut into wedges
• 5–6 shiitake mushrooms (fresh or dried), sliced
• 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)

For the sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar (or honey)
• 2 tbsp rice wine (mirin or cooking sake)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1 tbsp pear puree (or apple, for natural sweetness)
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the ribs

• Soak the short ribs in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess blood. Drain and rinse.
• Boil ribs in a pot of water for 5 minutes, then discard water. Rinse ribs again (this step removes impurities for a clean broth).

2. Make the sauce

• In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, pear puree, and beef broth.

3. Braise the ribs

• Place ribs and sauce in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
• Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add vegetables

• Add carrots, potatoes, onion, and mushrooms.
• Continue simmering for 20–30 minutes until ribs are tender and vegetables are cooked through.

5. Finish and serve

• Adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or sugar if needed.
• Garnish with chopped green onion and sesame seeds before serving.

Serving Tips

• Serve Galbi Jjim hot with steamed white rice and Korean side dishes (banchan).
• This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen overnight.
• For a festive look, garnish with pine nuts or red chili slices.

Variations

• Spicy Galbi Jjim: Add 1–2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste) to the sauce.
• Vegetable-rich version: Add Korean radish, lotus root, or chestnuts for extra texture.
• Instant Pot shortcut: Pressure cook ribs for 35–40 minutes for a faster version.

✨ Pro Tip: The secret to tender Galbi Jjim is long, slow braising. Make sure to let the short ribs simmer until the meat is almost falling off the bone.

Why You’ll Love This Galbi Jjim Recipe

• ✅ Authentic Korean holiday dish that feels special
• ✅ Rich and hearty with deep soy-garlic flavor
• ✅ Perfect for gatherings—beautiful presentation and crowd-pleasing taste
• ✅ Make-ahead friendly—tastes even better the next day

If you’ve been searching for the best Korean short rib braised recipe, Galbi Jjim will bring the taste of Korean tradition to your table.