Savory Korean Braised Short Ribs with Root Vegetables
This delightful recipe features tender beef short ribs slowly braised in a rich and slightly sweet marinade made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh fruits. The addition of pear juice and mashed kiwi not only flavors the meat but also helps to tenderize it, resulting in juicy, fork-tender ribs. Served with hearty root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, this Korean classic (Galbi or Kalbi) transforms the traditional beef stew into an unforgettable one-dish meal that's perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef short ribs, flanken-cut
4 lbs (soaked and scored)
soy sauce
1 1/2 cups (measured)
sesame oil
3 tablespoons (measured)
minced garlic
2 tablespoons (minced)
minced fresh gingerroot
1 tablespoon (minced)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon (measured)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
water
2 1/2 cups (measured)
rice wine
1/2 cup (measured)
pear
1/2 cup (peeled and grated)
kiwi
1 (peeled and mashed)
table salt
2 teaspoons (measured)
ground black pepper
1 pinch (measured)
carrot
1 (cut into large dice)
potatoes
2 (peeled and cut into large chunks)
chopped green onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
yellow onion
1 (cut into large dice)
chestnuts
1 cup (optional)
shiitake mushrooms
1/2 cup (sliced (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the beef short ribs in a large stockpot of cold water for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step helps to draw out impurities for a cleaner broth. After soaking, drain the ribs and pat them dry. Score the meat by making shallow criss-cross cuts across the surface to enhance flavor absorption.
2
In the same stockpot, fill it with fresh water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the short ribs, reduce the heat, and let them simmer for 30 minutes. Afterward, drain the cooking water and return the ribs to the pot.
3
To Marinate the Ribs: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced fresh ginger, ground ginger, brown sugar, water, rice wine, grated pear, and mashed kiwi to the pot. Season the mixture with salt and a pinch of black pepper. Bring the marinade to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 60 minutes.
4
Incorporate the vegetables: Add large diced carrots, potatoes, chopped green onions, and large diced yellow onion into the pot. If desired, you can also include chestnuts and sliced shiitake mushrooms for added depth. Simmer the stew until the vegetables are tender, which should take at least 30 more minutes.
5
Once everything is cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this Korean dish?
This dish is known as Savory Korean Braised Short Ribs, also commonly referred to as Galbi or Kalbi.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 lbs of flanken-cut beef short ribs.
Why do you soak the short ribs in cold water before cooking?
Soaking the ribs for 30 minutes to 1 hour helps to draw out impurities, ensuring a cleaner broth for the final stew.
What is the purpose of scoring the meat?
Making shallow criss-cross cuts across the surface of the meat enhances flavor absorption during the marinating and braising process.
How long should the ribs be parboiled initially?
The ribs should be simmered in fresh water for 30 minutes before the water is drained and the marinade is added.
Which fruits are used as natural tenderizers in this recipe?
The recipe uses grated pear and mashed kiwi to both flavor and tenderize the beef.
What ingredients make up the marinade base?
The marinade consists of soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced fresh ginger, ground ginger, brown sugar, water, and rice wine.
How long do the ribs simmer in the marinade before adding vegetables?
The ribs should simmer in the marinade mixture for 60 minutes.
What root vegetables are included in this stew?
The recipe includes large diced carrots and potatoes peeled and cut into chunks.
Are there any optional ingredients I can add?
Yes, you can add chestnuts and sliced shiitake mushrooms for additional depth and texture.
How much soy sauce is required for the marinade?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of soy sauce.
What type of onion is used in the stew?
The recipe calls for one yellow onion cut into a large dice and 1/2 cup of chopped green onions.
How much water is added to the marinade?
You should add 2 1/2 cups of water to the marinade mixture.
How do I prepare the kiwi for the recipe?
The kiwi should be peeled and then mashed before being added to the pot.
What is the total cooking time for the vegetables?
The vegetables should simmer in the pot for at least 30 minutes or until they are tender.
What kind of wine is used in this Korean braise?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of rice wine.
Is fresh ginger or ground ginger used?
Both are used: 1 tablespoon of minced fresh gingerroot and 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How much brown sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish should be served hot and can be garnished with additional chopped green onions.
How much sesame oil is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of sesame oil.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, it uses 2 teaspoons of table salt and a pinch of ground black pepper.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
Potatoes should be peeled and cut into large chunks.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, because it combines protein, hearty root vegetables, and a rich sauce, it serves as a complete one-dish meal.
Can I use regular beef stew meat instead of ribs?
While the recipe specifies flanken-cut short ribs for the most authentic Galbi experience, the braising technique could be adapted for other beef cuts.
What is the texture of the meat after cooking?
Due to the long simmering time and the enzymes in the pear and kiwi, the meat becomes juicy and fork-tender.
How much pear is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of peeled and grated pear.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 19 ingredients listed in this recipe including the optional items.
Should the cooking water from the parboiling step be saved?
No, the initial parboiling water should be drained and replaced with the marinade ingredients.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
The dish offers a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile characteristic of Korean braised beef.