DIY Korean BBQ Short Ribs at Home

DIY Korean BBQ Short Ribs at Home is a easy Korean recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by CiCi Li, Asian Home Cooking on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 50 min

Cost: $23.18 total, $5.80 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Beef Short Ribs (thinly sliced) (preferably thinly sliced for quick cooking)
  • 4 cup Water (for soaking the beef)
  • 1 medium Korean Pear (peeled and diced; can substitute with apple or use both)
  • 0.5 medium Onion (peeled and diced)
  • 3 clove Garlic (peeled)
  • 1 tsp Ginger (fresh, grated)
  • 1 large Kiwi (peeled and quartered; acts as a natural tenderizer)
  • 0.25 cup Water (for blending) (helps achieve a smooth puree)
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (regular or low‑sodium)
  • 2 tbsp Rice Wine (Mirin or cooking wine) (adds depth and slight sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp Honey (balances the acidity)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil for aroma)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for pan‑searing)
  • 2 sheet Paper Towels (to pat the beef dry before cooking)

Instructions

  1. Soak the Beef

    Place the sliced short ribs in a large bowl, cover with 4 cups of cold water, gently massage, and let soak for 10 minutes to remove excess blood and gamy taste.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Prepare Fruit & Veggies

    Peel the Korean pear and cut into small pieces. Dice half an onion. Peel garlic cloves and ginger; measure 1 tsp grated ginger. Peel and quarter the kiwi.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Blend the Marinade

    Add the pear, onion, garlic, ginger, kiwi, and ¼ cup water to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Combine Marinade Ingredients

    Transfer the puree to the large bowl used for soaking. Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice wine, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sesame oil, and ½ tsp black pepper. Mix well.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Marinate the Beef

    Drain the soaked beef, place it in a large Ziploc bag, pour the prepared marinade over the meat, seal, and massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate overnight (8‑12 hours) for maximum flavor and tenderness.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Dry the Beef Before Cooking

    Remove the beef from the bag, spread on a plate, and pat dry with paper towels. This step is essential for a good sear.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Pan‑Sear the Short Ribs

    Heat a frying pan over medium‑high heat, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, and swirl to coat. Add a single layer of beef slices; cook 2 minutes on the first side until browned, then flip and cook another 2 minutes. Remove and repeat with remaining slices.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Serve

    Transfer the cooked short ribs to a serving platter. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice and kimchi.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
20g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Gluten (soy sauce), Contains honey, Contains sesame, Dairy‑free, Nut‑free

Allergens: Soy, Sesame, Honey

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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DIY Korean BBQ Short Ribs at Home

Recipe by CiCi Li, Asian Home Cooking

A flavorful Korean barbecue short rib (galbi) recipe using a sweet Korean pear and kiwi tenderizer. The beef is soaked to remove blood, marinated overnight in a fruity, savory sauce, then quickly pan‑seared for a caramelized, restaurant‑style finish.

EasyKoreanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
24m
Prep
14m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
48m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$23.18
Total cost
$5.80
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking the beef to remove blood and gamy flavor.
  • Patting the marinated beef dry before searing for proper browning.
  • Cooking over medium‑high heat in a single layer to achieve caramelization.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – keep face away and use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Use a sharp knife carefully when cutting fruit and meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Korean short ribs (galbi) in Korean cuisine?

A

Galbi, or Korean short ribs, have been a celebratory dish in Korea for centuries, originally enjoyed by royalty and during special occasions such as weddings and harvest festivals. The meat is traditionally grilled over charcoal, creating a smoky, caramelized flavor that symbolizes abundance and hospitality.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Korean short ribs (galbi) in Korean cuisine?

A

In the southern region, especially Jeolla Province, galbi is often marinated with a sweeter pear‑based sauce and grilled on a charcoal brazier. In the north, a simpler soy‑based glaze is common, and some regions add fermented soybean paste (doenjang) for depth. The recipe here follows the sweet southern style.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Korean short ribs (galgi) traditionally served in Korea?

A

Traditionally, galbi is grilled at the table and served with lettuce leaves, ssamjang (a spicy dipping sauce), sliced garlic, and green chilies. It is accompanied by steamed rice, kimchi, and often a side of seasoned bean sprouts (kongnamul).

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Korean short ribs (galbi) traditionally associated with in Korean culture?

A

Galbi is a staple at Korean holidays such as Chuseok (harvest festival) and Seollal (Lunar New Year), as well as birthdays, weddings, and family reunions. Its rich flavor and communal grilling make it a centerpiece for festive gatherings.

cultural
Q

What makes Korean short ribs (galbi) special or unique in Korean cuisine?

A

The combination of a fruit‑based sweetener (Korean pear or apple) with soy, sesame oil, and a natural tenderizer like kiwi or pineapple creates a balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors while keeping the meat exceptionally tender. This harmony is a hallmark of Korean barbecue.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Korean short ribs (galbi) versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include thinly sliced beef short ribs, Korean pear, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine (mirin), honey or sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Acceptable substitutes are apple for pear, pineapple for kiwi, brown sugar for honey, and regular cooking wine for mirin.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with Korean short ribs (galbi) from the cuisine?

A

Galbi pairs beautifully with classic Korean side dishes such as kimchi, japchae (stir‑fried glass noodles), pajeon (green onion pancake), and a bowl of plain steamed rice. A light cucumber‑mint salad (oi muchim) balances the richness.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Korean short ribs (galbi) at home?

A

Common mistakes include not soaking the beef to remove blood, failing to pat the meat dry before searing, overcrowding the pan which prevents browning, and over‑cooking the thin slices which makes them tough. Follow the soaking, drying, and high‑heat steps for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this Korean short ribs (galbi) recipe use kiwi as a tenderizer instead of just pineapple?

A

Kiwi contains actinidin, an enzyme that works quickly at low temperatures, making it ideal for overnight marinades without turning the meat mushy. Pineapple’s bromelain is stronger and can over‑tenderize if used in large amounts, so kiwi offers a gentler, controlled tenderizing effect.

technical
Q

Can I make Korean short ribs (galbi) ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can marinate the beef overnight and keep it refrigerated in a sealed bag. After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet to retain crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel CiCi Li, Asian Home Cooking specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel CiCi Li, Asian Home Cooking specializes in approachable Asian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on authentic flavors, simple techniques, and everyday ingredients that home cooks can find in local supermarkets.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel CiCi Li, Asian Home Cooking's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

A

CiCi Li emphasizes quick, pan‑based methods and ingredient swaps (like using kiwi instead of pineapple) for busy home cooks, whereas many Korean channels focus on traditional charcoal grilling or elaborate side‑dish preparations. Her style blends authenticity with modern convenience.

channel

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