You could slap me in the face with this meat and I wouldn’t be mad 🤤

You could slap me in the face with this meat and I wouldn’t be mad 🤤 is a medium Korean recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Ian Fujimoto on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 52 min

Cost: $17.20 total, $4.30 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Beef Short Ribs (bone‑in, cut into 1‑inch pieces)
  • 4 cups Water (for quick brine)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (to dissolve in water for brine)
  • 1 medium Asian Pear (peeled and grated)
  • 1 medium Apple (sweet variety, peeled and grated)
  • 1 small Yellow Onion (finely diced)
  • 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice (unsweetened)
  • 1/3 cup Soy Sauce (regular or low‑sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons Mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (toasted, for flavor)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (grated)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 3 stalks Green Onions (chopped, added after straining)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (high‑smoke‑point oil for skillet)

Instructions

  1. Quick Brine the Ribs

    Fill a large bowl with 4 cups of cold water, whisk in 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until dissolved, then submerge the short rib pieces. Let sit for 20‑30 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Rinse and Pat Dry

    Discard the brine, rinse each rib piece under cold running water to remove bone fragments, then pat dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Prepare the Marinade

    In a separate bowl combine grated Asian pear, grated apple, diced yellow onion, 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, 2 tbsp brown sugar, grated ginger, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix well.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Strain the Marinade

    Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer (or cheesecloth) into a clean container, pressing to extract liquid. Discard solids and stir in chopped green onions.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Marinate the Ribs

    Place the rinsed ribs in a shallow dish or zip‑top bag, pour the strained marinade over them, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for 3 days, turning once daily.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Preheat Skillet

    Remove ribs from the fridge, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat until very hot, then add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Sear the Ribs

    Lay the marinated ribs in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook without moving for about 4 minutes, then flip and cook another 4‑5 minutes until caramelized and cooked through.

    Time: PT9M

  8. Rest and Serve

    Transfer cooked ribs to a plate, let rest for 2 minutes, then garnish with extra chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
20g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Contains (soy sauce), High Protein, Keto‑Friendly (low net carbs)

Allergens: Soy, Sesame

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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You could slap me in the face with this meat and I wouldn’t be mad 🤤

Recipe by Ian Fujimoto

Tender short ribs soaked in a sweet‑savory Korean marinade of Asian pear, apple, pineapple juice, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and spices. After a three‑day fridge marination, the ribs are quickly seared in a hot skillet for a caramelized, restaurant‑style galbi at home.

MediumKoreanServes 4

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

Source Video
30m
Prep
11m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
51m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.20
Total cost
$4.30
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brining the ribs to remove bone fragments and improve texture
  • Straining the marinade to achieve a smooth coating
  • Marinating for a full 3 days for authentic flavor development
  • Searing the ribs in a very hot skillet to create caramelization

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw meat with separate utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • The skillet will be extremely hot; use oven mitts and tongs.
  • Do not consume undercooked beef; internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Korean Marinated Short Ribs (Galbi) in Korean cuisine?

A

Galbi, meaning "rib," has been a beloved Korean BBQ staple for centuries, originally enjoyed by royalty due to the tender cut and sweet‑savory glaze. Today it’s a centerpiece at family gatherings, holidays, and Korean BBQ restaurants, symbolizing hospitality and celebration.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Korean Marinated Short Ribs in Korea?

A

In the southern region, especially Jeolla Province, galbi is often marinated with a higher proportion of fruit purees and a touch of fermented soybean paste. In the north, the sauce may be less sweet and include more garlic and pepper. The recipe here follows the classic sweet‑savory style common nationwide.

cultural
Q

How is Korean Marinated Short Ribs traditionally served in Korea?

A

Traditionally, the grilled ribs are served hot off the grill, sliced thin, and accompanied by lettuce leaves, ssamjang (spicy paste), sliced garlic, and green chili. Diners wrap a piece of meat with lettuce, add condiments, and enjoy it in one bite.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Korean Marinated Short Ribs (Galbi) traditionally associated with in Korean culture?

A

Galbi is a popular dish for Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), family reunions, birthdays, and wedding celebrations. Its rich flavor and communal grilling style make it ideal for festive gatherings.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with Korean Marinated Short Ribs?

A

Serve galbi alongside steamed white rice, kimchi, Korean cucumber salad (oi-muchim), and a bowl of doenjang soup. A side of japchae (stir‑fried glass noodles) also complements the sweet‑savory ribs.

cultural
Q

What makes Korean Marinated Short Ribs special or unique in Korean cuisine?

A

The combination of fruit purees (Asian pear, apple) with soy‑mirin sauce creates a natural tenderizing effect and a glossy caramelized crust. This balance of sweet, salty, and umami is a hallmark of Korean BBQ flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Korean Marinated Short Ribs at home?

A

Common errors include skipping the long marination, which reduces tenderness; overcrowding the pan, which prevents proper searing; and using low‑heat oil, which can cause the ribs to steam rather than caramelize.

technical
Q

Why does this Korean Marinated Short Ribs recipe use a 3‑day fridge marination instead of a shorter period?

A

Three days allow the enzymes in the Asian pear and the acidity of the pineapple juice to fully break down muscle fibers, resulting in melt‑in‑your‑mouth tenderness and deep flavor penetration that a shorter marination cannot achieve.

technical
Q

Can I make Korean Marinated Short Ribs ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After marinating for 3 days, you can cook the ribs, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Ian Fujimoto specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Ian Fujimoto focuses on practical, value‑oriented cooking tutorials that blend Asian flavors with everyday American kitchen techniques, often highlighting budget‑friendly ingredients and step‑by‑step guidance.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Ian Fujimoto's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

A

Ian Fujimoto emphasizes cost‑effective sourcing, quick prep hacks, and adapting traditional Korean dishes for indoor cooking (like skillet‑searing) rather than relying solely on outdoor grills, making the recipes more accessible to home cooks in any climate.

channel

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