Korean short ribs as a lazy mom

Korean short ribs as a lazy mom is a easy Korean recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Lonnlife on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $14.74 total, $3.69 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Short Ribs (Flanken Cut) (cut about 1/2 inch thick, preferably Korean style flanken)
  • 1/2 cup Korean BBQ Sauce (store‑bought sauce, preferably with pear on the label)
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (regular or low‑sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (helps with caramelization)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (adds nutty aroma)
  • 2 stalks Green Onion (thinly sliced for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ribs

    Trim any excess fat from the short ribs and pat them dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make the Marinade

    In a large mixing bowl combine the Korean BBQ sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Marinate the Ribs

    Add the ribs to the bowl, using your hands to squeeze the sauce into every crevice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (up to overnight).

    Time: PT3H

  4. Pre‑heat the Skillet

    Remove the ribs from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then heat a skillet over medium‑low heat. Add a thin drizzle of oil if the pan is dry.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑low

  5. Caramelize the First Side

    Place the ribs in the skillet in a single layer. Cook without moving for about 4‑5 minutes until the sauce begins to caramelize and stick to the meat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑low

  6. Flip and Add More Sauce

    Turn the ribs over, drizzle an additional 2‑3 tablespoons of the reserved sauce into the pan, and continue cooking for another 4‑5 minutes until the second side is caramelized.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑low

  7. Finish and Garnish

    When both sides are nicely caramelized and the meat is cooked through, remove from heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
45 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑free if using tamari, Dairy‑free, Nut‑free

Allergens: Soy, Sesame, Wheat (if soy sauce contains wheat)

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Korean short ribs as a lazy mom

Recipe by Lonnlife

A quick and tasty Korean short rib recipe using a store‑bought Korean BBQ sauce. Marinate the ribs for three hours, then caramelize the sauce in a skillet over medium‑low heat, adding extra sauce midway for a glossy, flavorful finish. Garnish as you like and serve with rice or noodles.

EasyKoreanServes 4

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

Source Video
3h 13m
Prep
12m
Cook
25m
Cleanup
3h 50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.74
Total cost
$3.69
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Squeeze the sauce thoroughly into the meat during marination.
  • Caramelize the sauce over medium‑low heat to avoid burning.
  • Add extra sauce midway for moisture and flavor.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw beef with clean hands and sanitize surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard or keep the heat medium‑low.

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 beloved dish for centuries, originally enjoyed by Korean royalty and later popularized as a festive street‑food staple. The sweet‑savory glaze reflects Korea’s tradition of balancing flavors, and the dish is often served at holidays, birthdays, and family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of galbi in Korean cuisine?

A

In the southern region, especially Jeolla Province, galbi is often grilled over charcoal and served with a simple soy‑based sauce. In the north, a thicker, sweeter sauce with Korean pear and garlic is common. The recipe here uses a store‑bought sauce that mimics the sweet‑savory northern style.

cultural
Q

How is galbi traditionally served in Korea?

A

Traditionally, galbi is grilled at the table and wrapped in lettuce leaves with ssamjang, sliced garlic, and grilled rice cakes. It is also enjoyed with steamed rice and side dishes (banchan) such as kimchi and pickled radish.

cultural
Q

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

A

Galbi is a popular dish for birthdays, Chuseok (Korean harvest festival), and wedding banquets. Its rich flavor and impressive presentation make it a centerpiece for special occasions.

cultural
Q

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

A

Galbi pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, Korean bean sprouts (kongnamul), kimchi, japchae (stir‑fried glass noodles), and a light cucumber salad dressed with vinegar and sesame oil.

cultural
Q

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

A

Traditional galbi uses Korean pear puree, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sugar. Acceptable substitutes include a store‑bought Korean BBQ sauce, honey instead of sugar, and tamari for gluten‑free soy sauce.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common mistakes include cooking over high heat, which burns the sauce and creates splatter, and not squeezing the sauce into the meat during marination, resulting in a bland glaze. Also, overcooking the ribs makes them tough.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use medium‑low heat instead of high heat to caramelize the sauce?

A

Medium‑low heat allows the sugars in the sauce to caramelize slowly, creating a glossy, sweet‑savory crust without burning or causing excessive oil splatter, which can happen at high temperatures.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, you can marinate the ribs up to 24 hours ahead. After cooking, store the ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Lonnlife specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Lonnlife focuses on simple, budget‑friendly Asian-inspired home cooking, offering quick tutorials that often use store‑bought sauces and ingredients to make authentic‑tasting dishes accessible to everyday cooks.

channel
Q

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

A

Lonnlife emphasizes minimal prep and the use of readily available supermarket items, whereas many Korean cooking channels focus on making every component from scratch. This pragmatic style helps viewers achieve authentic flavors without extensive ingredient hunting.

channel

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