Korean-style short ribs — pan seared/braised method

Korean-style short ribs — pan seared/braised method is a medium Korean recipe that serves 4. 800 calories per serving. Recipe by Adam Ragusea on YouTube.

Prep: 12 hrs 30 min | Cook: 49 min | Total: 13 hrs 34 min

Cost: $18.88 total, $4.72 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Beef Short Ribs (English Cut) (Butterflied into 2‑3 flaps, bone left in place)
  • 4 cloves Garlic Cloves (Smashed to remove skins)
  • 1 inch Fresh Ginger (Peeled and roughly sliced)
  • 2 stalks Green Onion (White Parts) (Chopped; white parts only for the marinade)
  • 1 pear Asian Pear (or Bosque Pear) (Peeled and grated; adds moisture and sweetness)
  • 120 ml Soy Sauce (Low‑sodium preferred; about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons Demerara Sugar (Can substitute brown sugar or honey)
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar (Adds a touch of acidity)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 60 ml Water (To thin the marinade)
  • 5 drops Toasted Sesame Oil (A few drops go a long way)
  • 8 ounces Rainbow Chard (Stems trimmed, leaves chopped)
  • 2 shallots Shallots (Chopped)
  • 1 cup Jasmine Rice (Rinsed before cooking)
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds (For garnish; can toast in a dry pan)
  • 2 stalks Green Onion Tops (Sliced on a diagonal for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Butterfly and Score the Ribs

    Place each rib with the bone side up. Cut along the bone as close as possible, stop before cutting through. Make a second cut to halve the thickness, then open like a book. Lightly pound thicker spots with a meat mallet and score the surface with shallow perpendicular cuts.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Prepare the Marinade

    In a food processor combine smashed garlic, sliced ginger, white green‑onion parts, grated pear, soy sauce, demerara sugar, rice wine vinegar, black pepper, water, and a few drops of toasted sesame oil. Pulse until smooth, then taste and adjust sugar or salt as needed.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Marinate the Ribs

    Place the butterflied ribs in a large zip‑top bag or bowl, pour the marinade over, and ensure every surface is coated. Seal and refrigerate overnight (at least 8‑12 hours).

    Time: PT12H

  4. Remove Excess Marinade

    Take the ribs out of the fridge, unwrap, and gently wipe off excess liquid with paper towels. You may rinse quickly with a little water if you prefer a less salty final dish.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Partial Braise in Water

    Heat a wide skillet over high heat. Add the ribs in a single layer, then pour in enough water to come about halfway up the meat. Bring to a rapid boil and let it steam‑braise, flipping once, until the water has reduced by half (about 15 minutes).

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: high

  6. Finish by Searing and Glazing

    Reduce heat to medium‑low. Continue cooking until the water evaporates completely and the ribs begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid burning; the sugars will caramelize into a glossy glaze.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium-low

  7. Add Shallots and Chard

    Add chopped shallots to the pan and sauté for 1 minute. Then add the chopped rainbow chard and stir‑fry until wilted, about 4 minutes. The bitterness of the chard balances the sweet glaze.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  8. Incorporate Remaining Marinade

    Pour any leftover marinade (about 2‑3 tbsp) over the ribs and vegetables, stirring quickly for 2 minutes to finish the glaze.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  9. Toast Sesame Seeds

    In a small dry pan over medium heat, toast sesame seeds until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Set aside for garnish.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  10. Cook Jasmine Rice

    Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice until water runs clear. Combine with 1.5 cups water and ½ tsp salt in a saucepan, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered 5 minutes before fluffing.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: medium

  11. Plate and Garnish

    Slice the ribs thinly across the grain if desired, arrange on a serving platter with rice and chard. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green‑onion tops over the top.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
800
Protein
40g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
45g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Gluten‑Free option: use tamari, Dairy‑Free, High protein

Allergens: Soy, Sesame

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Korean-style short ribs — pan seared/braised method

Recipe by Adam Ragusea

A home‑cooked version of Korean‑American restaurant‑style short ribs. Butterflied beef short ribs are marinated in a sweet‑savory Asian‑pear soy sauce blend, then partially braised in water before finishing in their own rendered fat with chard and shallots. Served with jasmine rice, toasted sesame seeds and sliced green‑onion tops.

MediumKoreanServes 4

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

Source Video
12h 39m
Prep
40m
Cook
1h 36m
Cleanup
14h 55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.88
Total cost
$4.72
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Butterflying and scoring the ribs to create thin, even pieces.
  • Partial braising in water to render fat before searing.
  • Monitoring the glaze to prevent sugar burn.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw beef carefully; wash hands and surfaces thoroughly.
  • Bone shards may be present – inspect ribs before eating.
  • Hot water and oil can splatter – use a splatter guard if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Kalbi, or Korean short ribs, originated as a celebratory dish for holidays and special occasions. The meat’s natural marbling makes it ideal for quick grilling or pan‑cooking, and the sweet‑savory soy‑based marinades reflect Korea’s balance of umami, sweetness, and acidity.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Korean‑style short ribs (Kalbi) in Korean cuisine?

A

In the southern region, ribs are often grilled over charcoal and served with a simple soy‑sugar glaze, while the northern style may include more garlic and a thicker, soy‑heavy sauce. Some families add Korean pear for extra sweetness, which is the version Adam Ragusea adapts.

cultural
Q

How is Korean‑style short ribs (Kalbi) traditionally served in Korea?

A

Kalbi is typically served hot off the grill or pan, sliced thinly, and accompanied by lettuce leaves, ssamjang (spicy paste), and steamed rice. It’s common to eat the meat as a bite‑size wrap with fresh greens and a dab of fermented kimchi.

cultural
Q

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

A

Kalbi is a staple at Korean holidays such as Chuseok (harvest festival) and Seollal (Lunar New Year), as well as birthdays and family gatherings where a rich, celebratory protein is desired.

cultural
Q

How does Korean‑style short ribs (Kalbi) fit into the broader Korean cuisine tradition?

A

Kalbi exemplifies Korean cuisine’s love of marinated meats (bulgogi, galbi) that balance sweet, salty, and acidic flavors. It showcases the Korean technique of quick cooking over high heat after a flavorful soak, a method also used for other grilled dishes.

cultural
Q

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

A

Traditional Kalbi uses Korean pear, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sometimes rice wine (mirin). Acceptable substitutes include a regular Asian pear or apple for the pear, tamari for gluten‑free soy sauce, and a splash of apple cider vinegar instead of rice wine vinegar.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with Korean‑style short ribs (Kalbi) as served by Adam Ragusea?

A

Kalbi pairs beautifully with classic Korean side dishes such as kimchi, japchae (stir‑fried glass noodles), and a simple cucumber‑soy salad. A bowl of steamed rice and a light broth like miyeok guk (seaweed soup) round out the meal.

cultural
Q

What makes Korean‑style short ribs (Kalbi) special or unique in Korean cuisine?

A

The combination of a thick, fatty cut of beef with a bright, sweet‑savory pear‑based marinade creates a tender, caramelized exterior while keeping the interior juicy. The hybrid braise‑then‑sear technique used by Adam Ragusea maximizes flavor and texture.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include cutting the ribs too thick, which limits surface area for the marinade, and letting the sugar in the glaze burn by cooking over too high heat after the water evaporates. Also, failing to wipe excess marinade can cause a salty, overly thick sauce.

technical
Q

Why does this Korean‑style short ribs (Kalbi) recipe use a water‑braising step instead of starting with a dry sear?

A

The water‑braising step renders the abundant fat gently and prevents the sugar‑rich marinade from scorching. It also helps break down connective tissue, making the ribs tender before the final high‑heat sear creates caramelization.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes. Marinate the ribs overnight, then cook them as directed. Store the cooked ribs, rice, and chard separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave, adding a splash of water to revive the glaze.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Adam Ragusea specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Adam Ragusea specializes in science‑backed cooking tutorials that blend culinary technique with food history, offering clear explanations, practical home‑cook adaptations, and occasional deep‑dive videos on food science.

channel
Q

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

A

Adam Ragusea focuses on adapting Korean recipes to ingredients and equipment commonly found in U.S. grocery stores, emphasizing reproducible methods like the water‑braise technique, whereas many Korean channels assume access to specialty markets and traditional grilling setups.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
2.9k

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

A classic French‑style braised short rib cooked low and slow in red wine, beef stock, and aromatic vegetables. The meat becomes melt‑in‑your‑mouth tender while the sauce develops deep, sweet‑savory flavors, finished with a touch of mustard and cherry vinegar. Served over silky potato puree, this one‑pot dish is restaurant quality for the home kitchen.

6 hrs 30 minServes 4$107
French
Asian Braised Short Ribs with Butter‑Potato Purée
105

Asian Braised Short Ribs with Butter‑Potato Purée

A rich, aromatic Asian‑style braised short rib dish featuring a deep wine‑reduced sauce, sweet‑spicy doubanjiang, and a silky butter‑potato purée. Served with roasted vegetables, sautéed maitake mushrooms, a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of edible chai flowers for an elegant yet comforting dinner.

1 hr 50 minServes 4$28
Asian Fusion
Braised Short Ribs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
40

Braised Short Ribs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A comforting one‑pot braised short rib dish paired with buttery mashed potatoes. The beef is seared, simmered in red wine, tomato paste and grass‑fed bone broth until fall‑apart tender, then rested for extra juiciness. Serve over fluffy mash for a hearty dinner.

4 hrs 2 minServes 4$34
American
Braised Chuck Short Ribs with Red Wine and Parmesan Polenta
17

Braised Chuck Short Ribs with Red Wine and Parmesan Polenta

Tender, fall‑apart chuck short ribs are seared, then braised in a rich red‑wine and beef‑stock broth with aromatics and fresh herbs. Served over creamy Parmesan polenta, this comforting dish showcases the marbling of Certified Angus Beef and classic French braising technique.

4 hrs 5 minServes 4$48
American
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
21

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

A rich, comforting, fall‑off‑the‑bone short rib dish braised low and slow in red wine and beef stock, finished with a silky sauce and served with creamy mashed potatoes and honey‑glazed carrots.

5 hrs 18 minServes 6$51
American
Forget Short Ribs, Try Red Wine-Braised Chuck Instead
538

Forget Short Ribs, Try Red Wine-Braised Chuck Instead

A rich, French‑style braised chuck roast cooked low and slow in red wine and chicken stock, finished with a glossy glaze and served over creamy polenta. The method uses a quick sear, aromatic vegetables, tomato paste, and a touch of gelatin for a velvety sauce.

5 hrs 12 minServes 6$46
American