How to Make Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs (Galbijjim)

Galbijjim is one of those dishes that instantly transforms a holiday table. Thick beef ribs simmer slowly until the meat becomes incredibly tender, absorbing a deep and slightly sweet flavor.

This version uses well-marbled beef short ribs, vegetables, and a balanced Korean braising sauce. With proper soaking, boiling, and simmering steps, the result is a rich, glossy, comforting dish you can proudly serve for special occasions.

Ingredient

This is an image of the ingredients for braised beef ribs, and it consists of beef ribs, radish, shiitake mushrooms, green chili peppers, and red chili peppers.
  • Beef & Vegetables

    3 servings
      • 1.4 kg beef short ribs (bone-in)

      • 1/4 Korean radish (mu), cut into large chunks

      • 2 king oyster mushrooms

      • 2 green chili peppers (Cheongyang)

      • 1 red chili pepper

      • 1 stalk green onion

      • 1 onion

      • 5 jujube dates (optional)

  • Braising Sauce

      • 1 cup soy sauce

      • 1 cup grated pear (1/2 fresh pear)

      • 4 Tbsp brown sugar

      • 4 Tbsp apple juice (replacing cooking wine)

      • 3 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup

      • 2 Tbsp minced green onion

      • 2 Tbsp minced garlic

      • 2 Tbsp ginger juice

      • Black pepper, a pinch

      • Sesame oil, for finishing


Recipe

Soak the ribs in cold water for about an hour to remove any blood. Blanch them in boiling water for about 6 minutes, then rinse in cold water to remove any impurities and fat. (Tip: Blanch the ribs until no more blood runs from the bone.) (Tip: Slashing the ribs against the grain will help them cook more tenderly.)
  • Step 1 Step 1
  • Step 1 Step 2

Step 1: Prepare the Short Ribs

Soaking and blanching removes excess blood and gives the dish a cleaner flavor.

  1. Soak ribs in cold water for 1 hour to draw out blood.

  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil.

  3. Add ribs and parboil for 6 minutes.

  4. Rinse under cold water to remove foam, impurities, and extra fat.

💡 Tips:

  • Boil until the bone area no longer releases red juices.

  • Score the meat lightly across the grain for extra tenderness.

Mix the seasoning ingredients in a bowl.

Step 2 : Make the Braising Sauce

In a large bowl, mix:

  • Soy sauce

  • Grated pear

  • Brown sugar

  • Apple juice (or vinegar + pinch of sugar)

  • Corn syrup

  • Minced green onion

  • Garlic

  • Ginger juice

  • Black pepper

Stir until the sauce is well combined and smooth.

Cut the radish into bite-sized pieces and round off the edges. (Tip: Trimming the edges prevents them from breaking, resulting in a cleaner broth.)

Step 3: Prep the Radish

  • Cut radish into large bite-size chunks.

  • Round the edges of each piece with your knife.

💡 This prevents the radish from breaking and keeps the broth clear.

Cut the onion and green onion into bite-size pieces. Remove the stems from the red and green peppers and slice lengthwise. Cut off the stems from the oyster mushrooms and slice them to preserve their shape. (Tip: The green peppers help to remove any greasy flavor and odor.)

Step 4: Prepare the Aromatic Vegetables

  • Cut onion and green onion into large pieces.

  • Remove stems from red & green chilies and slice lengthwise.

  • Slice king oyster mushrooms, keeping their natural shape.

💡 Green chili helps reduce any heaviness and adds fragrance.

Add the ribs, seasoning sauce, 800ml of water, onion, and radish to a pot and simmer for about 40 minutes. (Tip: Skim off any floating fat to keep the broth clear.)

Step 5: Start Braising

  1. Place the blanched ribs into a large pot.

  2. Add the braising sauce and 800 ml water.

  3. Add onion and radish pieces.

  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat.

  5. Simmer for 40 minutes, skimming off excess fat as needed.

💡 Removing floating oil makes the sauce glossy and clean.

Add the remaining vegetables and simmer for about 20 minutes, then finish by sprinkling sesame oil.
  • Step 6 Step 1
  • Step 6 Step 2
  • Step 6 Step 3
  • Step 6 Step 4

Keywords: Galbijjim recipe, braised beef ribs Korean, holiday Korean dishes, Korean short rib stew, beef rib simmered dish

Step 6: Add Remaining Vegetables & Finish

  1. Add mushrooms, chilies, and jujubes.

  2. Simmer for another 20 minutes until the broth thickens and ribs are tender.

  3. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil.

Serve hot with steamed rice—perfect for festive gatherings.


Next Post Previous Post
No Comment
Add Comment
comment url

Cover image of the 60 Korean American Recipes ebook

Love Korean Recipes?

Get 60 Korean American Recipes for delicious, shareable sides!

Claim Your Copy ✕ Close