Grilled Beef Galbi Recipe

Few dishes light up a backyard table quite like Grilled Beef Galbi. These Korean-style marinated short ribs are juicy, caramelized, and bursting with sweet-savory flavors—a true showstopper that works just as well for weeknight family dinners as for special celebrations with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Grilled Beef Galbi comes from just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one, from the sweet Asian pear to the savory soy sauce, plays a unique role in building those iconic flavors and giving the ribs their tender bite and glossy finish.

• Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture to the marinade, helping break down the meat fibers.
• Asian Pear: Naturally tenderizes the beef and infuses it with gentle fruitiness—substitute with Bosc pear or apple in a pinch!
• Garlic: Lends a robust, unmistakable depth—don’t skimp!
• Fresh Ginger: Adds warmth and subtle heat for balance.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami-rich saltiness, forming the backbone of the marinade flavor.
• Water: Helps the marinade penetrate the beef evenly.
• Packed Brown Sugar: Caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a perfect sticky-sweet crust.
• Mirin: Offers a delicate sweetness and sheen—this lovely rice wine is worth tracking down.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Sparks up the flavors without overwhelming them.
• Scallions: Shower the marinade with brightness and color.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Just a bit adds nutty aroma that is absolutely classic with galbi.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: A finishing touch for crunch and a gentle, roasty note.
• Flanken-Style Beef Short Ribs: These thin, cross-cut ribs are perfect for absorbing marinade and grilling quickly—ask your butcher for “LA-style galbi” cuts if you’re unsure!
• For Serving (Optional but Highly Recommended!): Ssamjang, lettuce and perilla leaves, steamed rice, thinly sliced garlic, chilies, scallions, and plenty of banchan for that authentic Korean experience.

Variations

Galbi is all about fun and flexibility! You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes, match what’s in your pantry, or cater to different dietary needs—Grilled Beef Galbi truly welcomes a little creative flair.

• Pineapple Marinade: Swap Asian pear for fresh pineapple for a tangier, slightly tropical flavor and extra tenderization, especially if you love a fruitier bite.
• Mushroom Power: Add finely minced shiitake mushrooms to the marinade for umami depth—this works especially well if you love earthy notes or want to stretch the umami punch.
• Chicken or Pork Galbi: Substitute the beef ribs with skinless chicken thighs or thin pork chops—the marinade is equally delightful!
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check your other sauces.

How to Make Grilled Beef Galbi

Step 1: Make the Flavorful Marinade

Start by tossing the onion, Asian pear, garlic, and ginger into a food processor and blitzing until you reach a thick, slightly chunky purée. Add soy sauce, water, brown sugar, mirin, and black pepper right into the mix, blending everything until smooth. Stir in the scallions, sesame oil, and sesame seeds for that signature Korean aroma.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef Short Ribs

Place the flanken-style beef short ribs into a large zip-top bag or baking dish, then pour the marinade all over, making sure every rib is well coated. Squeeze out as much air as you can, seal, and pop in the fridge to marinate—aim for at least 1 hour, but overnight (up to 24 hours) truly amps up the flavor and tenderness.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Prepare your grill by lighting a full chimney of charcoal (for a classic smoky flavor!) and piling the coals to one side, or set half your gas burners to high. While everything heats up, oil the grates so the ribs won’t stick, and let the grill get good and hot—this is key for those irresistible grill marks and caramelization.

Step 4: Grill the Galbi

Take the ribs out of the marinade and lightly pat off excess liquid. Grill directly over the hottest side, letting the beef sear and sizzle for 2-3 minutes per side—turning occasionally for even cooking. Char those edges but don’t overcook; a total of about 5 minutes is all you need for juicy, glorious Grilled Beef Galbi.

Step 5: Rest & Serve

Let the hot galbi rest for a few minutes on a platter to keep those juices locked in. Serve immediately with kitchen shears for snipping the meat into bites, surrounded by all your favorite Korean-inspired fixings!

How to Serve Grilled Beef Galbi

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Grilled Beef Galbi with extra sliced scallions, a pinch of toasted sesame seeds, or thin slices of fresh chili for a touch of heat and a pop of color. A brush of sesame oil just before serving brings everything together beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your galbi with fluffy steamed rice, crisp lettuce and perilla leaves for ssam (wrapping), and an array of banchan such as kimchi, pickled radish, and seasoned spinach. Each bite becomes a playful mix of textures and flavors that makes every meal a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly memorable dinner, arrange the ribs on a large platter with kitchen shears for easy snipping. Stack the lettuces and sides in small bowls, and let everyone assemble their own lettuce wraps—it’s interactive, social, and oh-so-fun for family or guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Grilled Beef Galbi (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify and remain delicious, making impromptu rice bowls or wraps a breeze the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap cooled, cooked short ribs tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the raw, marinated ribs for simple grilling whenever the craving hits—ideal for meal prep!

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat galbi in a covered skillet over low heat or briefly in a microwave with a splash of water to keep them moist. On the grill, flash them quickly over medium heat—just enough to warm through, without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t grilled your own Grilled Beef Galbi yet, there’s no better time than now. It’s a dish that invites togetherness and celebration, with every bite promising bold flavor and happy company. Fire up that grill, gather your favorite people, and let galbi become your new tradition!

Print