Name: LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1½ pounds beef short ribs (thin cut); 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled; 4 garlic cloves; ¼ cup soy sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ tablespoon sugar; ½ Korean pear (or apple as a substitute); ¼ white onion; ¼ cup water; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon vegetable or avocado oil (for grilling); Optional Garnish: Green onions, Sesame seeds

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LA Galbi, a popular Korean BBQ dish, features tender and juicy beef short ribs marinated in a sweet and savory blend of ingredients. Perfect for grilling, family dinners, or potlucks, this dish brings bold flavors and a satisfying meal that everyone will love. With its crispy edges and deliciously marinated meat, LA Galbi is a must-try for any Korean BBQ enthusiast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

LA Galbi is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. The marinade—packed with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and Korean pear—infuses the meat with a deliciously complex taste, while the grilling process adds that smoky, charred perfection. This dish is simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, yet the results are truly mouthwatering. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner, LA Galbi will definitely impress. LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs)

Ingredients

1½ pounds beef short ribs (thin cut)
1-inch piece of ginger, peeled
4 garlic cloves
¼ cup soy sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ tablespoon sugar
½ Korean pear (can substitute with apple)
¼ white onion
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon vegetable or avocado oil for grilling

Optional Garnish:

Green onions
Sesame seeds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Short Ribs: Remove the top membrane from the sliced beef short ribs. Wash the beef in cold water to remove any bone shards and pat dry with a paper towel.
Make the Marinade: In a food processor or blender, combine ginger, garlic, soy sauce, salt, sugar, pear, white onion, water, black pepper, and honey. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the Short Ribs: Pour the marinade over the beef short ribs. Ensure the ribs are fully coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
Pre-Grilling Prep: Take the marinated ribs out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling to bring them to room temperature.
Grill the Ribs: Heat a cast iron pan or grill to medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot and smoking, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Gently add the marinated beef short ribs and cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until they’re beautifully charred and cooked through.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve the LA Galbi with hot rice or make lettuce wraps with kimchi and spicy cucumber salad.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef short ribs with thinly sliced portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Grilled Vegetables: Pair the LA Galbi with grilled vegetables like peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for a more substantial meal.
Citrus Twist: For an extra burst of freshness, add a little lime or orange juice to the marinade.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover LA Galbi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the marinated ribs before grilling for up to 1 month. When ready to grill, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Reheating: To reheat, simply grill or pan-sear the ribs again on medium-high heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in short ribs for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in short ribs will work as well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as bone-in ribs may take a bit longer to cook through.

2. Can I use a different type of fruit instead of Korean pear?

You can substitute the Korean pear with an apple or a ripe pear. The fruit helps tenderize the meat while adding a subtle sweetness.

3. How long should I marinate the short ribs?

For best results, marinate the short ribs for at least 2 hours, but overnight will allow the flavors to really penetrate the meat.

4. Can I grill these ribs on a regular grill?

Absolutely! You can cook the marinated ribs on a charcoal or gas grill. Just make sure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat, and cook the ribs for about 2 minutes on each side.

5. Can I cook this in a pan if I don’t have a grill?

Yes, a cast iron pan or non-stick skillet works well for cooking the marinated ribs indoors. Just heat the pan to medium-high and cook the ribs as directed.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the marinade to give it a spicy kick.

7. Can I use pre-cut short ribs for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cut short ribs are a great option, especially for convenience. Just ensure they are thinly sliced to ensure even marination and grilling.

8. What can I serve with LA Galbi?

LA Galbi is delicious with steamed rice, kimchi, or fresh lettuce wraps. You can also serve it with pickled vegetables or a spicy cucumber salad.

9. Can I cook these ribs in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the marinated ribs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and browned. Broil them for the last 3-4 minutes to get that crispy, charred finish.

10. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will only get better as the flavors meld together.

Conclusion

LA Galbi is a flavorful, tender, and savory dish that will make you feel like you’re enjoying a Korean BBQ feast right at home. The sweet and savory marinade, combined with a quick grill or pan-sear, gives the short ribs a rich, smoky flavor that’s sure to satisfy. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a fun family BBQ, this dish is a perfect addition to any meal. Serve it with rice, kimchi, and your favorite sides, and enjoy the amazing flavors of Korean BBQ!