Korean Short Ribs (Galbi) at Home

Korean Short Ribs: A BBQ Favourite Worth Mastering

Korean short ribs are one of the best-kept secrets of summer grilling. Also known as galbi or kalbi, this dish features thin flanken-cut beef ribs. The ribs soak in a sweet and savoury marinade before hitting the grill. In fact, galbi is a centrepiece of Korean BBQ for good reason. The thin cut cooks fast over high heat, so you get caramelized edges in minutes. Furthermore, the marinade creates a sticky glaze that looks as good as it tastes. At Boucherie Beirut, we cut our short ribs fresh at our Laval butcher shop. As a result, you get the perfect thickness for authentic galbi at home.

What Are Korean Short Ribs?

Korean short ribs use a flanken-style cut, so the meat is sliced thin across the bones. Each piece includes three or four small sections of bone lined with tender meat. Because the slices are thin, the marinade penetrates quickly and evenly. Furthermore, the bones add rich beefy flavour during cooking. This cut is different from English-cut short ribs, which are thick and need slow braising. In contrast, flanken-cut ribs cook in just a few minutes on a hot grill. You can ask your butcher to cut them to the ideal thickness. Consequently, korean short ribs are ideal for fast, flavourful summer meals.

The Marinade: Sweet, Savoury and Tender

A great galbi marinade balances sweet and savoury flavours. The base typically includes soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. In addition, grated Asian pear is the traditional secret ingredient. It contains natural enzymes that tenderize the meat, so even a tough cut becomes soft. Furthermore, minced ginger and green onions add aromatic depth. A splash of sesame oil ties everything together. As a result, you get a complex marinade with very few ingredients.

For the best results, marinate your korean short ribs for at least 6 hours. However, overnight is ideal because the flavours deepen considerably. Although some recipes use kiwi as a tenderizer, Asian pear gives a more subtle sweetness. On top of that, do not marinate for more than 24 hours. The enzymes can break down the meat too much, so timing matters. Before grilling, let the ribs sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

How to Grill Korean Short Ribs

Grilling is the traditional method for galbi, so it delivers the best results. First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat — around 400°F to 450°F. Then, remove the ribs from the marinade and shake off the excess. Pat them lightly with a paper towel, because less moisture means a better sear.

After that, place the ribs directly on the hot grates. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, so you get charred, caramelized edges. The sugar in the marinade browns quickly, which creates that signature look. Furthermore, flip only once to avoid losing juices. As a result, each piece stays tender and flavourful inside. You can review grilling steak techniques from Canada Beef for more tips on high-heat cooking.

Finally, serve the ribs immediately off the grill. They taste best when hot and still sizzling. Above all, do not overcook them — thin cuts dry out fast.

Best Sides for a Korean BBQ Spread

Korean short ribs pair perfectly with fresh, vibrant side dishes. Steamed jasmine rice is the classic companion, so it absorbs the sweet marinade juices. Furthermore, a crisp cucumber salad with sesame and rice vinegar adds a refreshing crunch. In addition, pickled vegetables or a simple kimchi balance the richness of the meat.

For a full Korean BBQ experience, set out lettuce leaves for wrapping. Guests can fill each leaf with sliced galbi and toppings. On top of that, a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds finish each wrap. You can also add sliced fresh chili for a bit of heat. Consequently, this meal works beautifully for casual summer gatherings. Grilled corn on the cob or roasted sweet potatoes also make great additions to the table.

Explore More Premium Grilling Cuts

Korean short ribs are just one of many grilling cuts at Boucherie Beirut. Shop our marinated korean short ribs and skip the prep work entirely. If you prefer to marinade your own, our short ribs are hand-cut fresh and ready to go. Furthermore, browse our full beef collection for more BBQ favourites like picanha, bavette, and cowboy steak. For top-tier marbling, explore our Certified Angus selection because each cut meets 10 strict quality standards. Dry aged steaks are also available as a custom order — call us or visit our Laval shop.

All our beef is halal-certified and hand-cut fresh at our Laval butcher shop. Order online with delivery across Greater Montreal, so you get premium quality in every package. In fact, galbi is one of the easiest ways to impress at your next cookout.