Beginner-Friendly Korean Braised Short Ribs (Galbijjim) 갈비찜

Galbijjim, or Korean braised short ribs, is one of Korea's most beloved traditional holiday dishes. While it may seem like a complex recipe, it's surprisingly easy to make at home—even for beginners! In this post, I'll guide you through a simple and delicious galbijjim recipe so you can enjoy tender, flavorful ribs with your loved ones.

A bowl of classic Korean galbijjim

🥩 Ingredients You'll Need

This recipe serves 3–4 people.

Main Ingredients

• 1.2 kg beef short ribs (can substitute with pork ribs)
• 1/3 Korean radish (mu)
• 1 carrot
• 3–4 shiitake mushrooms
• 1 onion
• 1 stalk green onion
• 500ml water

For the Sauce

• 8 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 3 tbsp mirin (cooking wine)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Pinch of pepper
• 3 tbsp grated pear or apple (tenderizes meat)

💧 How to Soak the Ribs

One key to a successful galbijjim is removing the blood from the ribs to reduce any unpleasant odor.

1. Soak the ribs in cold water for 2–3 hours.
2. Change the water a few times during soaking.
3. Alternatively, blanch the ribs in boiling water for 5 minutes to remove scum and odor.

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let's start cooking!

Prepping ingredients for cooking

Step 1: Blanch the Ribs

1. Blanch the soaked ribs in boiling water for 5 minutes.
2. Rinse in cold water to remove excess fat and debris.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
2. Adjust soy sauce to taste if needed.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetables

1. Slice radish and carrot into thick chunks.
2. Cut mushrooms decoratively and roughly chop onion and green onion.

Step 4: Simmer

1. In a pot, combine ribs, sauce, and 500ml of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Add vegetables and simmer for another 20 minutes.
4. Cook until sauce thickens and ribs are tender.

Galbijjim simmering in sauce

🍽️ Tips for Enjoying Galbijjim

• Leftover sauce is delicious when mixed with rice.
• Add spicy pepper or rice cakes if you like a kick.
• Prepare it a day in advance for deeper flavor.

Final dish served in a bowl

✅ Quick Recap

1. Soak or blanch ribs
2. Blanch in boiling water
3. Make the sauce
4. Prepare vegetables
5. Simmer ribs with sauce 30 mins
6. Add veggies and simmer 20 mins

Beautifully plated galbijjim before serving

📝 Final Thoughts

Even if you’re a beginner, you can make soft, delicious galbijjim by following these steps. It’s perfect not only for holidays but also for family gatherings or impressing dinner guests.

This dish is filled with warmth and love—give it a try and experience the comfort of Korean home cooking! 😊