Korean Marinated Beef Short Ribs (Galbi)
These savory Korean-style beef short ribs are marinated in a sweet and aromatic blend of pear, kiwi, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a tender, flavorful finish.
Korean marinated short ribs, known as Galbi, are a centerpiece of Korean barbecue culture. The secret to their incredible tenderness and depth of flavor lies in the traditional fruit-based marinade, which naturally tenderizes the meat while balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 kg beef short ribs
- 0.75 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 small onions
- 0.5 pear
- 1 kiwi
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 stalks green onions
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1Soak the beef ribs

Place the beef short ribs into a pan of cold water to soak. This essential step helps draw out excess blood and impurities, ensuring a cleaner taste for your final marinade.
Tip: Change the water at least once during the soaking process for best results. - 2Prepare the marinade aromatics

Place the onions, green onions, kiwi, garlic, and pear pieces into a blender jar. These ingredients will form the base of your sweet and savory marinade.
Tip: Ensure the fruit and aromatics are cut into manageable pieces to help the blender process them smoothly. - 3Blend the marinade base

Blend the mixture of onions, green onions, kiwi, garlic, and pear until it reaches a smooth, consistent purée. This smooth texture allows the marinade to coat the beef evenly.
Tip: If the mixture is too thick to blend, you can add a small splash of the soy sauce to help it along. - 4Season the marinade

Pour the blended mixture into a bowl and stir in the soy sauce, black pepper, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Tip: Taste your marinade at this stage to ensure the balance of soy sauce and sweetness is to your liking. - 5Marinate the beef

Add the beef short ribs into the bowl with the prepared marinade. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated, then let it marinate for at least half an hour before cooking.
Tip: For even deeper flavor, you can cover and refrigerate the beef for longer, though 30 minutes is sufficient for this recipe.