Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sweet & Savory LA Galbi (Korean BBQ Short Ribs)
Mastering LA Galbi: The Ultimate Marinade Recipe (Inspired by Chef Baek Jong-won)
Enjoy restaurant-quality LA Galbi at home! These Korean BBQ short ribs boast a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that are irresistible. Freshly grilled and served warm, they disappear in moments! This recipe, inspired by Chef Baek Jong-won, ensures a deeply flavorful and tender result that the whole family will adore.
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 kg LA Galbi (short ribs, cut crosswise)
Special LA Galbi Marinade
- 130 ml Soy Sauce (approx. 2/3 cup)
- 65 ml Mirin or Rice Wine (approx. 1/3 cup)
- 130 ml Water (approx. 2/3 cup)
- 1/2 cup Chopped Green Onion
- 1/3 cup Sugar
- 2/3 tsp Grated Ginger Juice
- 3 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1/3 tsp Black Pepper
- 60 ml Pear Juice (optional, adds sweetness and tenderizes the meat)
- 130 ml Soy Sauce (approx. 2/3 cup)
- 65 ml Mirin or Rice Wine (approx. 1/3 cup)
- 130 ml Water (approx. 2/3 cup)
- 1/2 cup Chopped Green Onion
- 1/3 cup Sugar
- 2/3 tsp Grated Ginger Juice
- 3 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1/3 tsp Black Pepper
- 60 ml Pear Juice (optional, adds sweetness and tenderizes the meat)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by soaking the LA Galbi in cold water for about 3 to 4 hours. This crucial step removes excess blood, eliminating any gamey odor and ensuring a cleaner, more refined flavor for your grilled ribs.
Step 2
After soaking, drain the ribs thoroughly using a colander. Ensuring the ribs are completely dry is key to allowing the marinade to penetrate properly and for them to sear beautifully without steaming.
Step 3
Next, trim off any excess thick fat from the ribs. This step helps to tenderize the meat and allows the marinade to adhere better, resulting in a more pleasant texture and even flavor distribution.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, mirin, water, chopped green onion, sugar, ginger juice, minced garlic, sesame oil, black pepper, and pear juice (if using). Whisk everything together until well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
Step 5
Place the prepared LA Galbi into a large bowl. Arrange the ribs in a single layer as much as possible so they are ready to be coated evenly with the marinade.
Step 6
Pour the prepared marinade generously over the ribs. Gently massage the marinade into the meat with your hands, or layer the ribs and pour the marinade over each layer. Repeating this process helps the marinade penetrate deeply. For best results, let the ribs marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even longer in the refrigerator.
Step 7
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the marinated LA Galbi onto the cooking surface. Sear the ribs on both sides until they are nicely browned. Start with medium-high heat to get a good sear, then reduce to medium-low to ensure the inside cooks through without burning.
Step 8
Instead of adding extra cooking oil, use some of the leftover marinade to baste the ribs as they cook. Spooning the marinade over the ribs helps prevent them from sticking, keeps them moist, and creates a delicious, caramelized glaze as it reduces.
Step 9
Once the LA Galbi is beautifully caramelized and cooked through, transfer it to a serving platter. For an extra touch, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped pine nuts. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture!
