Sweet and Savory Braised Pork Ribs (Dwaeji Galbi Jjim) – A Festive Favorite
Deliciously Sweet and Savory Braised Pork Ribs
A must-have dish for holidays and special gatherings! This recipe for Dwaeji Galbi Jjim offers a perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors. Tender pork ribs, crisp radish, sweet chestnuts, and dates come together for a rich and satisfying meal. Make this impressive dish right in your own kitchen. Let’s get started!
Main Ingredients for Braised Pork Ribs- 1kg Pork Ribs
- 1/2 Radish (approx. 500g)
- 1 Carrot
- 1 Onion
- 3-4 Jujubes (Dates)
- 10 Chestnuts
- 1 Green Onion
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of Black Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Flavorful Marinade- 9 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- Juice of 1/2 Onion
- Juice of 1/2 Pear
- 1.5 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Oligosaccharide)
- 3 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Minced Green Onion
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- 9 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- Juice of 1/2 Onion
- Juice of 1/2 Pear
- 1.5 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Oligosaccharide)
- 3 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Minced Green Onion
- A pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Soak the pork ribs in cold water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to remove excess blood. Rinse the ribs gently under cold running water and pat them completely dry. This process helps reduce any gamey smell and makes the meat more tender.
Step 2
Prepare the fruits and vegetables that will form the base of the marinade. In a blender, combine half an onion, garlic cloves, and half a pear. Blend until smooth. The natural sweetness and aroma from the onion and pear will infuse the meat as it marinates.
Step 3
Prepare the additional ingredients for the braised ribs: carrot, radish, chestnuts, and jujubes. Chop the carrot and radish into bite-sized pieces, about the size of a small chestnut. Peel the chestnuts. For the jujubes, remove the pit by carefully slicing around it. (If using dried shiitake mushrooms, prepare them now as well.) Shaping them into rounded pieces will help them maintain their shape during cooking.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine the blended onion, garlic, and pear mixture with all the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, onion juice, pear juice, corn syrup, brown sugar, minced green onion, and black pepper. Mix well. Taste the marinade and adjust the soy sauce or sugar to your preference to create your perfect flavor balance.
Step 5
Place the drained pork ribs in a pot or oven-safe dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the ribs and mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the dish or wrap it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer. The longer the ribs marinate, the deeper the flavor will penetrate the meat.
Step 6
Transfer the marinated ribs, along with the radish, carrot, chestnuts, and jujubes, into a pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 40 to 60 minutes, or until the ribs are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add a little water if the liquid reduces too much. Finish by stirring in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkling with sesame seeds. You’ll have a delicious braised pork rib dish with excess fat rendered out and a wonderfully savory aroma!
