The moment the scent of sizzling beef fills my kitchen, I’m transported to bustling LA BBQ joints, where friends gather around smoky grills sharing hearty laughs and unforgettable meals. My favorite dish? LA Galbi—these Korean BBQ short ribs are not just a meal; they’re an experience. With their perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, they’re everything I crave on a cozy evening or a celebratory weekend.
What makes this recipe a must-try is how effortlessly it combines tender, juicy meat with a simple marinade that packs authentic Korean flair. Whether you’re a busy professional or someone who enjoys weekend cooking experiments, you’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, making it perfect for gatherings or a delightful weeknight dinner. Join me as I share my secret to mastering LA Galbi, a delicious way to impress your family or simply indulge yourself in the rich, comforting tastes of home-cooked Korean cuisine!
Why Is LA Galbi So Irresistible?
Unforgettable Flavor: The sweet and savory marinade transforms the already rich beef short ribs into a taste experience that lingers.
Quick & Easy: With minimal prep required, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you choose to grill or use the stovetop, these ribs are adaptable and can cater to any cooking preference.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners, LA Galbi is sure to impress guests and family alike.
Culinary Adventure: This dish is your passport to Korean cuisine, allowing you to experience authentic flavors from the comfort of your home.
For some added creativity, check out my variation ideas to spice up your LA Galbi experience!
LA Galbi Ingredients
For the Marinade
- Cross-cut beef short ribs (LA-style cut) – The star of the dish, these ribs offer a delightful richness and flavor.
- Korean pear (½ large) – Enhances sweetness and helps tenderize the meat; if unavailable, an Asian pear works well too.
- Yellow onion (½ medium) – Infuses the marinade with flavor; ideal for its sweetness, but any onion can substitute.
- Garlic (6 cloves) – Adds aromatic depth; shallots can be a milder alternative if desired.
- Ginger (1 inch, peeled and sliced) – Brings warmth and spiciness; ground ginger can be used if fresh isn’t available.
- Soy sauce (8 tbsp) – Provides a salty umami flavor; consider low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier choice.
- Mirin (7 tbsp) – Boosts sweetness and flavor depth; feel free to use sake or white wine as alternatives.
- Rice syrup (or honey, 2 tbsp) – Sweetens the marinade; honey is a great substitute if rice syrup is hard to find.
- Crushed black pepper (1 tsp) – Adds a mild kick; freshly cracked pepper will give the best flavor.
- Roasted sesame oil (1 tbsp) – Delivers a distinct nutty flavor; regular sesame oil is milder but works in a pinch.
For Cooking
- Water – Used for cleaning and soaking your short ribs; no substitutes necessary here.
Dive into this succulent LA Galbi recipe and elevate your culinary skills with bold flavors that sing with every bite!
How to Make LA Galbi
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Rinse your short ribs under running water, removing any bone debris to ensure a clean base. This initial step helps prepare the meat for marinating.
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Soak the ribs in cold water for 20 minutes, replacing the water halfway. This step helps draw out excess blood and impurities, making for cleaner, tastier ribs.
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Blend together the Korean pear, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, mirin, rice syrup, and crushed black pepper in a blender. Puree until slushy—this fragrant marinade is the heart of your LA Galbi!
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Mix in the roasted sesame oil, giving your marinade that lovely nutty flavor. This addition enriches the dish significantly, making it truly authentic.
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Transfer the short ribs to a container, pour the marinade over them, and ensure every piece is well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 4-8 hours, turning halfway for maximum flavor infusion.
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Bring the short ribs to room temperature one hour before cooking. This ensures even cooking, enhancing their tenderness as they hit the heat.
Cooking Methods:
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove excess marinade and cook the ribs for about 9-10 minutes, flipping occasionally until beautifully charred.
- Stovetop: Heat a stainless steel pan over medium-high heat, add the ribs, and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Flip them to caramelize nicely on both sides.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
LA Galbi Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to put your unique twist on this classic dish with these creative variations that will elevate your LA Galbi experience!
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Flanken-Cut Ribs: Swap the traditional cross-cut ribs for flanken-cut ribs for a different texture that still retains that rich flavor. The shorter bones and meat on flanken cuts create an intimate bite.
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Vegetable Boost: Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the grill to complement the ribs. Their sweetness will resonate beautifully with the marinade, creating an exciting and colorful dish.
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Spicy Gochujang: For those who love heat, incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of gochujang into the marinade for a spicy kick. It adds an extra layer of depth and flavor that is simply irresistible!
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Smoky Flavor: Toss wood chips onto your grill to enhance the smokiness of your LA Galbi. The infusion of smoky flavors will take your ribs to the next level and evoke that backyard BBQ vibe.
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Honey & Lime Glaze: Mix honey and fresh lime juice to create a glaze during the last few minutes of grilling. This adds a delightful tang and extra sweetness to your ribs that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
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Herbed Marinade: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions into the marinade for a refreshing twist. These vibrant flavors will brighten up the dish and provide an aromatic contrast to the rich beef.
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Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the marinade for a zesty pop of flavor. This subtle brightness beautifully balances the sweetness and umami of the original marinade.
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Sesame Crust: Before grilling, coat the marinated ribs in sesame seeds. This adds a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender meat, creating a delightful textural contrast.
With these splendid substitutes and twists, you can make the LA Galbi your own while exploring the wonderful flavors of Korean BBQ!
Storage Tips for LA Galbi
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Fridge: Store marinated LA Galbi in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to deepen while keeping your short ribs fresh and delicious.
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Freezer: If you want to keep the marinated ribs longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to defrost them in the fridge before cooking for best results.
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Cooked Storage: Leftover cooked LA Galbi can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Enjoy these tasty ribs in dishes like bibimbap or kimbap!
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Reheating: Reheat cooked LA Galbi in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This ensures juicy, tender ribs that are just as flavorful as when they were freshly cooked.
What to Serve with LA Galbi?
Dive into a delightful meal experience that perfectly complements the savory sweetness of these mouthwatering short ribs.
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Korean Purple Rice: This nutty rice offers a comforting backdrop, balancing the rich flavors of LA Galbi while adding a beautiful visual element to your plate.
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Lettuce Wraps: Crisp and refreshing, these wraps allow you to enjoy each bite of LA Galbi, adding a fun, hands-on twist to your dining experience.
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Spicy Kimchi: With its tangy and spicy kick, kimchi adds a vibrant flavor contrast to the sweet marinade of the ribs, enhancing the overall tasting adventure.
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Japchae (Sweet Potato Noodles): These stir-fried noodles are slightly sweet and chewy, providing a wonderful texture that pairs harmoniously with the tender LA Galbi.
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Pickled Radishes: Crisp and tangy, pickled radishes cleanse your palate between bites and refresh the taste buds, making each mouthful of GA Galbi even more enjoyable.
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Saengche (Fresh Vegetables): A colorful selection of carrots, cucumbers, and sprouts offers a crunchy crunch that lightens the meal while complementing the richness of the meat.
For a delightful drink option, consider a chilled glass of Soju or a fruity Korean beverage to elevate your dining experience further.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing LA Galbi ahead of time is a game-changer for busy home cooks! You can marinate the short ribs up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen. Simply follow the marinating steps, then transfer the coated ribs to an airtight container and refrigerate. To maintain their quality, avoid over-marinating as it can lead to overly soft meat. When you’re ready to cook, take the short ribs out of the refrigerator about an hour before grilling or stovetop cooking to bring them to room temperature. This ensures even cooking, so you achieve that juicy, tender perfection with minimal effort at mealtime!
Expert Tips for Making LA Galbi
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Perfect Marinade Time: Marinate for 4-8 hours, but avoid over-marinating as it can make the meat mushy.
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Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use fresh garlic and ginger for the best aromatic flavor in your LA Galbi marinade.
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Cook at Room Temperature: Bring the marinated short ribs to room temperature before cooking for even doneness and enhanced tenderness.
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Temperature Control: Use a thermometer to ensure the meat reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
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Cleaning Between Batches: If cooking in batches, clean the pan between uses to prevent burning leftover marinade—this keeps your flavor pure!
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Serving Suggestions: Serve with an assortment of banchan, which beautifully complements the rich taste of your LA Galbi.
LA Galbi Recipe FAQs
What type of beef should I use for LA Galbi?
For the best results, seek out cross-cut beef short ribs specifically labeled as LA-style cut. They are rich and tender, making them perfect for this dish. If you’re at a Korean grocery store, you can easily find these, or you can ask your butcher for recommendations.
How long can I store marinated LA Galbi in the refrigerator?
Marinated LA Galbi can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This timeframe allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it even more delicious. Just remember, the longer it marinates, the richer the flavor—but avoid over-marinating, as it can turn the meat mushy.
Can I freeze marinated LA Galbi?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to preserve your marinated ribs. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, and they will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
What should I do if my marinade is too salty?
If your marinade turned out salty, you could dilute it! Simply mix a bit of water or unsalted broth into the marinade to balance the flavors. Alternatively, you might consider soaking the marinated ribs in cold water for about 15-20 minutes to draw out some of the saltiness.
Is LA Galbi safe for pets to consume?
While the ingredients in LA Galbi are safe for humans, it’s essential to avoid feeding your pets any cooked meat with marinades or sauces, as they might contain ingredients like garlic or onions that are toxic to dogs and cats. Always stick to plain, unseasoned meat for your furry friends.
How do I reheat leftover LA Galbi without drying it out?
To reheat cooked LA Galbi, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ribs in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Warm for about 10-15 minutes or until heated thoroughly. You can also add a splash of water to the dish to help maintain juiciness!
Mouthwatering LA Galbi: Easy Korean BBQ Short Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse your short ribs under running water, removing any bone debris.
- Soak the ribs in cold water for 20 minutes, replacing the water halfway.
- Blend together the Korean pear, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, mirin, rice syrup, and crushed black pepper in a blender until slushy.
- Mix in the roasted sesame oil into the marinade.
- Transfer the short ribs to a container, pour the marinade over them, and ensure every piece is well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 4-8 hours.
- Bring the short ribs to room temperature one hour before cooking.
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat, remove excess marinade, and cook ribs for about 9-10 minutes, flipping occasionally until charred.
- Stovetop: Heat a stainless steel pan over medium-high heat, add ribs, and cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping to caramelize.
- Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions.