Name: LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1½ pounds beef short ribs (thin cut); 1-inch piece ginger, peeled; 4 cloves garlic; ¼ cup soy sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ tablespoon sugar; ¼ cup mirin; ½ Korean pear or apple; ¼ white onion; 2 tablespoons sake or cooking wine; ¼ cup water; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon vegetable or avocado oil; Green onions (optional); Sesame seeds (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever craved sizzling, savory-sweet barbecue that melts in your mouth, LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs) is about to become your new obsession. This classic Korean-American dish takes tender beef short ribs, infuses them with a knockout marinade of soy, garlic, ginger, fruit, and a kiss of honey, then grills them up dreamily caramelized. Whether shared at a backyard cookout or enjoyed in the comfort of your kitchen, this is a recipe built for smiles, seconds, and incredible flavor.

LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to unforgettable LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs) is all in the right blend of simple ingredients. Every element plays a key role, from the quality of the beef to that essential hint of fruit in the marinade. Gather these up — you won’t want to skip a single one!

Beef short ribs (1½ pounds, thin cut): Opt for the thin, flanken-style cut — it soaks up marinades beautifully and grills in minutes.
Ginger (1 inch, peeled): Lends a warm, peppery kick and fragrant depth to the marinade.
Garlic cloves (4): Provides intense flavor and unmistakable aroma in every bite.
Soy sauce (¼ cup): The salty, umami backbone of the marinade.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Helps season the beef and balance richness.
Sugar (½ tablespoon): Boosts caramelization and balances soy’s saltiness.
Mirin (¼ cup): Adds a subtle sweet-tart note that brightens the final flavor.
Korean pear (½, or apple): Essential for tenderizing the meat and providing a natural, fruity sweetness.
White onion (¼): Smooths out the marinade, bringing sweetness and body.
Sake or cooking wine (2 tablespoons): Rounds out the flavors and keeps things juicy.
Water (¼ cup): Helps all those bold flavors meld and penetrates the ribs evenly.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): For a gentle bite that plays perfectly with sweet and salty notes.
Honey (½ tablespoon): Boosts caramelization and adds luscious depth.
Vegetable or avocado oil (1 tablespoon, for grilling): Prevents sticking and contributes to that irresistible golden char.
Green onions (optional): For fresh color and a burst of brightness as a finishing touch.
Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on for nutty flavor and an eye-catching garnish.

How to Make LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs)

Step 1: Prep the Short Ribs

Start by removing the top membrane from your beef short ribs. This simple step helps tenderize the meat and ensures every bite is silky-smooth. Give your ribs a good rinse in cold water to wash away any bone fragments, then pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel. This helps the marinade cling to the meat beautifully, making every bite of LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs) full of flavor.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

Add ginger, garlic, soy sauce, salt, sugar, mirin, Korean pear or apple, white onion, sake, water, black pepper, and honey to a blender or food processor. Blitz until the mixture is ultra-smooth and wonderfully fragrant — that’s your magic marinade right there. The combination of fruit and aromatics is what sets LA Galbi apart, both tenderizing the beef and flavoring it from the inside out.

Step 3: Marinate the Ribs

Place the prepared short ribs in a wide, shallow dish or a large resealable bag. Pour the marinade over, making sure every piece is generously coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is even better for the deepest flavor infusion. This rest time is where the flavor magic of LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs) happens, so don’t rush it!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

About 30 minutes before you cook, take the ribs out of the fridge so they can come closer to room temperature — this step helps them cook evenly. Preheat your grill or cast iron pan to medium-high heat until it just begins to smoke. Add oil to the pan, then arrange the marinated ribs in a single layer. Grill each side for about 2 minutes, or until the edges are gloriously caramelized and the center is cooked through. Quick, high-heat grilling locks in juiciness and creates that irresistible crispy edge.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the sizzling hot short ribs to a platter. Finish with a scattering of toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions, if using. LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs) is amazing with steamy white rice or tucked into a crisp lettuce wrap with kimchi and spicy cucumber salad for crunch and brightness.

How to Serve LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs)

Garnishes

For a restaurant-worthy look (and a little extra pop), sprinkle your finished short ribs with sesame seeds and plenty of sliced green onions. The seeds add a delicate nutty finish, while the green onions bring an herbal freshness that cuts through the richness of the beef. If you want to get fancy, thinly sliced chili or a drizzle of sesame oil never goes amiss.

Side Dishes

Of course, LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs) absolutely shines alongside classic Korean banchan. Think spicy kimchi, steaming bowls of fragrant rice, garlicky spinach, quick-pickled cucumbers, and roasted seaweed. These sides aren’t just flavorful; they balance out the savory-sweet richness of the ribs and create a festive, communal feel at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try setting up a DIY wrap bar so everyone can make their own lettuce wraps with rice, kimchi, and LA Galbi as the star. Or, slice the grilled ribs off the bone, toss them into a rice bowl with your favorite pickles and veggies, and top with a fried egg for an epic bibimbap twist. For parties, serve bite-sized pieces on skewers to make the dish easy and impressive for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs) keeps beautifully if stored properly. Cool the ribs completely and transfer any extras to an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen even more!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze marinated, uncooked short ribs for later use. Place the ribs and marinade together in a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling for that just-prepped taste. If freezing cooked ribs, make sure they’re well wrapped and use within 1 month for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs) in a hot skillet over medium heat until just warmed through. You can also cover and gently warm them in the oven at 325°F. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge first to keep the meat juicy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs)?

Traditional LA Galbi calls for thin, cross-cut short ribs, but you can try flanken-style ribs from other beef sections if needed. The distinctive marbling and thin slice are key for tender, quick-cooking results and that signature flavor.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for mirin and sake?

Yes! For mirin, try an equal mix of extra honey and water with a dash of rice vinegar. Replace sake with extra water or apple juice. You’ll still get lovely flavor and a touch of sweetness in your LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs).

How long should I marinate the beef?

A minimum of 2 hours is necessary for great flavor, but if you have the time, overnight marinating produces the most tender, deeply flavored LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs) imaginable.

Can I cook these in the oven if I don’t have a grill?

Absolutely! Arrange marinated ribs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and broil on high for 2–3 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning. You’ll still get that delicious caramelization.

What’s the purpose of fruit in the marinade?

The Korean pear (or apple) in the marinade acts as a natural tenderizer and adds a subtle, juicy sweetness that balances the salt and spice. It’s a classic trick that makes LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs) so memorable and succulent.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about smoky-sweet, perfectly charred LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs). Whether it’s your first time making this dish or it’s already a family favorite, I promise you’ll fall in love with every sticky, savory-sweet bite. Give it a try soon and let the flavors transport you — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time!

LA Galbi (Korean Marinated Short Ribs) Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Tender, flavorful LA Galbi, also known as Korean Marinated Short Ribs, is a popular dish featuring juicy beef ribs marinated in a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors. Perfect for grilling and enjoying with rice or in lettuce wraps.

Instructions

Clean and Prepare Ribs: Remove top membrane from short ribs, wash in cold water, and pat dry.
Make Marinade: Blend ginger, garlic, soy sauce, salt, sugar, mirin, pear, onion, sake, water, black pepper, and honey until smooth.
Marinate Ribs: Coat short ribs with marinade and refrigerate for 2 hours to overnight.
Prep for Grilling: Bring ribs to room temperature. Heat grill or pan, add oil, and grill ribs for 2 minutes per side.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy with rice or in lettuce wraps with kimchi and cucumber salad.