Time: 40 minMarinating: at least 2 hours, ideally overnight4 servingsapprox. 680 kcal / serving (estimated)approx. 36 g protein / serving
Galbi is beef short rib, thinly butterflied, marinated in a sweetish marinade and grilled over high heat. One of the most festive dishes of Korean BBQ culture, it owes its appeal to its caramelised, mildly sweet exterior.
Mix the grated pear, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and onion in a large bowl.
Turn the short ribs in the marinade, working it in thoroughly so that every part soaks up the flavours, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
Heat a grill or heavy frying pan to a very high temperature.
Lift the meat out of the marinade, let it drain lightly and cook over high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, until the surface caramelises but the inside is still pink.
Rest the cooked meat for a few minutes, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve with lettuce leaves and rice.
A Receptnaptár original recipe. Calories and protein are estimated.
Tips
Ask the butcher to butterfly the bone-in ribs thinly; this is a distinctive cut that is hard to do accurately at home.
A long marinade (even overnight) gives the meat tenderness as well as flavour.
Cook briefly at a very high temperature; you are aiming for a caramelised outside and a still-pink inside.
Do not slice it without resting it first; that is how the juices stay in the meat.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between galbi and bulgogi?
Galbi is made from bone-in short ribs and cooked on a grill, while bulgogi consists of boneless, paper-thin slices.
Why is the pear important in the marinade?
The pear's natural enzymes (just as with bulgogi) tenderise the meat and give the marinade a mild sweetness.