Galbi Jjim

Galbi-jjim is a traditional Korean dish that uses beef short ribs as its centerpiece. The ribs are slowly braised until they reach a remarkably tender, fall-off-the-bone consistency.

This dish requires a lengthy preparation process, often involving soaking the ribs to draw out blood and slow-braising them in a complex sauce. Because of the time and expensive ingredients involved, it is reserved for festive occasions and traditional holidays like Seollal (Lunar New Year).

Galbi jjim features a rich, sweet, and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Many traditional recipes also incorporate Asian pears or honey to naturally tenderize the meat and enhance the sweetness.

Alongside the braised beef short ribs, the stew usually contains carrots, potatoes, and shiitake mushrooms. These ingredients are added near the end of the cooking process so they can soak up the sweet soy glaze without turning mushy.