Chinese cuisine

In the realm of comfort food, Korean-style braised beef ribs (galbi) hold a special place. Their rich, savory flavor and tender texture make them a staple in many households, especially during colder months. However, the traditional method of preparing galbi can be time-consuming and require intricate steps. For those looking for a streamlined, “lazy man’s” version of this dish, here’s a simplified recipe that retains the essence of Korean cuisine while saving you time and effort.

Ingredients

For the Marination:

• 500 grams of beef ribs (preferably short or flat-cut for easier chewing)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground Korean pepper (optional)
• Salt, to taste

For the Braising Liquid:

• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 tbsp gochujang (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Green onions or scallions, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Marinating the Beef Ribs

1. Trim and Clean the Ribs: Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef ribs and removing any bones that might splinter during cooking. Rinse the ribs under running water to remove any impurities.

2. Create the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, gochujang, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, black pepper, ground Korean pepper (if using), and salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are well-incorporated.

3. Marinate the Ribs: Add the beef ribs to the marinade and ensure they are coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for better flavor penetration.

   

Step 2: Preparing the Braising Liquid

1. Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the beef broth or water with soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sliced onion, crushed garlic, and gochujang. Set this mixture aside.

2. Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the braising liquid and adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring it has a balanced flavor of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy.

Step 3: Braising the Beef Ribs

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Baking Dish: Transfer the marinated beef ribs to a large baking dish or cast-iron skillet that can accommodate all the ribs in a single layer. Pour the prepared braising liquid over the ribs, ensuring they are submerged halfway. If necessary, add more broth or water to cover them adequately.

3. Baking Process: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. After this initial period, remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes to reduce the liquid and allow the ribs to caramelize slightly. Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.

   

4. Final Browning: If you prefer a more caramelized top on your ribs, you can broil them for an additional 5 minutes under a high heat setting or use a torch to achieve a golden-brown crust. Be cautious not to overcook at this stage as it can dry out the meat.

Step 4: Serving and Garnishing

1. Resting Period: Once done, let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

2. Garnish with Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: Sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions or scallions on top for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot with a side of steamed rice or your preferred accompaniment.

Tips for Success

• Marination Time: The longer you marinate the ribs, the more flavorful they will be. However, if you’re pressed for time, an hour in the fridge is still effective.

• Baking Temperature: Adjust the oven temperature if necessary to ensure even cooking without burning the ribs too quickly on top. Keep an eye on them during baking to prevent overcooking.

  

• Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be thick and syrupy by the end of braising. If it looks too watery after removing the foil, you can reduce it further by boiling it briefly on the stovetop or in a saucepan before serving.

By following this streamlined approach to preparing Korean-style braised beef ribs, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors without sacrificing too much time or effort in your kitchen. This lazy man’s version is perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a comforting meal without all the fuss.