Festive Special! Tender and Flavorful Braised Beef Short Ribs (So Galbi Jjim)
An Easy Yet Elegant Recipe for Delicious Braised Beef Short Ribs at Home
Create a heartwarming and impressive So Galbi Jjim using premium Hanu beef short ribs, a special treat from the kids! This recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Beyond the succulent ribs, you’ll love the tender radish soaked in savory sauce and the sweet chestnuts. Don’t forget to mix leftover sauce with rice for an extra delicious bite. Though the kids couldn’t join this year’s Chuseok due to work, this dish is made with all my love.
Main Ingredients
- 800g Hanu Beef Short Ribs
- 1.2 liters water (for boiling and braising)
- 300g Radish (Daikon)
- 1/2 Onion
- 1/2 Green Onion stalk
- 3 Shiitake Mushrooms
- 5 Chestnuts
- 2 Dried Red Chilies (or 1 fresh red chili)
- 3 Cheongyang Chilies (adjust to spice preference)
Braising Sauce
- 80ml Soy Sauce (approx. 1/2 cup)
- 30g Brown Sugar (approx. 2 Tbsp)
- 40ml Mirin (Rice Wine) (approx. 3 Tbsp)
- 30g Minced Garlic (approx. 2 Tbsp)
- 5g Ginger (minced or ginger juice)
- 3 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 80ml Soy Sauce (approx. 1/2 cup)
- 30g Brown Sugar (approx. 2 Tbsp)
- 40ml Mirin (Rice Wine) (approx. 3 Tbsp)
- 30g Minced Garlic (approx. 2 Tbsp)
- 5g Ginger (minced or ginger juice)
- 3 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
An essential step is to remove the blood from the beef ribs. Soak the ribs in cold water for 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. Change the water once or twice during soaking for best results.
Step 2
Rinse the soaked ribs thoroughly under cold running water. Place them in a pot with enough water to cover (about 1.2 liters) and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the ribs and simmer for about 7-8 minutes to remove any remaining blood and impurities. This pre-boiling step helps eliminate gamey odors and ensures a cleaner flavor.
Step 3
Drain the blanched ribs and rinse them again under cold water to remove any residual blood or foam. Transfer the clean ribs to a heavy-bottomed pot or wok. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, minced garlic, minced ginger, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Mix well to coat the ribs. Pour in 800ml of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 4
Peel the radish and cut it into large cubes, about 3-4 cm in size. To ensure a nice presentation, gently trim off the sharp corners of the radish cubes; this also helps prevent them from breaking apart during cooking.
Step 5
Roughly chop the onion. Slice the green onion diagonally into large pieces. Remove the stems from the shiitake mushrooms and cut them into large pieces. Keep the dried chilies whole. Slice the Cheongyang chilies diagonally for a touch of heat. Peel the chestnuts.
Step 6
After the ribs have been simmering in the sauce for 30-40 minutes over high heat, check for tenderness. If the ribs are still tough, add another 200ml of water, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and continue to simmer gently. Adjust the cooking time until the ribs are fork-tender.
Step 7
Once the ribs are tender, add the prepared radish, chestnuts, dried chilies, and onion to the pot. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, allowing the radish and chestnuts to absorb the delicious sauce.
Step 8
If the radish and chestnuts are not yet tender, add an additional 200ml of water and continue to braise over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens and reduces. The radish should become translucent and the chestnuts soft. This stage is crucial for deepening the flavor.
Step 9
Finally, add the green onion, Cheongyang chilies, and shiitake mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly while retaining their fresh flavor and aroma.
Step 10
Just before turning off the heat, stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds for a glossy finish and nutty aroma.
Step 11
Turn off the heat and let the Galbi Jjim rest, covered, for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot in a beautiful dish. This elegant braised beef short rib dish is perfect for special occasions. Enjoy with a side of steamed rice!
