a savory traditional dish ~ 갈비찜

 If you are Korean or a Korean-American like me,  you are probably aware that braised short ribs-갈비찜 is VERY traditional part of Korean cuisine.  It is kind of the equivalent for the american “Beef stew” dish, which is very  hearty. Not only are Korean braised short ribs hearty and savory, they are also very sweet.

In general, galbijjim is traditionally eaten on Chuseok  (Korean thanksgiving). Ever since hubby and I got married, we made it our tradition to eat it  every Christmas eve &  new years day.  That’s why I save this dish and only make it twice a year. It’s def a winter traditional dish in our home.  Galbijjim is generally made with beef  as 갈비찜 is usually made from only the center part of ribs from a calf  (while the rib ends are used to make soup).

  galbi  갈비 is more expensive than other cuts of beef in South Korea, and is regarded as a high-class dish. 

Many Americans rave about the savory sweet taste that come from these cuts of meat.

This dish is def a must try for yourself at home for your fam no matter what your nationality. Trust me, your family will love it.  The cuts do it all, only the simplest ingredients are needed.

Korean Braised Ribs- 갈비찜 

serves 6 people


6-8  lbs of ribs

salt and pepper to season

2 medium onions, diced

3 stocks of green onion, cut into one inch pieces

5 large carrots, cut into 2 inch pieces

3 medium peeled & diced potatoes

one asian pair diced

1.5 cups of soy sauce (gook ganjang {soysauce for soup} is best)

1.5 cups of sugar

1/2 cup of honey

1 tbsp of minced garlic

The secret to my ribs is a CROCKPOT. A lot of people use a regular stove top, but after trial and error for years, I found that crock potting this recipe does wonders. The taste of the meat (sooo SOFT- literally falling right off the bone and onto your tongue/  is so heavenly). I like my meat moist and savory not tough and flavorless. Try it with a crock pot if you haven’t before. You will be shocked!

1. Chop up your ribs so that there is one bone per rib.

They should look like “cubes” like my photo below-


Throw all of the cubes into the crockpot.


Chop up your veggies stew- style. This means very generously- big and chunky.


Get your soy sauce, garlic, honey, sugar, and green onion, Put it a bowl.

Mix together well, and then drizzle the mixture evenly on top of your meat and veggie chunks.


Put your crockpot on LOW and time for 8 hours.


Can u believe how easy?



serve with brown or white rice.