How to Make the Perfect Galbitang
Korean · Easy · 105 min · 4 servings
Galbitang is a delicate and clear Korean short rib soup that is one of the most naturally kid friendly Korean dishes with its mild and nourishing broth. Parents love serving this comforting soup to children because the tender fall off the bone beef ribs and light clear broth are easy for even picky eaters to enjoy.
Why this recipe works
This Galbitang recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 105 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 35g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 kg beef short ribs
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 small onion halved
- 8 cups water
- 2 stalks green onions chopped
- 1 tsp salt to taste
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Blanch the Ribs
Soak short ribs in cold water for 30 minutes to draw out blood then drain. Blanch ribs in boiling water for 5 minutes and discard this water rinsing ribs clean.
Step 2: Make the Broth
Place cleaned ribs in a fresh pot with 8 cups of cold water, garlic, and onion. Bring to a boil then reduce to a medium low simmer.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Simmer the soup for 80 to 90 minutes skimming any foam or fat from the surface regularly throughout cooking. The ribs should be very tender and the broth should be clear and flavorful.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Season the broth with salt to taste and remove the onion before serving. Ladle into bowls garnished with chopped green onions and serve with steamed rice and simple side dishes.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- beef short ribs → oxtail for an equally rich and gelatinous clear broth
- plain water → add a small piece of Korean radish to the broth for extra sweetness
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the blanching step which results in a cloudy and bitter tasting broth
- Not skimming the foam regularly which also clouds the broth and affects the clean flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 35g protein, 8g carbs, 28g fat, 1g fiber.
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