Spicy Korean Beef Stew (Galbijjim)

Discover the heartwarming comfort of traditional Korean cuisine with Galbijjim, or Korean beef short ribs stewed to perfection. This dish is renowned for its succulent meat and deeply flavorful sauce, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying dinner on any chilly evening. A staple in Korean households during festive occasions, this stew combines the richness of beef with aromatic spices and vegetables, resulting in a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and delicious.
“Galbijjim: A dish where every spoonful tells a story of tradition and flavor.”
Highlights
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 450kcal per serving
Ingredients
For the Stew
- 1.5 pounds beef short ribs, cut into large chunks
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 6 cups beef broth or water
- 1 cup Korean radish (mu), julienned
- 1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add beef short ribs, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
Brown the Meat: Heat cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear until browned on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the beef to a plate temporarily.
Prepare the Stew Base: In the same pot, add the reserved marinade along with beef broth or water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook the Beef: Return the seared beef to the pot and bring back to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Add Vegetables: Add julienned radish and sliced shiitake mushrooms to the stew. Continue cooking on low heat for another 30-40 minutes until the beef is tender and flavors meld together.
Final Touches: Add chopped green onions to the stew during the last few minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
Serve Warm: Serve this comforting Galbijjim hot, accompanied by steamed rice and a side of kimchi for an authentic Korean dining experience.
Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for this recipe, keep in mind that it may vary based on ingredients selected or substituted:
- Serving: 1 portion
- Calories: 450kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Relish the comforting warmth of Galbijjim, a dish that beautifully balances savory and spicy notes. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this stew combines the richness of beef with aromatic spices and vegetables, resulting in a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and delicious.