This dish marries the comfort of slow-cooking with the bold flavors of Korean cuisine.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef short ribs, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 Asian pear, grated
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Meat: Heat vegetable oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the ribs on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Create the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, grated Asian pear, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Combine and Braise: Return the ribs to the Dutch oven. Pour the sauce over the ribs, add beef broth, carrots, and onion. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven.
- Low and Slow: Let the ribs braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely intoxicating!
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and skim off any excess fat. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
These succulent Korean-inspired short ribs are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
- Classic Rice Pairing: Serve over a bed of steaming white rice to soak up the rich, savory sauce.
- Lettuce Wrap Adventure: Offer butter lettuce leaves for a interactive, hands-on meal. Let everyone create their own wraps with rice, meat, and sauce.
- Kimchi Complement: Serve with a side of tangy kimchi for an authentic Korean experience that cuts through the richness of the meat.
- Standalone Star: These ribs are so flavorful, they shine on their own. Serve them as the centerpiece of your meal with some crusty bread on the side.
The beauty of this dish lies in its depth of flavor and tender texture. As you take your first bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and umami notes that Korean cuisine is famous for. The gochujang provides a subtle heat, while the soy sauce and sesame oil create a savory base that’s simply irresistible.
Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Grab your Dutch oven and let’s get cooking!
Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and thoughts in the comments below.