Baek Jong-won's LA Galbi Recipe: Korean-Style Galbi

LA Galbi, a harmonious blend of subtle sweetness and savory seasoning! This recipe, inspired by Baek Jong-won, is easy to follow using simple ingredients and classic techniques.

What is LA Galbi?

LA Galbi is a galbi dish originating from Los Angeles, USA. It's a unique style of galbi, a variation of traditional Korean galbi.

• Type of Meat: LA Galbi primarily uses **beef short ribs (rib bones)**.
• Cutting Method: The way the ribs are "cut" is unique. Instead of slicing thickly along the bone, it's characterized by being thinly sliced across the cross-section of the rib bone. This is called "Flanken Cut" or **"LA Cut"**.
• Advantages: Because it's thinly sliced, the marinade penetrates well and the cooking time is short, making it suitable for barbecue.
• Characteristics: When grilling LA Galbi, the marinade seeps well between the rib bones and the meat, resulting in a tender and savory flavor. It is considered a dish that cleverly blends Korean and American food cultures.

LA Galbi is a dish created by Korean Americans using local ingredients, and it has now become a popular menu item in Korea.

[Ingredients] (for 4 servings)

• LA Galbi: 1kg
• Soy Sauce: 1 cup (200g)
• Cane Sugar: 1/2 cup (80g)
• Mirin (sweet rice wine)**: 1/2 cup (100g)
• Minced Garlic: 1/4 cup (40g)
• Minced Ginger: 1/2 tbsp (8g)
• Green Onion: 1 cup (80g)
• Sesame Oil: 2 tbsp (15g)
• Water: 3 cups (540g)
• Black Pepper: To taste

[Instructions]

1. Preparing the Ribs

1. Cleaning: Rinse the LA Galbi several times under running water to thoroughly remove any bone fragments.

• Removing bone fragments is crucial as they can cause the marinade to clump and affect the texture.
  2. Removing Moisture: Thoroughly pat the ribs dry with clean paper towels.

2. Making the Marinade

1. In a large bowl, add the soy sauce, cane sugar, mirin, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
2. Finely chop the green onions, add them to the marinade, and pour in 3 cups of water. Mix well.

• Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  3. Finally, add the sesame oil and black pepper to complete the marinade.
• Adding a pinch of MSG will enhance the savory flavor.

3. Marinating the Ribs

1. Arrange the LA Galbi in a sealable container, ensuring each piece is not overlapping.
2. Pour the marinade evenly over the ribs.

• Mix to ensure the marinade penetrates all the ribs evenly.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours to marinate.
• A longer marinating time will deepen the flavor, but it can also make the seasoning stronger. Adjust the seasoning by adding some water depending on the marinating time.

4. Grilling the Ribs

1. Using a Frying Pan:

• Preheat the frying pan over medium heat and then add the marinated ribs.
• Add the remaining marinade and a little water (1/4 cup) and simmer until cooked.
• It's done when the marinade has thickened and the ribs are glossy and cooked through.

2. Using a Grill:

• Preheat the grill and then place the ribs on to grill until nicely browned.
• Basting with the remaining marinade while grilling will add extra flavor.

[Tips]

• Deepening the Flavor of the Marinade: Making the marinade a day in advance will allow the flavors to blend better.
• Leftover Marinade: Simmer the leftover marinade while grilling and use it as a dipping sauce.
• When Using a Grill: Letting the ribs sit at room temperature for a while before grilling will help them cook more evenly.
• Adding Spice: Finely chopped green chilies can be added to the marinade for a spicy kick.

[Finished Dish]

Place the grilled LA Galbi on a plate and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
Serve with rice for a perfect meal. ✨

Enjoy this easy and elegant galbi dish at home with the Baek Jong-won style LA Galbi! 🌟