Name: Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 5 h 45 min
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 medium onion (thinly sliced vertically); 10 large cloves garlic (sliced); 2 tablespoons minced ginger; 2 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup soy sauce (tamari or coconut aminos); 1/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar); 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons gochujang (fermented Korean chile paste) (or to taste and tolerance); 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 2 tablespoons canola oil (or vegetable or peanut oil); Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 3 – 3 1/2 pounds beef short ribs (Between 4 and 8 ribs. Bone in, trimmed of excess fat); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 bunches scallions (root ends trimmed); 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; Kimchi (for serving); Shredded carrots (for serving); Cooked brown rice (for serving)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 1 review

If there’s one dish that truly captures the rich, comforting soul of Korean cuisine, it’s this Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe. Tender, fall-off-the-bone beef simmered in a savory-sweet sauce with just the right hint of spice makes it an unforgettable meal. Every bite carries layers of flavor from garlic, ginger, soy, and that unmistakable depth of gochujang, turning simple ingredients into a spectacular feast that’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your all-time favorite ways to enjoy beef short ribs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three thick pieces of browned meat with a crispy texture sit in a dark frying pan. Each piece shows clear grill marks and a rich brown color with some shiny oil around them. One piece has a small bone visible at the bottom. The frying pan has a matte black finish, and the background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe relies on accessible yet vibrant ingredients that work together to create complex flavors and tender textures. Each element plays its part in balancing sweet, salty, spicy, and umami for a rich, comforting dish.

1 medium onion (thinly sliced vertically): Adds natural sweetness and a subtle crunch after cooking.
10 large cloves garlic (sliced): Provides deep aromatic flavor essential for Korean dishes.
2 tablespoons minced ginger: Offers a warm, spicy note that brightens the sauce beautifully.
2 cups beef broth: The foundation for braising, infusing the ribs with savory depth.
1/2 cup soy sauce (tamari or coconut aminos): Brings saltiness and rich umami to the braising liquid.
1/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar): Balances the salt with caramel sweetness that thickens the sauce.
2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar: Adds a mild tang to lift the overall flavor profile.
2 tablespoons gochujang (fermented Korean chile paste): Infuses a perfect amount of gentle heat and complexity.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and richness at the final stage.
2 tablespoons canola oil (or vegetable or peanut oil): Used for browning the ribs to lock in flavor.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Basics that ensure enhanced taste and seasoning control.
3 to 3 1/2 pounds beef short ribs (bone-in, trimmed of excess fat): The star ingredient, delivering melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce into a luscious glaze.
2 bunches scallions (root ends trimmed): Lightly cooked for a sweet and slightly crispy garnish.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: Adds crunch and a subtle nutty flavor as a finishing touch.
Kimchi: Traditional side that offers refreshing acidity and spice contrast.
Shredded carrots: Provides color, sweetness, and crunch.
Cooked brown rice: A wholesome base to absorb all the incredible sauce.

How to Make Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Braising Liquid

First things first, combine all the aromatic and flavorful liquids—onions, garlic, ginger, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, gochujang, and toasted sesame oil—in your slow cooker to preheat on high. This mixture forms the flavorful bath that will transform the beef into tender morsels filled with bursts of Korean sensation.

Step 2: Brown the Short Ribs

While the slow cooker preheats, heat the canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Generously season the beef short ribs with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brown the ribs on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This step is critical; it caramelizes the meat surface, adding complexity and depth to the resulting sauce.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Transfer the browned beef short ribs, meat side down, to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours until the ribs become beautifully tender and start falling off the bone. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the meat to soak in every drop of that delicious braising liquid.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once the beef is tender, combine the cornstarch with about 4 tablespoons of the cooking liquid until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker and stir it in. Cook uncovered on high for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step thickens the luscious sauce, turning it into a glossy glaze that clings perfectly to the ribs.

Step 5: Sauté the Scallions

In a skillet, heat the remaining teaspoon of oil over medium-high heat. Quickly sauté the trimmed scallions for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften slightly and develop some golden brown edges, adding a sweet, smoky freshness that elevates the dish visually and in flavor.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Serve the tender short ribs with those caramelized scallions on top, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and traditional accompaniments like kimchi, shredded carrots, and steamed brown rice. The colors, textures, and flavors create a stunning and satisfying experience with every bite.

How to Serve Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe

A white plate shows dark brown pieces of meat covered in a thick, shiny sauce sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Some meat pieces are pulled apart with a silver fork, exposing a soft, juicy inside with a pinkish tone. Around the meat are long, thin green onions that have a slight char on their edges and lighter green and white parts. The plate sits on a dark wooden surface with soft light highlighting the textures and colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing this Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe is where you can really bring out those vibrant, fresh contrasts. Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and nuttiness. The sautéed scallions provide a mild pop of color and flavor, making the dish as inviting to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Side Dishes

Kimchi is the classic accompaniment because its bright acidity and spicy kick complement the richness of the beef perfectly. Shredded carrots offer a refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness that balances the savory depth, while cooked brown rice soaks up the sauce beautifully to create a hearty, complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe over a bed of sticky white rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Use banana leaves as plates or line serving bowls with lettuce leaves to create Korean BBQ-style wraps. A drizzle of extra sesame oil or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds right before serving enhances both aroma and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe reheats beautifully. Store leftover ribs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious, if not better.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze the ribs and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Freezing locks in all that rich flavor and keeps the meat tender, so it’s ready for a quick defrost and warm-up when needed.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the ribs and sauce in a covered pan over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture and prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce becomes too thick during reheating.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for this Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe?

Bone-in beef short ribs are ideal because the bones add flavor and collagen, which breaks down into that luscious, tender texture you want. Look for ribs with a good meat-to-bone ratio and trimmed excess fat to prevent greasiness.

Can I make this Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can braise the ribs in a heavy, covered pot on the stovetop or in the oven at low heat (around 300°F) for several hours. Just keep an eye on the liquid levels to prevent drying out and adjust cooking time until the meat is tender.

How spicy will this dish be with the gochujang?

Gochujang brings mild to medium heat along with a deep, fermented flavor. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or omit it if you want a very mild dish. The dish will still be packed with flavor thanks to the other ingredients.

Is this Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This dish is perfect for meal prep because the flavors deepen over time, and it reheats wonderfully. Pair it with freshly prepared rice or veggies each day for an easy and tasty lunch or dinner.

What can I substitute for gochujang if I can’t find it?

If gochujang is unavailable, try mixing miso paste with a bit of chili powder and a touch of honey or brown sugar to mimic its sweet, salty, and spicy profile. Though not the same, this combo will still create a flavorful braising sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a deeply satisfying, flavor-packed dish to impress your family or friends, this Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe is a must-try. It’s comforting, hearty, and truly a celebration of Korean flavors that come together in the most magical way. Once you experience those tender ribs dripping with that rich, luscious sauce, you’ll understand why this recipe is so beloved. So grab your skillet and slow cooker, and let this recipe wow you from the very first bite.