Skip to main content

Korean-Style Short Ribs

This authentic Korean-style short ribs recipe delivers a high-protein dinner packed with deep, savoury flavour. By marinating the beef in a rich blend of ginger, garlic, and gochujang, the meat becomes incredibly tender during the slow-simmering process. The addition of toasted sesame seeds adds a subtle nuttiness that balances the heat of the fermented chilli paste, resulting in a sophisticated dish that rivals any restaurant favourite.

Perfect for a weekend feast or a restorative midweek meal, these ribs are best served in shallow bowls with plenty of the aromatic cooking liquor. Pair the succulent beef with a side of spicy kimchi and steamed rice to complete the experience. This homemade version is a brilliant way to enjoy a classic fermented flavour profile while ensuring a nutritious, protein-rich main course for the family.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Korean-Style Short Ribs

  • 35g sesame seeds, toasted and cooled completely

  • 1 bunch spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped

  • 6 garlic cloves, minced

  • 120ml soy sauce

  • 60ml packed light brown sugar

  • 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean hot-pepper paste)

  • 1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil

  • 2.7kg beef short ribs or flanken

  • 725ml water

  • 1 (2-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger, smashed

  • Accompaniment: kimchi

  • an electric coffee/spice grinder

How to make Korean-Style Short Ribs

Grind sesame seeds to a coarse powder in grinder. Reserve 1/4 cup spring onion greens, then whisk together remaining spring onions, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, hot-pepper paste, sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons sesame-seed powder in a large bowl. Reserve remaining sesame-seed powder for serving. Add short ribs to soy sauce mixture, rubbing mixture into them. Transfer ribs to a large sealable plastic bag and seal bag, pressing out excess air. Marinate, chilled, at least 8 hours.

Transfer ribs to a wide 6- to 8-quart heavy pot and add water and ginger. Simmer, tightly covered, until ribs are very tender, about 3 hours.

Transfer ribs to a platter using tongs and keep warm, covered with foil. Skim fat from sauce and pour sauce through a sieve lined with a dampened paper towel into a bowl, then discard solids. Serve ribs with sauce in shallow bowls and sprinkle with reserved spring onion greens and remaining sesame-seed powder.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.