Umami Guru › Recipes

Galbitang (갈비탕)

Korea

By · Published · Updated

Kalbitan Korean soup illustration in Ghibli style

A hearty Korean soup made with short beef ribs, radish, and ginger. Served hot, often with starch noodles and optionally with abalone. It has a rich aroma and deep flavor thanks to soy sauce and spices.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. Korean kalbitan preparation, anime illustration in Studio Ghibli style

    Soak the short beef ribs in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain the water.

  2. Korean cuisine, Galbitang, meat cooking, anime illustration

    Pour about 2 L of water into a large pot, bring to a boil and add the ribs. After the water boils again, simmer for 2–3 minutes.

  3. Korean kalbitan recipe, illustration of a cooking step, Studio Ghibli style

    Drain the ribs, rinse them under running water, and clean the pot.

  4. Kkalkbitan in anime style, Studio Ghibli-inspired watercolor illustration of the cooking process

    Return the ribs to the pot, add 3.5 L of water, Korean radish, onion, 8 cloves of garlic, 3 slices of ginger, soy sauce, and salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes over high heat uncovered.

  5. Korean kalbitan broth, anime-style illustration of the cooking process

    Reduce the heat to medium, remove all vegetables (onion, garlic, ginger) and discard them. Set the radish aside.

  6. Korean Kalbitan, cooking step, anime illustration, Studio Ghibli style

    Add 0.5 L of water, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 1 hour until the meat becomes tender.

  7. Korean Calbittan, anime-style illustration of the cooking process, Studio Ghibli-inspired

    7–8 minutes before the end of cooking, add the cleaned abalone (optional).

  8. Korean Kkaltteok soup, anime‑style illustration of the cooking step

    3–4 minutes before turning off the heat, add minced garlic, starch noodles, and return the radish to the soup.

  9. Korean Calbitan soup, anime‑style Ghibli illustration

    Bring everything to a boil, season with salt and pepper to taste, skim off excess fat, garnish with finely chopped green onion, and serve hot.

FAQ

What is Galbitang?

Galbitang is a traditional Korean soup featuring tender beef short ribs, Korean radish, and aromatic spices, simmered to create a rich and savory broth.

How do you pronounce 갈비탕?

갈비탕 is pronounced 'Gahl-bee-tahng'. The 'gal' sounds like 'gahl' as in 'gallop', and 'bi' like 'bee', followed by 'tang' as in 'tango'.

Can I substitute ingredients in Galbitang?

While traditional, you can adapt. If Korean radish is unavailable, daikon can be a substitute. Abalone is optional and can be omitted if not preferred or available.

How long does it take to make Galbitang?

This Galbitang recipe takes approximately 161 minutes to prepare, including simmering time for the ribs to become tender.

What are common side dishes for Galbitang?

Galbitang is typically served with a bowl of steamed rice, kimchi, and other banchan (small Korean side dishes) to complement its rich flavor.