Slow cooker Korean short ribs are a delicious and easy way to bring bold flavors into your kitchen. These tender, sweet, and savory ribs require minimal effort while packing a punch of taste that will impress your family and friends. Using a slow cooker allows the meat to become incredibly tender as it absorbs the rich marinade over time.
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Making these short ribs at home is simpler than you might think. You can enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a top restaurant.
By the end of this article, you will have all the tips and steps you need to prepare perfect Korean short ribs in your slow cooker. This recipe will not only satisfy your taste buds but also give you confidence in your cooking skills.

Korean Short Ribs Overview
Korean short ribs are a beloved dish known for their rich flavor and tender texture. Their history, cultural importance, and key ingredients all contribute to what makes this dish special.
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History and Origin
Korean short ribs, or “galbi,” have deep roots in Korean cuisine. They date back to the Goryeo Dynasty, which lasted from 918 to 1392. This dish was initially enjoyed by royalty and gradually became popular among the general public.
Galbi is traditionally made using beef short ribs, but variations exist using pork. Cooking techniques evolved over time. Today, marinades and cooking styles reflect both traditional and modern influences.
Cultural Significance
In Korea, short ribs hold a significant place in various celebrations and family gatherings. They are often part of holiday meals and special occasions, symbolizing abundance and togetherness.
You might find galbi at barbecues, highlighting its role in social settings. Sharing a meal of short ribs brings people together, showcasing the importance of food in Korean culture.
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Key Ingredients
Key ingredients for Korean short ribs are simple yet flavorful. The primary component is beef short ribs. The marinade typically includes:
- Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth.
- Sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds sweetness.
- Garlic: Provides a bold flavor.
- Ginger: Enhances aroma and taste.
- Sesame oil: Adds richness.
Optional ingredients may include green onions, black pepper, and pear for sweetness. These components create a unique flavor that defines this dish.
Slow Cooker Preparation
Preparing Korean short ribs in a slow cooker is simple and rewarding. Focus on choosing the right cut of meat, creating a flavorful marinade, and following the proper cooking process. You’ll also find serving suggestions that will enhance your meal.
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Choosing the Right Cut
For Korean short ribs, you want to look for Flanken-style ribs. These are cut across the bone, giving you thin strips that cook well and absorb flavors. Another option is English-cut short ribs, which are thicker but provide rich, meaty results.
Make sure to choose well-marbled meat. This means there should be some fat throughout, as it keeps the meat tender during cooking. Freshness also matters, so check the sell-by date in your market for the best quality.
Marinade Essentials
A good marinade is key to tasty short ribs. Start with ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons sesame oil.
Add garlic and ginger for extra flavor—use 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. You can enhance the marinade with green onions and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Mix these ingredients thoroughly. Allow the ribs to soak in the marinade for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This gives the flavors time to penetrate the meat.
Cooking Process
Once your meat is marinated, it’s time to cook. Place the short ribs in the slow cooker in a single layer.
Pour the leftover marinade over the meat. Make sure all pieces are coated. Set your slow cooker to the low setting for about 6-8 hours. This slow cooking method breaks down the meat, making it tender and flavorful.
Check the ribs a few hours in. If they are cooking unevenly, rearranging them can help.
Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup rice wine (or mirin)
- 1 medium onion, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Short Ribs:
- 3-4 pounds beef short ribs (flanken cut, about 1/2 inch thick)
Instructions
Start by preparing the marinade. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, rice wine, grated onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, sesame seeds, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well combined.
Next, place the short ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your broiler. Remove the short ribs from the marinade, allowing the excess marinade to drip off, and discard the marinade.
Grill the ribs for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until they are nicely charred and cooked to your desired level of doneness. If broiling, place the ribs on a baking sheet and broil for about 4-5 minutes per side, watching closely to prevent burning.
Once cooked, remove the ribs from the grill or broiler and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Korean short ribs with steamed rice and side dishes like kimchi or pickled vegetables for a complete meal! Adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the marinade according to your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
When your short ribs are done, serve them with steamed rice and vegetables. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions adds a nice touch.
For added flavor, drizzle a bit of the cooking liquid over the dish. Another option is to serve them in a lettuce wrap with some spicy kimchi.
These combinations create a well-rounded meal, highlighting the savory taste of your Korean short ribs.
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