Galbitang (Short Rib and Korean Radish Soup)

Published Feb. 26, 2025

Galbitang (Short Rib and Korean Radish Soup)
Armando Rafael for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Brett Regot.
Total Time
2 ½ hours
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
2 hours
Rating
5(7)
Comments
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This traditional Korean soup features fall-off-the-bone tender braised short ribs and Korean radishes in a clear and soothing broth. Seasoned with onion, garlic and ginger, the radish releases its own sweet and savory juices to create a layered soup that is an elixir for cold winter months. Soaking the beef for 30 minutes beforehand helps remove impurities for a clear broth; there aren’t too many ingredients involved in making this soup so attention to detail pays off. A tip on easy degreasing, if time permits: Make the soup a day ahead and chill completely in the refrigerator; the fat will rise and solidify on top, making it a breeze to remove (and thereby yielding an even clearer and cleaner-tasting broth).

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 3pounds English-cut short ribs
  • 1medium yellow onion, peeled and halved
  • 5large garlic cloves, lightly crushed
  • 1(½-inch) piece peeled ginger
  • 1teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 3scallions, 2 cut into thirds and 1 thinly sliced
  • 1pound Korean radishes (mu) or daikon, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
  • Salt and pepper
  • Cooked short-grain rice and kimchi, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

1386 calories; 123 grams fat; 54 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 56 grams monounsaturated fat; 5 grams polyunsaturated fat; 15 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 4 grams sugars; 51 grams protein; 1192 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Add the short ribs to a large pot, cover with 2 inches of cool water, and let soak for 30 minutes. Drain.

  2. Step 2

    In the same pot, cover short ribs with enough cool water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, skimming off any foam that rises to the top, for 3 minutes. Drain, rinsing meat if needed to remove any residue and wiping out the pot.

  3. Step 3

    Return ribs to the cleaned pot and add onion, garlic, ginger, peppercorns, the chopped scallions and 10 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high, then cover, reduce heat to low and cook for 30 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    After the ribs have cooked for 30 minutes, add the radishes, cover and cook until beef and radishes are tender, about 1 hour to 1 ½ hours longer.

  5. Step 5

    Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer ribs and radish to a cutting board. Strain broth through a sieve into a large bowl; press on the solids to extract juices, then discard. Skim any fat off the surface of the broth, if desired. Thinly slice the radishes.

  6. Step 6

    Add beef (it can be kept on the bone, or the bones can be discarded, if preferred), radishes and broth back to the pot and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper and stir in half of the sliced scallions.

  7. Step 7

    Divide soup among bowls and top with the remaining scallions. Serve hot with rice and kimchi on the side.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
7 user ratings
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Comments

Simple, comforting and refreshing. I made the stew as written, with an extra inch of ginger. I did not defat the broth as aggressively as I could have and wish that I had - otherwise this was perfect. Served with kimchi and short grain rice on the side, it is a perfect light lunch or dinner. If short ribs were cheaper ($15/pound near me) I’d make this more often - I wonder how chuck roast or beef stew meat would fare?

Simple, comforting and refreshing. I made the stew as written, with an extra inch of ginger. I did not defat the broth as aggressively as I could have and wish that I had - otherwise this was perfect. Served with kimchi and short grain rice on the side, it is a perfect light lunch or dinner. If short ribs were cheaper ($15/pound near me) I’d make this more often - I wonder how chuck roast or beef stew meat would fare?

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