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Easy Korean Galbitang Beef Rib Soup Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners - Clear, Comforting, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Beef short ribs (flanken or English cut): 2–2.5 lb
  • Daikon radish: 1 medium, peeled
  • Onion: 1 medium
  • Garlic: 6–8 cloves, lightly crushed
  • Ginger: 1-inch piece, sliced (optional but recommended)
  • Green onions (scallions): 4–5, divided (white parts for broth, green for garnish)
  • Korean glass noodles (dangmyeon, sweet potato starch noodles): 4–6 oz
  • Whole black peppercorns: 1 teaspoon (or ground black pepper to finish)
  • Soy sauce: 1–2 tablespoons, to taste
  • Sea salt: to taste
  • Toasted sesame oil: 1 teaspoon, optional
  • Water: 10–12 cups

Method
 

  1. Soak the ribs: Rinse short ribs under cold water, then soak in a large bowl of cold water for 20–30 minutes to pull out excess blood. Change the water once. This helps keep the broth clear.
  2. Quick blanch: Place ribs in a pot, cover with fresh cold water, and bring to a rolling boil. Boil 5 minutes. Drain, rinse the ribs under warm water, and rinse the pot to remove scum.
  3. Build the broth: Return ribs to the clean pot. Add 10–12 cups water, onion (halved), crushed garlic, ginger, white parts of green onions, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer.
  4. Simmer low and slow: Partially cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, skimming any foam or fat. The meat should be very tender and nearly falling off the bone.
  5. Prep vegetables and noodles: Peel and cut daikon into 1-inch chunks or thick half-moons. Soak glass noodles in warm water for 20 minutes, then drain.
  6. Add daikon: Remove onion and ginger slices from the pot. Add daikon and simmer 20–25 minutes until just tender.
  7. Season the broth: Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon salt. Taste and adjust with more salt or soy. The broth should be savory but still clean.
  8. Finish with noodles: Add soaked glass noodles and cook 3–5 minutes, just until soft and springy.
  9. Garnish and serve: Ladle into bowls. Top with sliced green onion, a crack of black pepper, and a few drops of sesame oil if you like. Serve with steamed rice and extra salt at the table.