Korean Gochujang Braised Beef Short Ribs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef short ribs braised in a rich, spicy-sweet gochujang sauce bring the essence of Korean regional flavors to your table. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 165 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch pieces beef short ribs, vegetable oil, gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 560 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Korean cuisine 560 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 lbs beef short ribs cut into 2-inch pieces and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned; transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 6 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the pot, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp gochujang, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 2 tbsp brown sugar, cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the bottom of the pot.
  5. Step 5: Return short ribs to the pot, add 2 cups water, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Step 6: Cover and reduce heat to low, braise for 2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 chopped green onions, and 1 tsp black pepper. Serve hot over steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean Gochujang Braised Beef Short Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Korean Gochujang Braised Beef Short Ribs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Korean Gochujang Braised Beef Short Ribs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Korean Gochujang Braised Beef Short Ribs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Korean Gochujang Braised Beef Short Ribs?

Korean beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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