Korean-Style Braised Beef Short Ribs with Gochujang

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef short ribs slowly braised in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce, embodying rich Korean regional flavors. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 180 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch pieces beef short ribs, soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 40 min Cook: 140 min Serves 6 Korean cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 5 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Add 3 lbs beef short ribs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated short ribs and brown for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 3 cups water to cover the ribs partially. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2 hours until meat is tender and falling off the bone.
  4. Step 4: Remove lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 20 minutes to reduce sauce until thickened and glossy.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 180 minutes (40 min prep + 140 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-Style Braised Beef Short Ribs with Gochujang?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

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

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-Style Braised Beef Short Ribs with Gochujang 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-Style Braised Beef Short Ribs with Gochujang?

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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