Rainy Day Korean-Inspired Braised Short Ribs

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

Tender short ribs braised in a savory-sweet soy and garlic sauce, perfect for warming up on a rainy Seattle evening. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 200 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch pieces beef short ribs, soy sauce, brown sugar 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: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Korean cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat, brown 3 lbs beef short ribs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir for 2 minutes until fragrant and sugar dissolves.
  3. Step 3: Return the browned short ribs to the pot and pour in 3 cups water to just cover the meat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until meat is tender and falling off the bone.
  4. Step 4: Remove lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to reduce the sauce to a thick glaze.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 3 sliced green onions and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Serve hot over steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rainy Day Korean-Inspired Braised Short Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Rainy Day Korean-Inspired Braised 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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rainy Day Korean-Inspired Braised 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 Rainy Day Korean-Inspired Braised 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 Rainy Day Korean-Inspired Braised 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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