Grilled Korean short rib patties
Tteok-Galbi
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Premium
$$$
Tteok-Galbi
Grilled Korean short rib patties
★4.3(22)
Tender, juicy ground short rib patties shaped and grilled until beautifully caramelized. Tteok-galbi from Damyang is a refined Korean dish where chopped rib meat is reformed and grilled for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
20m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
30m
Total Time
4
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Premium $$$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Tteok-galbi originated as royal court cuisine and evolved into a Damyang specialty. The ribs are finely chopped or ground, seasoned with the classic galbi marinade, then shaped into flat patties and grilled to perfection.
Korean food is all about bold, fermented, and deeply savory flavors. This recipe introduces those exciting tastes with a method that works in any home kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless beef short ribs, finely ground or chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice wine
Instructions
- 1
Finely chop or grind the short rib meat. Mix with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, rice wine, and black pepper.
- 2
Knead the meat mixture for 2 minutes until well combined and slightly sticky.
- 3
Shape into 8 flat, oval patties about 1/2 inch thick.
- 4
Grill over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.
- 5
Serve with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, ssamjang, and assorted Korean side dishes (banchan).
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
Boneless short ribsGround beef (80/20)
More accessible with similar rich, beefy flavor
Rice wineMirin or dry sherry
Similar aromatic qualities for the marinade
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
If short ribs are unavailable, mix ground beef with ground pork at a 70/30 ratio for similar richness.
Do not press the patties while grilling; let the caramelization develop naturally.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate uncooked patties for up to 2 days. Freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (85mg) · 4 servings
Calories380
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein30g
Carbohydrates26g
Fat6g
Fiber580mg
Sugar0g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does tteok-galbi mean?
- Tteok means rice cake, referring to the flat, cake-like shape of the patties. Galbi means ribs.
- Can I pan-fry instead of grill?
- Yes, pan-fry in a hot skillet with a touch of oil for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →