Galbitang Soup

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs beef short ribs

  • 1 small Korean radish or daikon, about 2 cups

  • 1 medium onion

  • 12 cups water

  • 1 cup starch noodles, optional

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4–6 green onions, chopped

  • Ground black pepper

  • Salt, to taste

  • habaNANO seasoning, to taste

Optional Garnish

  • 2 egg yolks

  • Pinch of kosher salt

  • 1 tsp neutral cooking oil

Prep

  • Rinse short ribs in cold water a few times to remove blood and bone fragments, then soak in ice water x 2 (30 mins, rinse & repeat).

  • Drain the ribs and blanch in boiling water for 10 minutes.

  • Rinse each rib thoroughly, remove visible fat, and clean the pot before making the broth.

Broth Method

  • Add the cleaned ribs back to the pot with radish, onion, and 12 cups water.

  • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat for 1 hour.

  • Lower heat to medium and continue boiling for another 1 hour.

  • Remove ribs and radish from the broth.

  • Discard the onion.

  • Strain broth through cheesecloth for a clean, clear soup.

  • Skim off any floating fat.

  • Slice the cooked radish into bite-size pieces.

Noodle & Garlic Finish

  • Return the clear broth to the pot.

  • Add starch noodles, if using, and minced garlic.

  • Boil for a few minutes until noodles are soft but still slightly firm.

  • Taste the broth and season lightly with salt if needed.

habaNANO Serving Method

  • Place sliced radish and 2–3 short ribs into each bowl.

  • Add hot broth and noodles.

  • Sprinkle each bowl with chopped green onion and black pepper.

  • Add ¼–½ tsp habaNANO seasoning per bowl, adjusting to heat tolerance.

  • Stir gently and taste before adding more.

Optional Egg Garnish

  • Mix egg yolks with a pinch of salt.

  • Lightly oil a nonstick pan, then wipe away excess oil.

  • Cook yolk mixture in a thin layer over very low heat.

  • Let it set, flip briefly, then slice into thin strips.

  • Add on top of the nonspicy-style bowls for color.

Flavor Notes

  • habaNANO works best as a finishing seasoning here because galbitang is known for its clear, clean beef broth.

  • Start with a small amount so the short rib, radish, garlic, and green onion flavors stay balanced.

  • For a spicier bowl, add another light sprinkle of habaNANO right before eating.

Quick Adjustment Tips

  • Too mild → add a pinch more habaNANO.

  • Too salty → add a splash of hot water or unsalted broth.

  • Too rich → skim more fat from the top.

  • Needs brightness → serve with kimchi on the side.

  • Want it heartier → add more starch noodles.