Galbitang

Galbitang, the short rib soup, is the dish Koreans serve at milestones: birthdays, holidays, and celebrations of every kind. Beef short ribs are simmered for hours until the broth is clear and deeply beefy, with daikon and glass noodles floating alongside. It is gentle, nourishing, and made to be sipped slowly. A bowl of galbitang is what Korean mothers make for someone they love, whether that someone is turning one or turning sixty.

Clear broth, deeply beefy comfort

The broth is clean and savory, with the ribs falling off the bone into tender strands, and the daikon turns translucent and sweet. The glass noodles add a soft chew, and a shower of scallions finishes it. Season it at the end so the broth stays clear, and serve it steaming with rice and kimchi. It is the soup of first birthdays and big family meals, but it is just as good on a quiet Tuesday when you need something warm and steady.

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