What is Karubi? The Japanese Short Rib Cut and How to Enjoy It

Karubi (written as "kalbi" or "galbi" in Korean) is a cut of beef short rib. In Japan, it is one of the standard cuts served at yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants. The word comes from the Korean "galbi", meaning rib, and the cut is prized for its marbling, which makes the meat rich, tender and juicy.

Karubi, kalbi and galbi

• Karubi: the Japanese term, usually a thinly sliced, well-marbled short rib cut for grilling at the table, often served plain or lightly marinated.
• Galbi (kalbi): the Korean term. Korean galbi is typically marinated in soy sauce, garlic, sugar or pear and sesame oil, then grilled. It may be cut across the bone (LA-style) or as a thicker rack.

The two overlap, and menus in Singapore sometimes use them interchangeably.

What it tastes like

Karubi has more fat than lean cuts such as loin, so it is tender and savoury, with a strong beefy flavour. The fat renders on the grill, so it benefits from quick, high-heat cooking and a light touch with sauce.

How it is served

At a yakiniku restaurant, you grill thin slices of karubi at your table and dip them in tare (a sweet soy-based sauce) or sprinkle them with salt and lemon. It is usually eaten with rice, lettuce, kimchi and pickled vegetables. At Korean barbecue restaurants, the marinated galbi is grilled and wrapped in lettuce with sauce.

Tips

• Choose by cut: short rib comes in different thicknesses and grades. Ask what grade of beef is used if you want a leaner or a more marbled option.
• Don't overcook: thin slices need only a short time on a hot grill.
• Pair with sides: rice, lettuce wraps, kimchi and pickles balance the richness.
• At home: marinate in soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil and a little sugar for a few hours or overnight, then grill or pan-fry on high heat.

Where to eat karubi in Singapore

Look for yakiniku and Korean barbecue restaurants, which almost always serve karubi or galbi. Menus, prices and branches change often, so check the restaurant's current menu and book ahead for dinner and weekends. If you need halal or other dietary options, confirm with the restaurant, because marinades often contain soy sauce, mirin or rice wine.