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Itโ€™s time for Korea to meet Italy to meet Mexicoโ€ฆ

Korean Braised Short Rib and Kimchi Pasta | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Okay, well not really, but food wise, it is. Korean beef with Italian pasta and Mexican toppings. YES.

I am all about Korean fusion food, and guys, this pasta is up there with some of my favorite recipes, like itโ€™s SO good. So good that even some of the pickier eaters in my family raved about this pasta. Of course they ate it minus the kimchi cause they donโ€™t eat โ€œcolorful foodโ€, but still everyone loved this.

Okay, so lots of things to report today!

I cannot believe I havenโ€™t mentioned this, but half of my family is actually in South Korea right now. I know, big thing to leave you all in the dark about, but I dunno it just never came up. My younger brother Red is completing in a World Cup, Olympic trial ย (the 2018 Winter Olympics will be held there). Seeing as he is only fifteen, he needed a parent to travel with him this time. So both my parents, along with little Asher, headed around the world. I havenโ€™t really chatted with them since they left, but man, they better be trying ALL THE KOREAN FOOD. I want photos, ideas and detailsโ€ฆ of like everything they ate.

So hopefully, this pasta is just the start of a Korean kick for meโ€ฆ

Korean Braised Short Rib and Kimchi Pasta | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Iโ€™m thinkingย there could be many more Korean recipes to come, which excites me greatly.

Obviously.

I also feel like I need to mention that on Saturday the familyโ€™s โ€œGroup Meโ€ (a group texting app we use to keep us all in touch) messages were going off like crazyโ€ฆ and somehow I missed them all! Apparently there was a live stream of the competition Red was competing atย in Sweden (yeah I guess I forgot to tell you that too, there was a 3 day stop in Sweden first) and Red was KILLING it. For a while he was in first place and holding his own against grown men. Then the last two competitors bumped him down into third, but still he KILLED it and my family was going crazy.

I also missed watching Red have to eat some kind of Caviar Chocolate Ball. If you know Red than you know he DOES not try new things. Especially new things that have the word caviar in them. All I know was that he had no idea what to do with himself after he took a bite, and that it was down right comical.

When I saw all these texts I was SO bummed I missed it all. I mean, Red eating caviar??? And a Caviar Chocolate Ball to boot?? Like please, someone tell me what the heck that is?? Is it what I am thinking it is??

Googled it. Still do not understand fully what it is, but man, it looks pretty good. Ugh. Help. My mind is wandering. Should I experiment with caviar desserts?? It canโ€™t really be like real caviarโ€ฆcan it?

Apparently there was champagne spraying on the podium as well. Seeing as Red is only 15, a quick lesson on how to open a bottle of champagne was needed, but his friend and mentor Roope helped him out.

Korean Braised Short Rib and Kimchi Pasta | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Ok, SORRY, didnโ€™t mean to get so off topic, but I just had to share.

Seriously though, I wanna know what you guys know about these chocolate caviar balls. TELL ME.

Korean Braised Short Rib and Kimchi Pasta | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

On to thisย Korean braised short rib and kimchi pasta. Itโ€™s mostly all about the Korean flavors, but then there is the pastaโ€ฆand then the queso fresco. Complete fusion food at its best.

The short ribs are the star here though. The Korean sauce that the ribs are braised in is honestly one of my favorites. Every time I make this sauce, my dad says the same thing, โ€œthat sauce isย incredible, better than any restaurantโ€. It has so much flavor and it pairs so nicely with the beefy flavor of the short ribs.

The whole meal is actually very simple. Just braise the ribs in the Korean inspired sauce, toss the meat with the hot pasta and top with kimchi, soft-boiled eggs, avocado and a sprinkle of queso fresco.

I know it may sound weird, but you guys, can you just trust me on this one? I promise this is such a delicious meal. And one that everyone will loveโ€ฆ for real.

Korean Braised Short Rib and Kimchi Pasta | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Oh, and about the kimchi. I make my own superfood version with cabbage, kale, carrots, etc. Itโ€™s actually so easy to make and I highly recommend giving it a try. However, you do need to make it at LEAST a day in advance, preferably 2-3 days. The longer the kimchi ferments, the more flavor it will have.

If youโ€™re not into making your own kimchi, store-bought will be great too!

Double OH, you donโ€™t have to add all the toppings I added. You guys know I love my toppingsโ€ฆespecially that soft-boiled eggโ€ฆand that avocadoโ€ฆand of course the cheese. Ok wait, maybe you do have to add all the toppings.

Toppings for the win (totally just spelled win as wineโ€ฆ Monday. UGH)! ๐Ÿ™‚

Korean Braised Short Rib and Kimchi Pasta | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Korean Braised Short Rib and Kimchi Pasta.

4.92 from 12 votes
6 Servings
calories 905kcal
Prep15 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total30 minutes
It's time for Korea to meet Italy to meet Mexico...
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Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.*
  • Heat a large heavy bottom dutch oven over medium high-heat. Add the ribs to the skillet and sprinkle with salt + pepper. Sear the ribs on all sides for about 1 minute per side.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the ginger, garlic, soy sauce, Gochujang (Korean chile paste), rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey and 1 cup water. Pour the sauce over the short ribs. Add another 1-2 cups water to cover the ribs. Cover and place in the oven, cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the meat shreds easily. Check once or twice while the ribs are cooking to make sure there is enough liquid. If needed, add 1/2 cup to 1 cup of water to keep the ribs in liquid about 1/3 way up the pot.
  • Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the pot and place on a plate to cool slightly.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta until al dente. Drain and toss with either a little olive oil or butter.
  • Once the beef is cool enough to handle, shred the meat and discard any bones and fatty pieces. Return the meat to the sauce and toss well to combine. Place the pot on the stove and set over low heat to warm through. Add the pasta + 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro to the sauce and toss well to coat. If needed, add water, 1/4 cup at a time to thin the sauce out.
  • Divide the pasta among plates or bowls. Toss with kimchi. Then top with eggs, fresh basil + cilantro, avocado and sesame seeds. EAT!

Notes

**To make these in the Crockpot. Add the ribs, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, Gochujang (Korean chile paste), rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey and 2 1/2 cups water to the bowl of a crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours or until the meat shreds easily. Check once or twice while the ribs are cooking to make sure there is enough liquid. If needed, add 1/2-1 cup of water to keep the ribs in liquid about 1/3 way up the bowl. Follow the remainder of the recipe as directed above.

Nutrition

Calories: 905kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 63g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 162mg | Sodium: 819mg | Potassium: 1221mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 7.4mg

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.

Simple Homemade Kimchi.

4.25 from 16 votes
6 Servings
calories 71kcal
Prep15 minutes
Rest1 day
Total1 day 15 minutes
A homemade take on the Korean classic - delicious 
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Enter your email and we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week!

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and toss well to combine, making sure the seasonings evenly coat all of the veggies and fruits. Grab two large glass jars and pack the kimchi into the jars tightly. Add water until the kimchi is mostly covered, about 2-3 cups.
  • Shake well and store in a cool, dark place for at least 1 day, but preferably 2-3 days.
  • Open the jars and taste your kimchi and adjust for seasonings, add honey or maple if needed to sweeten.
  • Store in the refrigerator after opening for several weeks.

Notes

*Method inspired by and adapted from [Nutrition Stripped | http://nutritionstripped.com/the-ultimate-kimchi/].

Nutrition

Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Sodium: 922mg | Potassium: 518mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 4905IU | Vitamin C: 61.3mg | Calcium: 141mg | Iron: 0.8mg

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.

Korean Braised Short Rib and Kimchi Pasta | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Monday + short ribs + pasta = kicking Monday in the butt ๐Ÿ™‚

Korean Braised Short Rib and Kimchi Pasta | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Meet Tieghan Gerard

I'm Tieghan, the recipes you'll find here are inspired by the people and places I love most. I try to live simply, eat seasonally, and cook with whole foods. My hope is to inspire a love for amazing food, as well as the courage to try something new!

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4.92 from 12 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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34 Comments

  1. Audra says:

    If the total time for completion could be updated to include the short ribs cook time thatโ€™d be very helpful. This takes much longer than 30 minutes.

    1. Tieghan Gerard says:

      Thanks for sharing your feedback, Audra! Yes, that definitely doesn’t make sense, sorry for any confusion!

  2. Alexis says:

    4 stars
    This was delicious! I did the crockpot version and it couldn’t have been easier to prep and throw together. The kimchi cut through the richness of the short ribs nicely! I am trying live a low-carb life so I served it with cauliflower rice and I was not sad about it. I would definitely make this again!

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      Hey Alexis,
      Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! xTieghan

  3. Kara says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is KILLER. My husband and I could only groan with delight when we first tasted it. The eggs are NOT optional I swear they make it divine. The kimchi, I pass on. The kind I have is way too spicy and strong (possibly overripe) and overpowered the dish. We eat this with rice noodles (pad Thai style cut) because itโ€™s what I had and itโ€™s great.

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      I am so glad you and your husband loved this Kara! Thank you so much!

  4. Boxon says:

    I have never tasted Korean cuisine, like kimchi. Seeing it makes me want to eat it ๐Ÿ™‚ Around me there are many Korean restaurants but I do not know if it will taste the same as the original kimchi

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      I hope you get to try it soon! Thank you!

  5. Kathy says:

    I made this today for dinner (minus the kimchi – I was going to get store bought but neither kids or hubs would eat it so I skipped it). It was delicious! I’m a trained chef and have worked in restaurants and catering for years so I hardly ever follow recipes but, decided to try this one. It is a keeper! The whole family loved it. Thanks for sharing!
    It can certainly be made with a chunk roast as well. Yummy!

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      So, so, SO happy you loved it! Thanks Kathy!

  6. Cassie says:

    Japchae is my favorite type of Korean noodle dish. It’s delicious! This looks fantastic!!

  7. Fred says:

    I’m a newbie to kimchi but I always like recipes like this! // โ–ฒ conundrumofcoitus.com โ–ฒ

  8. Linda says:

    Re: pasta, I bet buckwheat noodles would be a good option

  9. Kathy H. says:

    Wow Tieghan! That’s some news! Congrats to Red – I’ll be looking for him in the Olympics! Never tried Kimchi but have been so tempted, maybe nows the time! Love the flavor combos going on in this dish!

  10. Heather Gummo says:

    Korean food is my fave! I am a major gochujang addict. I’m glad more people are using it now! I’m definitely all about the fusion so I can’t wait to try this out!