Introduction

Dwaeji galbi marinade (돼지갈비 양념) is the sauce used to season dwaeji galbi, Korean grilled pork ribs. “Dwaeji” means pork and “galbi” means ribs. At Korean BBQ restaurants the meat is butterflied into long, thin strips still attached to the bone (or cut from boneless shoulder), soaked in a sweet soy-garlic marinade and grilled at the table. It is the more affordable, everyday cousin of beef galbi and one of the most popular dishes for a night out with family and friends.

Dwaeji Galbi Marinade at a Glance

Quick facts

• What it is: a sweet soy marinade for grilled pork ribs or shoulder
• Main ingredients: soy sauce, sugar, grated pear or apple, onion, garlic, ginger, rice wine, sesame oil, black pepper
• Taste: sweet, savory and garlicky with a smoky caramelized finish when grilled
• Main uses: dwaeji galbi, pork shoulder BBQ, galbi-style pork chops, rice bowls

What is Dwaeji Galbi Marinade Made Of?

The base is soy sauce and sugar, balanced with grated Asian pear or apple and onion, which add natural sweetness and help tenderize the meat. Lots of garlic, a little ginger and rice wine (such as matsul) remove any porky smell, while sesame oil and black pepper round it out. Compared with beef galbi sauce, pork marinades often use a bit more ginger and pepper, and many restaurants add a spoon of syrup for extra shine.

Types of dwaeji galbi marinade

• Ganjang (soy) dwaeji galbi: the classic sweet soy version.
• Yangnyeom (spicy) dwaeji galbi: soy marinade with gochujang and gochugaru added.
• Bottled pork galbi marinade: ready-made sauces sold in Korean markets.
• Pre-marinated packs: seasoned pork galbi sold in the meat section of Korean grocery stores.

What Does Dwaeji Galbi Marinade Taste Like?

Raw, the marinade tastes sweet and salty with a strong garlic aroma. On the grill, the sugars caramelize into sticky, slightly charred edges, and the pork becomes juicy and sweet-savory. The spicy version adds a warm chili kick similar to jeyuk sauce, but with a stronger soy backbone.

Popular Korean Dishes That Use Dwaeji Galbi Marinade

Dwaeji galbi

Marinated pork ribs grilled at the table and wrapped in lettuce. Recipe below.

Suwon-style pork galbi

Long, thinly butterflied pork ribs grilled over charcoal, often cut with scissors at the table.

Dwaeji galbi-jjim

Pork ribs braised in a similar soy marinade with potatoes and carrots.

Galbi-style pork rice bowl

Leftover grilled pork sliced over rice with a fried egg and kimchi.

Easy Dwaeji Galbi Recipe (Serves 3–4)

Ingredients

• 2 lb (900 g) pork ribs cut thin for Korean BBQ, or boneless pork shoulder sliced 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick
• 1 green onion, chopped, and toasted sesame seeds to garnish
• Lettuce leaves, ssamjang, sliced garlic and rice to serve

Dwaeji galbi marinade

• 6 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp sugar (brown or white)
• 2 tbsp rice syrup or honey
• 1/2 Asian pear or 1 small apple, grated
• 1/2 onion, grated
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 3 tbsp rice wine
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Optional spicy version: add 1 tbsp gochujang and 1 tbsp gochugaru

Instructions

1. Soak the pork in cold water for 20 minutes to draw out blood, then drain and pat dry. Lightly score thicker pieces.
2. Mix all the marinade ingredients until the sugar dissolves.
3. Massage the marinade into the pork, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight (up to 24 hours).
4. Heat a grill pan, cast-iron skillet or outdoor grill over medium heat. Cook the pork 3–4 minutes per side, turning often, until caramelized and the thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C). Lower the heat if the sugar starts to burn.
5. Cut into bite-size pieces with kitchen scissors, sprinkle with green onion and sesame seeds, and serve with lettuce wraps and ssamjang.

Tip: Don’t reuse marinade that touched raw pork as a sauce unless you boil it for at least 1 minute first.

Where to Buy Dwaeji Galbi Marinade

United States

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Amazon
Search Korean pork BBQ marinade on Amazon
Search Korean galbi sauce on Amazon

H-Mart
Search pork galbi on H-Mart

Canada

Search Korean BBQ marinade on Amazon.ca

Europe

Search Korean BBQ marinade on Amazon.co.uk

How to Store Dwaeji Galbi Marinade

Unused marinade keeps in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for about 1 week. Marinated raw pork should be cooked within 24 hours, or frozen flat in freezer bags for up to 2 months and thawed in the refrigerator. Cooked leftovers keep 3 days refrigerated.

Dwaeji Galbi Marinade FAQ

What cut of pork is best for dwaeji galbi?

Thin-cut pork spare ribs are traditional, but boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt) is easier to find and stays juicy.

What is the difference between dwaeji galbi and so galbi?

Dwaeji galbi is pork and so galbi is beef. The marinades are similar, but pork versions often have more ginger and pepper.

Can I bake dwaeji galbi in the oven?

Yes. Roast on a rack at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping once, then broil briefly to caramelize.

How long should I marinate pork galbi?

At least 2 hours, but overnight gives the best flavor. Avoid going much past 24 hours, as the fruit can make the meat mushy.

Conclusion

Dwaeji galbi marinade is an easy way to bring Korean BBQ restaurant flavor home with affordable pork. Mix it the night before, grill, and wrap each bite in lettuce with ssamjang. For a beef version, see our bulgogi marinade guide.