If you’ve ever been to a Korean BBQ restaurant, you know the irresistible appeal of sweet, savory, and smoky short ribs cooked to perfection. With this recipe, you can recreate those bold, mouthwatering flavors right at home. Korean BBQ short ribs, or Galbi, are marinated to perfection and grilled for an unforgettable experience. Let’s get started on this culinary adventure!
Ingredients You’ll Need
1. Beef Short Ribs – 2 pounds (cut flanken-style)
Flanken-style short ribs are cut thin across the bone, allowing them to absorb more marinade and cook quickly.
2. Soy Sauce – ½ cup
The salty base of the marinade, soy sauce adds umami depth to the dish.
3. Brown Sugar – ¼ cup
Balances the salty soy sauce with a hint of sweetness. Light or dark brown sugar works perfectly.
4. Sesame Oil – 2 tablespoons
Adds a nutty, aromatic richness to the marinade.
5. Garlic – 5 cloves (minced)
Essential for flavor, garlic infuses the marinade with its robust, savory notes.
6. Ginger – 1 tablespoon (grated)
Fresh ginger adds a bright, slightly spicy kick to the marinade.
7. Asian Pear – ½ (grated or pureed)
This secret ingredient tenderizes the meat and adds subtle sweetness. Apple is a great substitute if needed.
8. Green Onions – 2 (chopped)
For garnish and a pop of fresh flavor.
9. Rice Vinegar – 1 tablespoon
Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
10. Sesame Seeds – 1 tablespoon
Sprinkled on top for texture and nutty flavor.
11. Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon
Adds just the right amount of seasoning.
How to Make Korean BBQ Short Ribs
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and grated Asian pear. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well-blended.
Step 2: Marinate the Ribs
Place the short ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they’re fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Ribs
Remove the ribs from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Place them on the hot grill and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until they’re caramelized and slightly charred.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the ribs to a serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite Korean side dishes (banchan).
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl for the marinade
- Resealable Bag or Shallow Dish for marinating the ribs
- Grill or Grill Pan for cooking
- Tongs for flipping the ribs
- Grater for the Asian pear and ginger
Frequently Asked Questions
What are flanken-style short ribs?
Flanken-style ribs are cut thin across the bone, with multiple small bone pieces in each slice. This cut is ideal for quick grilling and marinating.
Can I cook these ribs without a grill?
Yes! You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil them in the oven on a high rack for similar results.
How long should I marinate the ribs?
For the best flavor, marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal to ensure the ribs are tender and flavorful.
What can I serve with Korean BBQ short ribs?
Serve them with steamed rice, kimchi, and other Korean banchan like pickled vegetables or sesame spinach.
Can I freeze the marinated ribs?
Absolutely! Place the ribs with the marinade in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
What can I use instead of Asian pear?
A sweet apple, like Fuji or Honeycrisp, makes an excellent substitute for Asian pear in the marinade.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
I hope this Korean BBQ short ribs recipe transports you to a delicious Korean BBQ experience right at home. The sweet, savory, and smoky flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds. If you enjoyed this recipe, share it on Facebook or save it to Pinterest for later. Happy grilling! 😊
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