Grilled Korean short ribs are juicy pieces of meat marinated in a tasty blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. They’re grilled to perfection, giving you that smoky flavor everyone loves!
These ribs are perfect for a summer cookout. Just imagine the delicious aroma wafting through your backyard! I love serving them with rice and kimchi for a complete meal that’s hard to resist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Short Ribs: Flanken cut short ribs are great for grilling as they cook quickly and absorb the marinade well. If you’re looking for alternatives, you might try beef chuck short ribs or even thinly sliced beef flank steak for a different texture.
Soy Sauce: This brings saltiness and depth of flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider low-sodium soy sauce. You could also try tamari for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. If you’re out, granulated sugar works fine, or you can use honey or maple syrup for a unique twist.
Mirin: This sweet rice wine enhances the marinade’s flavor. If you don’t have mirin, rice vinegar with a touch of sugar can be a good substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger provide lots of flavor. If you need a shortcut, you can use garlic powder and ground ginger, but the fresh versions are way tastier!
How Do I Make Sure My Short Ribs Are Tender and Flavorful?
Marinating properly is key to juicy, flavorful short ribs. The longer you marinate them (ideally overnight), the more the flavors infuse. Be sure to coat every rib well in the marinade.
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and stir until dissolved.
- Ensure ribs are fully submerged; you can even use a ziplock bag to press out air.
- Remove them from the marinade and let the excess drip off before grilling. This prevents flare-ups on the grill.
- Monitor cooking time closely and avoid overcooking for the best tenderness—4-5 minutes per side is usually perfect.
Using these tips, you’ll achieve short ribs that are not only delicious but also super tender! Enjoy your meal wrapped in lettuce and paired with your favorite sauces.
How to Make Grilled Korean Short Ribs (Galbi)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1/4 cup garlic, minced (about 6 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds short ribs (flanken cut)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time for mixing the marinade and coating the ribs, plus at least 2 hours of marinating time (overnight is ideal). Cooking on the grill will take about 10 minutes. Overall, plan for a delightful experience with around 2 hours and 20 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, mirin, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and chopped green onions. Stir well until the brown sugar is dissolved completely. This mixture will give your ribs a wonderful flavor!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Add the short ribs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Let the ribs marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you have the time, letting them sit overnight will really enhance the taste!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This step is important for achieving that perfect char on the ribs.
4. Grill the Short Ribs:
Carefully remove the ribs from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place them on the hot grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to be charred nicely but still tender. Don’t overcook them!
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once your ribs are perfectly grilled, transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions on top for that finishing touch.
6. Enjoy!
Serve the grilled short ribs hot, alongside lettuce leaves which are perfect for wrapping. Enjoy your delicious Grilled Korean Short Ribs with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flanken cut short ribs are traditional, you can use other cuts like chuck short ribs or even beef sirloin. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed, since thicker cuts may require a longer grilling time to cook fully.
How Do I Store Leftover Marinade?
If you have leftover marinade, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it to a boil before using it as a sauce to ensure it’s safe to eat, since it has been in contact with raw meat.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the ribs up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover the marinating ribs tightly and keep them in the fridge. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor!
What Should I Serve with Grilled Korean Short Ribs?
These delicious ribs are great served with steamed rice and a variety of side dishes like kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad. The lettuce leaves for wrapping add a refreshing crunch!
