Grilled Korean short ribs, or “Galbi,” are tender and full of flavor. They’re marinated in a sweet and savory sauce that makes the meat juicy and delicious when grilled!
Whenever I fire up the grill, these ribs are always the star of the show. Nothing beats the smell of them cooking! I love serving them with rice and a side of veggies for a perfect meal. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Flanken cut short ribs are great for grilling because they’re thin and cook quickly. If you can’t find them, chuck short ribs could work, but they’ll need to be cooked longer to achieve tenderness.
Soy Sauce: This is a vital ingredient for flavor. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, choose tamari or low-sodium soy sauce. In a pinch, coconut aminos also work as a soy sauce alternative and add a slight sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a nice caramelization. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but use a little less since they’re sweeter. Just keep the balance in mind with other ingredients.
Sesame Oil: This oil gives a distinct nutty flavor. If you’re out, you can use a neutral vegetable oil mixed with a touch of toasted sesame seeds for that flavor. Regular olive oil would also work, but it will change the taste a bit.
Minced Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference. However, if you’re pressed for time, you can use powdered alternatives, but the flavor won’t quite be the same. Fresh is best!
How Do I Make Sure My Short Ribs Are Tender and Flavorful?
Marinating is key to making your short ribs tender and bursting with flavor. It’s crucial to give them enough time to soak in the marinade.
- Make the marinade first by mixing soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, green onions, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- After combining, immerse the short ribs in the marinade, covering them fully. The longer you marinate (at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight), the better the flavor and tenderness.
- When grilling, remember to preheat your grill for the best sear. This helps lock in juices and adds a nice char.
- Don’t rush! Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side and brush more marinade on while grilling if desired.
- Finally, let the ribs rest for a bit after grilling. This step helps keep them juicy.
How to Make Grilled Korean Short Ribs?
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 minced green onions (plus more for garnish)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Short Ribs:
- 2 pounds beef short ribs (flanken cut)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted for garnish)
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Korean Short Ribs recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 4 hours of marinating (overnight is best for flavor!) and around 10 minutes of grilling time. So, plan for a total of about 4 hours and 20 minutes to enjoy this tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In this bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced green onions, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until the brown sugar is completely dissolved. You want a nice, smooth marinade that’s packed with flavor!
2. Marinate the Short Ribs:
Next, take your beef short ribs and add them to the marinade. Make sure every piece is well-coated in that tasty mixture. Once they’re all covered, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let them marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better if you can wait!
3. Grill the Short Ribs:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the short ribs out of the marinade and let the excess drip off—too much marinade can cause flare-ups on the grill. Place the short ribs on the grill and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are beautifully charred and cooked to your liking. If you want extra flavor, feel free to brush them with a bit of the leftover marinade while they grill.
4. Rest and Serve:
Once the ribs are cooked, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for a lovely garnish. Serve the grilled short ribs with lettuce leaves, so everyone can wrap the delicious meat in the lettuce for a fresh and flavorful bite. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flanken cut beef short ribs are traditional, you can also use other cuts like back ribs or short rib steaks. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the meat.
How Long Should I Marinate the Short Ribs?
For the best flavor, marinate the short ribs for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat fully and enhances the overall taste.
Can I Freeze the Marinade or Leftover Ribs?
Yes, you can freeze leftover marinade for future use! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. As for the cooked ribs, they can be frozen too. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag; they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What Should I Serve with Grilled Korean Short Ribs?
Besides lettuce leaves, these short ribs pair wonderfully with steamed rice, kimchi, or a cucumber salad. You can also offer a side of pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the meat!
