These Grilled Korean Short Ribs are full of flavor and super tender! Made with a yummy marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame, they’re great for any barbecue.
Nothing beats the smell of these ribs sizzling on the grill! I love serving them with rice and a side of kimchi—perfect for making everyone happy at dinner. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Flanken style is key for these ribs; they’re cut across the bone for a great balance of meat and flavor. If you can’t find them, look for regular beef short ribs and cut them into similar strips.
Soy Sauce: This adds a deep umami flavor. If you’re avoiding gluten, you can substitute with tamari. Low-sodium soy sauce is another option if you’re watching your salt intake.
Brown Sugar: It provides a lovely sweetness. White sugar can work in a pinch, but brown sugar gives a richer flavor. You can also try coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
Grated Pear: This ingredient helps tenderize the meat and add sweetness. If you don’t have pears, applesauce can serve as a substitute, though it’s sweeter, so adjust the sugar in the marinade.
Gochugaru: This adds a nice kick! If you prefer no heat, you can leave it out or use a pinch of red pepper flakes instead for a milder option.
How Do I Marinate Short Ribs for the Best Flavor?
Marinating is a crucial step for infusing the short ribs with flavor. The longer, the better! Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix until the sugar dissolves.
- Add short ribs, ensuring they’re well coated in the marinade. Use a resealable plastic bag for easy mixing and even coverage.
- Marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours; overnight is best! This allows the meat to absorb all the delicious flavors.
Tip: Turn the ribs halfway through marination for even flavor distribution.
How to Make Grilled Korean Short Ribs (Galbi)?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup rice wine (mirin)
- 1/4 cup grated pear (Asian pear or regular pear)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes, optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ribs:
- 3 pounds beef short ribs, flanken style (cut across the bone)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for marinade and garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 4 hours for marinating, though allowing it to marinate overnight will really enhance the flavor. Grill time is around 10 minutes, making the total time about 4 hours and 25 minutes to enjoy your tasty Grilled Korean Short Ribs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice wine, grated pear, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochugaru if you’d like a spicy kick. Stir it all well until the sugar is fully dissolved. This flavorful marinade is key to your delicious ribs!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Once your marinade is ready, add the short ribs to the bowl, making sure they are all well coated in the mixture. It’s important they’re covered nicely to absorb all the flavors. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let them marinate for at least 4 hours, but for the best taste, try to let them sit overnight.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures the ribs will get a good char without burning. Take the short ribs out of the marinade and let the excess drip off before grilling.
4. Grill the Short Ribs:
Place the marinated short ribs on the grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a nice char and check for your desired level of doneness. Enjoy the sizzling sounds and delicious smells!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once grilled to perfection, transfer your tasty short ribs to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and a nice finish. Serve them hot with rice and lettuce wraps for an authentic Korean dining experience.
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Korean Short Ribs! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! While flanken-style beef short ribs are traditional for galbi, you could also use regular short ribs or even ribeye steaks if you prefer. Just adjust the marinating and grilling times as more tender cuts will cook faster.
How Long Should I Marinate the Ribs?
For the best flavor, marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. If you’re short on time, even 1-2 hours will still provide some flavor, but longer is always better!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may settle.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Ribs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a grill or in a hot oven covered with foil to retain moisture, ensuring they don’t dry out.
