Grilled Korean short ribs are sweet, savory, and full of flavor! Marinated in a tasty mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, these ribs are perfect for a fun BBQ.
Every bite is juicy and tender, making it hard to stop eating! I love serving them with a side of rice and some veggies. It’s a delicious treat that always gets everyone excited! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Flanken cut short ribs are the star of this dish, offering a tender and juicy bite. If you can’t find flanken cut, try using sliced beef brisket or chuck short ribs as alternatives.
Soy Sauce: A key flavor in the marinade, soy sauce adds saltiness and depth. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari. For a lighter flavor, low-sodium soy sauce is a great substitute, but it might alter the taste slightly.
Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness that balances well with the savory marinade. If you want to reduce sugar, coconut sugar or honey can also work, but be cautious with the amounts since they can change the marinade’s consistency.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a nutty aroma to the ribs. If you’re out of sesame oil, you could use canola oil for grilling, but you might want to drizzle a bit of sesame oil on after cooking to keep that flavor alive.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Short Ribs?
Marinating is key for tasty grilled short ribs! Start by mixing your marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Make sure every piece of meat is submerged in the marinade — this allows the flavors to penetrate nicely.
- Use a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish for easier marinade distribution.
- For maximum flavor, marinate the ribs for at least 3 hours, but overnight is preferred. This helps develop deeper flavors.
- Before grilling, let the excess marinade drip off to avoid flare-ups on the grill.
How to Make Grilled Korean Short Ribs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef short ribs, flanken cut
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar (brown sugar preferred)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 4-5 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 3 hours for marinating (overnight is best!). After marinating, grilling takes around 10-15 minutes. So overall, plan for at least 3 hours and 15 minutes—mostly for the marinating part.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. Add the soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This tasty marinade is what will make your ribs burst with flavor!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Now, take the beef short ribs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are completely coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and pop it into the refrigerator. Let the ribs soak in all that yummy flavor for at least 3 hours, or even better, overnight!
3. Grill the Ribs:
When you’re ready to cook, take the ribs out of the fridge. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the ribs from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a nice char and ensure they are cooked through to your liking.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the ribs are done, transfer them to a serving platter. To make it pretty, sprinkle some chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top as garnish. Serve immediately, and if you want, wrap them in lettuce leaves and enjoy with sides like rice or kimchi. Yum!
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Korean Short Ribs!
Can I Use Another Cut of Beef Instead of Short Ribs?
Absolutely! You can use flank steak or skirt steak as alternatives. Just remember to adjust the marinating time; these cuts may require less time marinating, around 1-2 hours will usually suffice since they are more tender than short ribs.
How Do I Know When the Ribs Are Done Grilling?
For short ribs, look for a nice char and an internal temperature of about 145°F for medium-rare. If you prefer them more well-done, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F or higher. A meat thermometer can be very helpful here!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 3 days in advance! Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, give it a good stir before marinating the ribs to mix in any settled sugar and spices.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain tenderness. They also make a great filling for tacos or sandwiches, giving you another delicious meal option!
