These grilled Korean short ribs are juicy and full of flavor! The sweet and savory marinade really makes the meat shine on the grill, giving it a nice char. Yum!
I love having these with some rice and veggies. They disappear fast at dinner time—just like magic! 🪄 Don’t forget to have some napkins on hand; things can get a little saucy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Flanken style is ideal for this recipe. It has the bone and marbling that gives great flavor. If unavailable, beef short ribs can be a good substitute, though they may need longer cooking time for tenderness.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth to the marinade. If you’re avoiding soy, try tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lighter taste.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. You can swap it for honey or maple syrup for a different flavor, just remember these alternatives may alter the final texture slightly.
Gochugaru: This could be omitted if you prefer a milder taste. For spice, chili powder or red pepper flakes could work, but gochugaru offers a smoky flavor unique to Korean dishes.
How Do You Make Sure the Ribs Are Flavored Perfectly?
Marinating is the secret! Make sure the ribs soak up that delicious blend of flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk until the sugar dissolves.
- Submerge the ribs completely; the longer they marinate, the better! Overnight is best but even 4 hours makes a difference.
- Don’t forget to pat the ribs dry before grilling; too much marinade can cause flare-ups.
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 garlic (about 8 cloves)
- 1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes, optional for spice)
- 4 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds beef short ribs (flanken style)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 4 hours of marinating time. Ideally, you can marinate them overnight for the best flavor! Grilling the ribs should take around 10 minutes. Enjoy your time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, gochugaru (if you like it spicy), and chopped green onions. Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved. This mixture will give your ribs a fantastic flavor!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Take the beef short ribs and place them in a large zip-top bag or stop them in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they’re well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better for deeper flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, get the coals ready for direct grilling. You want it nice and hot for a perfect char!
4. Grill the Ribs:
Remove the short ribs from the marinade, allowing some of the excess to drip off (you don’t want too much sauce on the grill). Place the ribs on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them until they’re nicely charred and cooked to your preferred doneness.
5. Serve:
Once grilled, transfer the short ribs to a serving platter. Garnish them with additional chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a touch of crunch. Serve the ribs hot, and for a real treat, wrap them in lettuce leaves with rice and some kimchi on the side. Enjoy your deliciously tender and flavorful Grilled Korean Short Ribs!
Can I Use Another Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flanken-style short ribs are traditional, you can substitute with other cuts like beef rib eye or sirloin. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat, aiming for a nice char without overcooking.
How Long Can I Marinate the Ribs?
For the best flavor, marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours, but you can also marinate them for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to keep them in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage!
What Should I Do with Leftover Marinade?
It’s best to discard any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw meat to avoid contamination. However, you can bring the marinade to a boil for a few minutes to safely use it as a dipping sauce or glaze once cooled.
Can I Make This Dish in the Oven Instead of a Grill?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated short ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are caramelized and tender. Broil for the last few minutes for a bit of extra char!
