Galbi are tasty Korean grilled ribs that are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. The flanken cut allows the meat to soak up all those yummy flavors, making every bite juicy and delicious!
When I fire up the grill, the smell of these ribs always brings friends and family running. It’s hard to eat just one—they’re that good! Perfect for summer BBQs or a cozy dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flanken-style Beef Short Ribs: This cut is essential for authentic galbi. If you can’t find it, try using regular beef short ribs or even pork ribs for a different taste. Just remember that cooking times may vary!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works great, but you can opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. For a gluten-free version, use tamari.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and depth. You can substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a healthier twist, although the flavor will change slightly.
Sesame Oil: This oil gives a nutty flavor that is hard to replace. If you need to avoid sesame, a light oil like grapeseed can work, but may lack that distinct taste.
Mirin: This sweet rice wine balances flavor. If unavailable, you can use a mix of sugar and white wine or a bit of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
How Can I Ensure My Ribs Are Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling flanken ribs to perfection requires attention. Start with marinating the meat overnight if possible to enhance the flavors. Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat—this helps to achieve that nice char.
- Remove excess marinade before grilling; this prevents flare-ups and burns.
- Grill the ribs for 3-4 minutes on each side. Watch them closely—overcooking can make them tough!
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicier bite.
How to Make Galbi (Korean Grilled Flanken 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 water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds flanken-style beef short ribs
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Galbi recipe requires about 10 minutes for prep plus at least 4 hours for marinating. If you can, marinate overnight for extra flavor! Cooking the ribs on the grill will take about 8-10 minutes. So overall, plan for about 4 hours and 20 minutes to enjoy this amazing dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by taking a large bowl and whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, mirin, and black pepper. Mix it well until the sugar dissolves and everything is combined.
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Once your marinade is ready, add the flanken-style short ribs into the bowl. Make sure every rib is well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. Let the ribs marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, take the ribs out of the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off; you don’t want too much sauce on the grill.
4. Grill the Ribs:
Place the ribs on the grill and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them to ensure they get a nice char but don’t burn. Cook until they’re grilled to your preferred doneness.
5. Let Them Rest:
After grilling, take the ribs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top of the ribs. Serve the Galbi hot, along with rice and your favorite sides, like kimchi or grilled vegetables. Enjoy your delicious grilled ribs!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for Galbi?
Yes! While flanken-style beef short ribs are traditional, you can substitute with other cuts like beef back ribs or even short ribs cut into larger pieces. Just adjust the marinating time if the pieces are thicker; they might need longer to absorb the flavors.
How Long Can I Marinate the Ribs?
Marinating the ribs for at least 4 hours gives great flavor, but you can leave them in the marinade for up to 24 hours for a more intense taste. Just make sure to keep them in the fridge during this time to avoid any food safety issues!
What Should I Do with Leftover Marinade?
If you want to use leftover marinade, it’s best to boil it first to eliminate any bacteria from the raw meat. After boiling, you can use it as a sauce while grilling or as a dipping sauce. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I Cook Galbi Indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the ribs in a grill pan or broil them in your oven. Just keep an eye on them and turn frequently. The broiler will give a nice char similar to grilling, but make sure to place the oven rack close to the heat source for best results!
