Grilled Korean short ribs are a tasty treat that combines beefy goodness with a sweet, tangy marinade. These ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor that will make everyone smile!
When I grill these, the aroma is simply irresistible. Nothing like a backyard BBQ to bring family together! Serve them with rice and veggies for a complete meal that feels special—even on a weeknight.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Flanken cut is ideal for grilling as it’s tender and has a great flavor. If short ribs aren’t available, you can use beef spare ribs or even flank steak for a chewy texture.
Soy Sauce: This adds umami and saltiness. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos which work as great substitutes while still bringing depth to the marinade.
Sugar: White sugar is traditional, but brown sugar adds a richer flavor. You can also use honey or agave syrup as a natural sweetener if needed.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a nutty aroma. If you don’t have it, a light olive oil or vegetable oil can work, but you’ll lose the distinct sesame flavor.
Asian Pear/Apple: The pear adds sweetness and moisture. If unavailable, a regular apple or sweet pear will do, but the texture may vary slightly.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best! You could opt for garlic powder or ginger paste in a pinch, but fresh gives the best flavor punch.
How Do I Ensure My Short Ribs are Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling short ribs to perfection means getting that ideal balance between a nice char and juicy tenderness. Here’s a simple approach:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for even cooking. A hot grill will sear the meat quickly.
- Let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps them cook evenly.
- When grilling, avoid constantly flipping them. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side to develop a good sear.
- Monitor the internal temperature; for medium-rare, aim for about 135°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist bite.
How to Make Grilled Korean Short Ribs (Galbi)?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Asian pear or apple
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice wine (or mirin)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds beef short ribs (flanken cut)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours for marinating the short ribs (overnight is best!). Cooking on the grill will take around 10-14 minutes. In total, you’re looking at a delicious dish ready within a little over 4 hours, mostly waiting for the flavors to develop!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Create the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, chopped green onions, grated pear or apple, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice wine, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the sugar is mostly dissolved. This marinade is what will bring out all the wonderful flavors in your short ribs!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Add the beef short ribs to the marinade in the bowl. Make sure each piece of meat is well coated with the marinade. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, let them marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight gives you the best results!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it heats up, take the short ribs out of the refrigerator and let any excess marinade drip off. This will help them achieve a perfect char on the grill.
4. Grill the Short Ribs:
Place the marinated short ribs on the grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they become nicely charred and cooked to your liking. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning; we want beautifully grilled and tender ribs!
5. Allow to Rest:
Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy and flavorful!
6. Garnish and Serve:
To serve, garnish the short ribs with additional chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a lovely finish. You can enjoy these ribs wrapped in lettuce leaves and served with side dishes like rice or kimchi for a complete Korean meal!
Enjoy your delicious Galbi and the wonderful flavors of Korean BBQ!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat Instead of Short Ribs?
While the traditional cut for Galbi is short ribs, you can substitute with flank steak or skirt steak. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly since these cuts are generally thinner than short ribs. Marinating the substitute for a little less time (about 2 hours) can also work well!
How Long Can I Marinate the Ribs?
You can marinate the ribs for up to 24 hours. However, be careful not to exceed this time too much, as the sugars in the marinade can start to break down the meat, resulting in a mushier texture. If you’re short on time, even 4 hours will infuse plenty of flavor!
What Should I Do with Leftover Marinade?
Leftover marinade can be a delicious dipping sauce! If you decide to use it, make sure to bring it to a boil for a few minutes to eliminate any bacteria from the raw meat. You can also thicken it with a cornstarch slurry for a nice glaze.
How to Store Cooked Ribs for Later?
Allow the cooked ribs to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn. Reheat in the oven or on the grill for the best results!
