This Easy Korean Kalbi BBQ Short Ribs are tender and packed with flavor thanks to a tasty marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and sugar. They’re perfect for grilling!
I love how quickly these ribs cook up on the grill. Just marinate and then savor the deliciousness with family and friends. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Flanken-style is best for this dish as the cross-cut reveals beautiful layers of meat and bone. If you can’t find flanken-style, you can use regular short ribs, but be aware that they might need longer grilling time.
Soy Sauce: A key ingredient for umami flavor. You can swap it out with tamari if you need a gluten-free option. For a lighter flavor, low-sodium soy sauce works well, especially if you want to control the saltiness in the dish.
Rice Wine/Mirin: This ingredient adds sweetness and depth. If you do not have mirin, using apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar can serve as a substitution. Just reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly.
Brown Sugar & Honey: Both enhance the flavor profile. While you can use all brown sugar or all honey, get creative with alternatives like maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer! Each option affects the taste slightly but keeps it tasty.
Sesame Oil: Just a dash adds lots of flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with a neutral oil, but it won’t provide the nutty flavor that enhances this BBQ.
How Can You Ensure Juicy and Flavorful Short Ribs?
Marinating is vital for infusing flavor into the ribs. You want to give those short ribs time to soak up all that delicious marinade. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl until well mixed.
- Seal the short ribs in a bag with the marinade. Make sure every piece is coated! You can even massage the marinade into the ribs for extra flavor.
- Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours; overnight is best for deep flavor.
Remember, don’t reuse the marinade after it has touched raw meat. It’s best to discard it and always let the ribs sit for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute. Enjoy your BBQ time!
Easy Korean Kalbi BBQ Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice wine (or mirin)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
For the Short Ribs:
- 2 pounds beef short ribs, ideally flanken-style (cut across the bones)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 2 hours of marinating time (overnight is even better!). After marinating, you’ll need around 10 minutes for grilling. Total time can be around 2 hours and 25 minutes including marinating, so plan your meal accordingly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by finding a large mixing bowl. Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice wine, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, black pepper, and chopped green onions in the bowl. Stir everything together really well to make sure the sugar dissolves and the flavors mix nicely.
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Take your beef short ribs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the delicious marinade over the ribs, making sure every piece is coated well. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish, and pop it in the fridge to marinate. Let it sit for at least 2 hours, but if you can, overnight will give even better flavor!
3. Grill the Ribs:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the marinated short ribs out of the fridge and remove them from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Remember to throw away the marinade since it’s been with the raw meat.
4. Cooking Time:
Place the short ribs on the grill and cook them for about 3-5 minutes on each side. Look for a nice brown color, and check that they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F for medium rare. Once they’re grilled to your liking, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle extra chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top if you like. Serve your Korean Kalbi BBQ short ribs hot and enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute the Short Ribs with Another Cut of Meat?
Yes! If you can’t find flanken-style short ribs, you can use other cuts like beef flank steak or chuck eye steak. Just make sure to adjust the marinade time to about 1 hour for thinner cuts, as they absorb flavors quicker.
How Long Can I Marinate the Ribs?
You can marinate the ribs for up to 24 hours for optimal flavor. Just keep them in the refrigerator, and remember that the longer you marinate, the more tender and flavorful they will become!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm them gently in the oven or on the grill to maintain their tenderness and flavor.
Can I Cook These Ribs in the Oven Instead of Grilling?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the marinated ribs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 2-2.5 hours until tender. You can finish them briefly under the broiler for a crispy exterior!
