Grilled Korean short ribs are sweet, smoky, and super tender. These juicy pieces are marinated in a tasty mix of soy sauce, garlic, and sugar, giving them a delicious kick!
When I make these ribs, the smell alone makes my mouth water! I love serving them with rice and some veggies. It’s a fun meal that always impresses my family and friends! 🍚🥩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Flanken cut is best for easy grilling. If you can’t find short ribs, beef chuck or flank steak can be good substitutes, but they’ll have a different texture and flavor.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter taste, or tamari if you’re gluten-free. Coconut aminos is another great alternative for a slightly sweet and different flavor.
Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. Honey or maple syrup can also work, but the flavor will vary a little.
Gochujang: This is a key ingredient for that unique Korean flavor. If you can’t find it, you can mix red pepper flakes with a little soy sauce or try sriracha as a spicier version, though the taste will change.
Sesame Oil: Look for toasted sesame oil for a deeper flavor. You can substitute with vegetable oil, but you’ll lose that nutty taste.
How Do I Get the Ribs to Have a Great Flavor?
The marinating step is really important for flavor! Aim to let your ribs marinate overnight if possible. This lets all the flavors soak in deeply. Make sure to coat them well in the marinade for the best taste.
- Mix all marinade ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.
- Ensure each rib gets a good coating. This helps the flavors penetrate.
- Cover and refrigerate. If you can, flip the ribs halfway through for even marinating.
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 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds beef short ribs, flanken cut
For Garnish:
- Extra sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This grilled Korean short ribs recipe requires about 10 minutes of active preparation time and at least 4 hours of marinating (preferably overnight). Cooking on the grill takes about 15 minutes. All in all, set aside some time for the marinade to do its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Ribs:
Start by making the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, gochujang, black pepper, and sliced green onions until well mixed. Add the beef short ribs into the marinade and make sure they are coated thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let the ribs marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can for really rich flavors!
2. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to keep the ribs from sticking.
3. Grill the Ribs:
Take the marinated short ribs out of the fridge and let the excess marinade drip off. Place the ribs directly on the hot grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be nicely charred and cooked through. A quick tip: the internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure they’re safe to eat.
4. Garnish:
Once the ribs are off the grill, place them on a serving platter. Sprinkle extra sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a beautiful garnish.
5. Serve:
Enjoy your grilled short ribs hot! They are delicious on their own, or you can wrap them in lettuce leaves with rice and any favorite condiments like ssamjang or kimchi for a complete Korean-style feast.
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you can’t find flanken cut short ribs, you can use regular short ribs or even beef back ribs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you choose a thicker cut to ensure they’re tender and cooked through.
How Long Can I Marinate the Ribs?
For best results, marinate the ribs overnight; however, if you’re short on time, marinating for at least 4 hours will still give them great flavor. Just be cautious not to exceed 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade can break down the meat too much, resulting in a mushy texture.
What Are Some Good Substitutes for Gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, you can substitute it with a mix of miso paste and some cayenne pepper for heat. Alternatively, a combination of sriracha and a bit of sugar can work in a pinch to mimic the sweet and spicy flavors.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Short Ribs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back on the grill for a few minutes to warm through and restore some of the grill flavor, or you can microwave them gently until heated. Enjoy them wrapped in lettuce or added to stir-fries for a delicious meal!
