Grilled Korean short ribs are packed with flavor and tenderness! Marinated in a delicious blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, they come out juicy and mouthwatering every time.
Plus, grilling them adds a lovely smoky taste. I can’t help but sneak bites while they cook—who can resist that aroma? 🍖✨ Serve them with rice and veggies for a tasty meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: The flanken cut is ideal for this recipe as it’s thin and grills well. If you can’t find it, you can use regular short ribs, but grilling time may vary. They might need to be cooked longer to become tender.
Asian Pear: This fruit adds sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have it, grated apple works too, but it may be a tad less juicy. Pears are usually found in Asian grocery stores, so check there!
Soy Sauce: I recommend low-sodium soy sauce to prevent overpowering the dish. You can swap it for tamari for a gluten-free option, or liquid aminos as a soy sauce alternative.
Sesame Oil: This oil gives a nutty flavor. If you’re out, you could use vegetable oil but it won’t have the same taste. Just add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a bit of that nutty note.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from the Marinade?
Marinading the short ribs is vital for flavor. Letting them soak overnight really enhances that rich taste! Start by mixing all marinade ingredients until the sugar dissolves.
- Make sure the short ribs are fully coated; use your hands if needed!
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap to keep the flavors in.
- For the best result, let it marinate in the fridge overnight.
This step transforms the meat, giving it delicious flavor and tenderness that you’ll truly appreciate on the grill!
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 Asian pear, grated (or apple)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or mirin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds beef short ribs (flanken cut)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Sliced cucumbers or side dishes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the marinade and get everything ready, plus at least 2 hours to let the short ribs marinate. Grilling will take around 10-12 minutes. So, overall, plan for about 2 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish, with the majority of that time being just the ribs soaking up the delicious flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, grated pear (or apple), chopped green onions, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice wine, and black pepper. Stir everything until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This is your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Add the beef short ribs to the marinade, making sure they are all coated nicely. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the ribs marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you have time, letting them sit overnight will give you even more flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your ribs will get that nice char and flavor when they hit the grill.
4. Grill the Short Ribs:
Take the marinated short ribs out of the fridge and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the ribs on the hot grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side. Look for beautiful grill marks and ensure they are cooked through.
5. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the short ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the grilled short ribs with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions. Serve the ribs with lettuce leaves, perfect for wrapping, and offer some sliced cucumbers or other favorite side dishes alongside. Enjoy your delicious Grilled Korean Short Ribs!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flanken cut beef short ribs are traditional, you can also use other cuts like beef ribeye or sirloin. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may require more or less time on the grill.
What if I Don’t Have Asian Pear?
No worries! If you can’t find Asian pear, a regular apple works just fine as a substitute. Sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp will give you a similar sweetness and texture that complements the marinade perfectly.
How Should I Store Leftover Short Ribs?
Store leftover short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave gently or warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance! Just mix all the marinade ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to grill, add the ribs and marinate as directed for optimal flavor.
