Grilled Korean short ribs are juicy, tender, and bursting with rich, sweet flavors. Marinated in a tasty mix of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame, they are absolute crowd-pleasers!
Nothing beats the smell of these ribs grilling away! I love serving them with rice and veggies. It’s like a little BBQ party on my plate every time! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Flanken cut short ribs are ideal because they cook quickly and have great flavor. If you can’t find them, you might use regular short ribs or even beef back ribs as alternatives, though cooking times may vary.
Soy Sauce: This brings in salty umami flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute. You can also use coconut aminos for a lighter taste and lower sodium content.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps caramelize the ribs. If you prefer, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind that they may alter the flavor slightly.
Sesame Oil: It adds a rich, nutty flavor. If you want a lighter option, you could use vegetable oil, but you’ll lose some depth. Toasted sesame oil is the best choice if you want to enhance the flavor even more.
Green Onions: They provide a fresh crunch. You can swap them with chives for a more delicate flavor or use shallots if you want something milder.
How Do I Marinate the Ribs to Get the Most Flavor?
Marinating is crucial for infusing flavor into the meat. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Combine all marinade ingredients well. The balance of sweet, salty, and sour makes a tasty blend.
- Place short ribs in the marinade, ensuring they are coated evenly. For better penetration, score the meat lightly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight if possible. The longer, the better for flavor!
Don’t forget to shake off excess marinade before grilling, as this helps achieve that lovely char while preventing a flare-up 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 sesame oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds beef short ribs (flanken cut)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Lettuce leaves (for wrapping, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade and coat the ribs, plus at least 3 hours for marinating. Grilling takes about 10-12 minutes. If you can, marinating overnight will give you the best flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is well mixed. It’s time to flavor those ribs!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Add the beef short ribs to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let the ribs marinate for at least 3 hours—overnight is even better if you can wait!
3. Get Ready to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the short ribs out of the fridge and remove them from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Discard the leftover marinade because it has raw meat juices.
4. Grill the Ribs:
Place the short ribs on the preheated grill. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for beautiful grill marks and a nice char. Cook them until they reach your preferred level of doneness!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the ribs are done, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to keep them juicy. Then, slice them up and serve! Sprinkle with extra chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a lovely finish. For a fun twist, wrap some pieces in lettuce leaves before enjoying. Happy grilling!
Can I Use Another Type of Beef for This Recipe?
Yes! While beef short ribs (flanken cut) are traditional for this recipe, you can use other cuts like ribeye or sirloin. However, cooking times may vary depending on the cut, so adjust the grilling time as needed to achieve your preferred doneness.
What Can I Substitute for Sesame Oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use a light olive oil or vegetable oil in the marinade. However, keep in mind that sesame oil adds a unique flavor, so you might want to include a drop of toasted sesame oil if you can find it.
How Long Can I Marinate the Short Ribs?
Marinating for at least 3 hours works well, but for the best flavor, marinate overnight. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can impart some flavor, but longer marination is definitely recommended for maximum taste!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Short Ribs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the grill over low heat to maintain their texture and flavor. If reheating on the grill, cover with foil to prevent drying out.
