These grilled Korean short ribs are packed with flavor! Marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, they have a tender, juicy bite that’s hard to resist. Perfect for a summer barbecue!
Honestly, one bite of these ribs and you’ll be hooked! I love serving them with rice and veggies—it’s a great combo. Plus, your friends will be begging for more at every cookout! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Flanken style short ribs are best for this dish as they have a fantastic balance of meat and fat. If they’re unavailable, you could use boneless short ribs or even flank steak, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce provides a savory depth, but you can opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you want to reduce salt intake. A gluten-free soy sauce can also be used if needed.
Mirin: This sweet rice wine adds a nice flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can use a mix of white wine and sugar or even a bit of apple cider vinegar with sugar as a substitute.
Sesame Oil: This gives a delicious nutty taste. If you don’t have sesame oil, try using olive oil; it won’t be the same, but it still works in a pinch. I love using toasted sesame oil for extra flavor!
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are essential for that authentic taste. You can use garlic powder and ground ginger if fresh isn’t available, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
How Do I Make Sure My Ribs Are Packed with Flavor?
The marinade is key! Combine the marinade ingredients in a large bowl and whisk them well. It’s important to let the ribs soak in the marinade for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows all those flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Make sure the ribs are fully submerged to coat every piece well. A leak-proof bag can be handy for this.
- While grilling, let excess marinade drip off to prevent flare-ups.
- For perfect grilling, ensure your grill is preheated and avoid moving the ribs too much – let them sear for that delicious char.
How to Make Grilled Korean Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade and Ribs:
- 2 lbs beef short ribs, preferably flanken style (sliced about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and at least 4 hours for marinating (preferably overnight). Cooking on the grill takes around 10 minutes. So, get ready to savor some delicious grilled ribs in no time with just a bit of planning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, black pepper, and chopped green onions. Stir everything together well to make a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Add the beef short ribs to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let the ribs marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for enhanced flavor.
3. Get the Grill Ready:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the ribs out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. You want them to cook perfectly without being too saucy.
4. Grill the Short Ribs:
Place the ribs on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for that lovely char! Grill them until they reach your desired level of doneness.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the grilled ribs to a serving platter. Sprinkle sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions on top for some extra flair. Serve with crisp lettuce leaves for wrapping the meat and enjoy with your favorite sides!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flanken style short ribs are traditional for this dish, you can use other cuts like ribeye or even sirloin steak. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.
How Long Should I Marinate the Ribs?
The longer, the better! For maximum flavor, marinate your ribs for at least 4 hours, but ideally, let them soak overnight. If you’re in a hurry, even 30 minutes will provide some flavor, but it won’t be as rich.
Can I Prepare the Marinade in Advance?
Yes! You can make the marinade up to a week in advance. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may settle.
What Sides Pair Well with Grilled Korean Short Ribs?
These short ribs are delicious with a variety of sides. Try serving them with steamed rice, kimchi, or a refreshing cucumber salad. Lettuce wraps are also a classic choice for added crunch!
