Grilled Korean short ribs are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor! They’re marinated in a sweet and savory sauce that makes every bite a treat.
These ribs are great for barbecues! I love serving them with some rice and kimchi. Just a warning: you’ll want to go back for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Flanken-cut short ribs work best in this recipe, but if you’re looking for a substitute, try flank steak or even sirloin. Flank steak won’t have the same richness but can still provide great flavor.
Soy Sauce: This adds a salty, umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. You can also opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
Brown Sugar: This gives a perfect sweetness balanced with the other flavors. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses. This combination mimics brown sugar’s flavor.
Mirin: This sweet rice wine is essential, but if you can’t find it, sake or a bit of white wine mixed with sugar can work as a substitute. Just keep the sweetness in mind!
Green Onions: They not only add flavor to the dish but also make for a lovely garnish. You can use chives or even finely chopped shallots if needed. Fresh herbs like cilantro could be a nice twist too!
How Do You Marinate Beef for Grilling?
Marinating beef short ribs is key for maximum flavor and tenderness. This deepens the taste and keeps the meat juicy on the grill. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl, whisking well.
- Place the short ribs in the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated. If you have a resealable bag, use that for easier marinating.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best for infusing flavors. Just remember to periodically turn the bag if you’re using one!
One personal tip: if you can, let the ribs marinate overnight. This gives them that rich, savory kick we all love!
How to Make Grilled Korean Short Ribs (Galbi)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 green onions, chopped
For the Short Ribs:
- 2 pounds beef short ribs, flanken-cut
- Extra green onions, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 3 hours for marinating the ribs (overnight is best for full flavor). Grill time is around 8 minutes, making the total time approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, including marinating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, mirin, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well mixed to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Short Ribs:
Place the flanken-cut short ribs into the marinade. Make sure each rib is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 3 hours—or better yet, overnight. This allows the flavors to fully soak into the meat.
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 marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. This helps to achieve a nice grill mark.
4. Grill the Short Ribs:
Place the short ribs on the grill. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked to your liking and have beautiful grill marks. Check for doneness to suit your taste—whether you prefer them medium or well-done!
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once grilled, transfer the short ribs to a serving platter. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a beautiful garnish. It can make the dish look extra inviting!
6. Enjoy!
Serve the grilled short ribs warm. They’re delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with lettuce leaves for wrapping, and side dishes like rice and kimchi to complete your meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for Galbi?
Absolutely! While flanken-cut short ribs are traditional, you can also use other cuts like beef chuck or short rib chuck. Just be aware that cooking times may vary depending on thickness and preferred doneness, so adjust your grilling time accordingly.
How Long Can I Marinate the Ribs?
You can marinate the ribs for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. If marinating longer than this, consider reducing the amount of soy sauce to prevent the meat from becoming too salty. Additionally, always marinate in the refrigerator to keep the meat safe!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate while sitting. This can help save time on the day you plan to grill!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Galbi?
Store any leftover grilled short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to help retain moisture.
