Grilled Korean Short Ribs are a tasty treat that combines sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. They are marinated in a delicious mix of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil before hitting the grill!
Who doesn’t love a good rib? Watching those grill marks form makes me smile every time. I like to serve them with rice and veggies for a full meal. Yum! 🍚🥬
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Flanken style short ribs are a must for this recipe. They’re cut across the bone, allowing for a juicy, tender finish. If unavailable, try using other cuts like ribeye or chuck short ribs, but cooking time may vary.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative if you’re watching your salt intake. If you need a gluten-free option, coconut aminos can work well, though it will be slightly sweeter.
Brown Sugar: To keep it healthier, you could substitute with honey or maple syrup. Just remember that they might add a different flavor, but they can still create a nice balance of sweetness.
Sesame Oil: This ingredient adds great flavor, but if you’re out, try using olive oil or another neutral oil. You can also add a dash of toasted sesame seeds to get that sesame flavor.
Rice Wine: If you don’t have rice wine, mirin is quite similar. You can also use apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar for a substitute, though it will be a bit tart.
How Do I Ensure My Ribs Are Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling the short ribs to perfection can be tricky, but with the right tips, you can nail it! Start by ensuring your grill is hot enough; medium-high heat will give you a good sear. Here’s a little guide:
- Remove the ribs from the marinade and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
- Once on the grill, aim for 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re nicely charred. Remember, they should still be juicy!
- Baste them with the reserved marinade for extra flavor during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Let the ribs rest after grilling for about 5 minutes; this helps the juices redistribute.
These steps will really elevate the BBQ experience. Enjoy your grilled Galbi with the fresh crunch of lettuce wraps and garnish!
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 sesame oil
- 1/4 cup garlic, minced (about 6-8 cloves)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons rice wine (or Mirin)
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds beef short ribs (flanken style)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 4 hours for marinating the short ribs (overnight is best!). After marinating, it will take another 15-20 minutes to grill the ribs. So, plan for some time to let those flavors develop, but the end result is worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, chopped green onions, rice wine, minced ginger, and black pepper. Stir everything together 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, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours, but if you can, let it sit overnight to soak up even more flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure the short ribs get a nice char and cook evenly.
4. Prepare the Ribs for Grilling:
After marinating, take the short ribs out of the fridge. Let any excess marinade drip off before grilling, but don’t throw it away just yet; you’ll use it for basting later!
5. Grill the Short Ribs:
Place the short ribs on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to be nice and charred, but adjust the cooking time based on how you like your meat. In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the ribs with the reserved marinade to enhance the flavor.
6. Rest and Garnish:
Once the ribs are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will keep them juicy. While they rest, chop up a little more green onion and get those sesame seeds ready for garnish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the grilled short ribs with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve them alongside fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping the meat. Enjoy this tasty dish with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other cuts of beef if you can’t find short ribs. Flank steak, ribeye, or chuck steak would work well, but remember to adjust grilling times based on the thickness of the meat. Just ensure each piece is marinated adequately for flavor!
How Long Can I Marinate the Ribs?
While a minimum of 4 hours is fine, marinating the ribs overnight is ideal for deeper flavor. If you’re short on time, try to aim for at least 2 hours to still get a decent taste infusion!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Sesame Oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, though the flavor profile will change slightly. For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds to the marinade as a substitute!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the ribs a day in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill them. Cooked ribs can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the grill or in a skillet to warm them up!
