These Easy Korean Kalbi BBQ Short Ribs are a real treat! With a tasty marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and sugar, the ribs become sweet and tender while grilling, filling your kitchen with amazing smells.
Who doesn’t love meat that’s easy to cook and packed with flavor? I can’t resist sneaking a piece before they hit the table. Serve them with rice and a side of veggies for a meal that feels special but is super simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Flanken cut offers the right balance of meat and fat for grilling. If you’re looking for alternatives, try using beef back ribs or even pork ribs if you’d like a different flavor. Just be aware the cooking times may vary slightly.
Soy Sauce: This is crucial for the marinade’s depth of flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, tamari works well. For a lighter flavor, reduced-sodium soy sauce can keep things less salty while still adding that umami punch.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and caramelization. If you’re out, white sugar or honey can be used but might change the flavor slightly. Adjust the quantity as necessary since honey is sweeter than brown sugar.
Sesame Oil: Provides a rich, nutty flavor that’s hard to replace. You could use a light olive oil in a pinch, though it won’t have the same taste. Remember to use toasted sesame oil for stronger flavor if you have both.
Rice Wine or Mirin: These add a nice sweetness and depth. If unavailable, white wine or a little sugar in water can work as substitutes, though the flavor will vary.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Marinade?
Marinating your short ribs is the key to infusing tons of flavor. To maximize the impact:
- Mix all the marinade ingredients thoroughly. Ensure the brown sugar dissolves completely for even flavor.
- Submerge the short ribs fully in the marinade. Using a zip-top bag can help get all the air out and ensure they’re well coated.
- The longer you marinate (ideally overnight), the more flavorful the ribs will be. If you’re short on time, even a couple of hours helps!
Remember to save some marinade before adding the meat for basting while grilling—this will help keep the ribs moist and flavorful as they cook!
Easy Korean Kalbi BBQ Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef short ribs (flanken cut)
For The Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons rice wine (or mirin)
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 4 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a marinating time of at least 2 hours (overnight is best for flavor). After marinating, you’ll need an additional 12-16 minutes for grilling. In total, set aside a few hours for the best results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice wine, black pepper, and chopped green onions. Stir well until the brown sugar fully dissolves. This tasty marinade is what gives the short ribs their great flavor!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Add the beef short ribs to the marinade, making sure they are completely submerged. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the ribs marinate for at least 2 hours, but leaving them overnight will really deepen the flavors.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure the ribs get that nice char on the outside while staying juicy inside.
4. Grill the Ribs:
Take the short ribs out of the marinade, letting any extra marinade drip off. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side. You want them to be nicely charred and cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
5. Let Rest and Serve:
Once the ribs are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them tender. Before serving, garnish with extra chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like.
6. Enjoy:
Serve the delicious short ribs with steamed rice and your favorite side dishes. Enjoy every bite of your Easy Korean Kalbi BBQ Short Ribs!
Can I Use Another Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef short ribs are traditional for Kalbi, you can substitute them with flank steak or sirloin for a leaner option. Just adjust the cooking time since these cuts may cook faster than short ribs.
How Long Can I Marinate the Ribs?
For the best flavor, marinating for at least 2 hours is ideal, but you can marinate the ribs for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to keep them in the refrigerator during marination to prevent spoilage!
What Should I Serve with Kalbi Ribs?
Kalbi ribs pair wonderfully with steamed rice, kimchi, or pickled vegetables. For a fresh touch, a cucumber salad can also be a nice addition to balance the rich flavors of the ribs.
How to Store Leftover Kalbi?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water to keep them moist while warming them up.
