How to Make the Perfect Korean BBQ Short Ribs
Korean · Medium · 35 min · 4 servings
Tender flanken-cut beef short ribs marinated in a savory-sweet soy and sesame sauce then grilled to caramelized perfection. This classic Korean dish known as galbi delivers bold umami flavor in every bite.
Why this recipe works
This Korean BBQ Short Ribs recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 38g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 lbs flanken-cut beef short ribs
- 0.5 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 stalks green onions chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 medium Asian pear grated
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and grated Asian pear until the sugar fully dissolves. The pear acts as a natural tenderizer so do not skip it.
Step 2: Marinate the Ribs
Score the short ribs lightly between the bones and submerge them fully in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill or grill pan to high heat. Brush the grates with a little oil to prevent sticking. Remove the ribs from the marinade and let any excess drip off before cooking.
Step 4: Grill the Ribs
Place the ribs on the hot grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized with char marks. Do not move them too early or they will stick and tear.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Transfer the grilled ribs to a platter and let them rest for 3 minutes. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice and kimchi.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- Asian pear → kiwi or grated regular pear
- flanken-cut short ribs → English-cut short ribs thinly sliced
- brown sugar → honey or mirin
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not marinating long enough which results in bland and tough ribs
- Cooking on low heat which steams the meat instead of caramelizing it
- Using thick-cut ribs that do not cook through properly on the grill
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 38g protein, 22g carbs, 32g fat, 1g fiber.
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