This Easy Korean Kalbi BBQ Short Ribs recipe brings bold flavors to your table with tender beef ribs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a quick and tasty way to impress your friends!
I love grilling these ribs during family cookouts. The smell alone drives everyone wild! Trust me, when they’re sizzling, you’ll have people lining up for seconds! 😄
The best part? You can whip them up in no time! Just marinate, grill, and enjoy the delicious results. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a weekend feast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: For this recipe, flanken-cut short ribs are perfect as they have the right fat content and tenderness. If you can’t find them, consider using beef back ribs or even pork spare ribs for a different taste.
Soy Sauce: This is the backbone of the marinade, giving depth of flavor. If you need a low-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce, or replace it with tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness which balances the soy sauce’s saltiness. You can swap it with honey or maple syrup for a different sweet twist, but keep the quantity similar.
Sesame Oil: A flavorful oil that enhances the dish. If you’re out, you can use a light vegetable oil, though it will miss that distinct nutty taste. I highly recommend not skipping this ingredient!
Green Onions: These provide freshness and a mild onion flavor. If green onions aren’t available, chives or shallots can be used. Just adjust the quantity to avoid overwhelming the dish!
How Do I Make Sure My Ribs Are Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender, flavorful ribs is all in the marination process. Ideally, you’ll want to marinate them for at least 4 hours, but you’ll get the best results with an overnight soak. Here’s what to do:
- In a large bowl, mix all your marinade ingredients together until well combined.
- Make sure the ribs are fully submerged in the marinade, pressing down if necessary.
- Cover and place them in the refrigerator. Don’t skip this step; it really makes the ribs juicy and packed with flavor.
When you’re ready to grill, ensure the grill is nice and hot. This helps to lock in the juices and gives the ribs a great char. Keep an eye on them while grilling; they cook quickly!
Easy Korean Kalbi BBQ Short Ribs
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 water
- 1/4 cup minced green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
For the Main Ingredient:
- 2 pounds beef short ribs (flanken-cut)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade and 4 hours to marinate the ribs, with an additional 10-15 minutes for grilling. If you can, let the ribs marinate overnight for the best flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, water, minced green onions, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, black pepper, and rice vinegar (if you’re using it). Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Take the beef short ribs and place them in the marinade, making sure they are all evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it into the fridge. Let them marinate for at least 4 hours, but if you have time, overnight is even better for flavor!
3. Preheat and Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the ribs from the marinade and let the excess drip off, discarding the leftover marinade.
4. Cook the Ribs:
Grill the ribs for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want to see a nice char and cook them to your liking, whether you prefer them more rare or well done.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the ribs are done, place them on a serving platter and sprinkle some extra chopped green onions on top for garnish. Enjoy your hot BBQ ribs alongside rice and your favorite banchan (Korean side dishes). Dig in and savor the flavors!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for Kalbi?
Absolutely! While flanken-cut short ribs are traditional for kalbi, you can also use English cut short ribs or even ribeye steaks for a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat; thinner cuts will require less time on the grill.
Can I Marinate the Ribs for Longer Than 24 Hours?
Yes, you can marinate the ribs for up to 48 hours for even more flavor. Just be cautious not to exceed this time as the meat may start to become too tender and mushy due to the soy sauce’s acidity. Keep it in the refrigerator for best results.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute for soy sauce. For a lighter flavor, coconut aminos can also be used, but remember it will alter the sweetness slightly, so adjust the brown sugar accordingly!
How Should I Store Leftover Kalbi?
Store any leftover kalbi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place on a grill pan over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through. This will help retain the delicious charred flavor!
