Galbi is a tasty dish of grilled flanken ribs that’s often marinated in a sweet soy sauce mix. The marinade makes the meat super tender and flavorful, bringing a bit of Korea right to your grill!
Nothing beats the smell of Galbi sizzling away, right? I sometimes set up a little BBQ party just to enjoy these juicy ribs with friends. Perfect for any day of the week!
Whenever I make Galbi, I love serving it with rice and some fresh veggies. It’s easy to whip up, and the combination of flavors is just delicious. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flanken-Style Beef Short Ribs: This is the star of the dish. Look for well-marbled beef for the best flavor. If you can’t find flanken ribs, short ribs or brisket can make a decent substitute.
Soy Sauce: This provides the salty, umami flavor. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake, or tamari for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar: I love using brown sugar because it adds a rich sweetness. If you’re looking for an alternative, honey or maple syrup can work, but they might change the flavor a bit.
Gochujang: If you enjoy some heat, add gochujang; it also gives a nice depth. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can skip it or use sriracha for a milder heat.
Fresh Ginger: Freshly grated ginger is a must for its zesty flavor. In a pinch, jarred ginger can substitute, but fresh is always better.
How Can You Achieve the Best Marinade Flavor?
The marinade really makes this dish pop, and letting your ribs soak in it is key. Once you mix the ingredients, make sure the sugar dissolves well. This helps blend the flavors.
- Marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
- When grilling, shake off excess marinade to avoid flare-ups from the sugar.
- Keep an eye on the grill, as the sugars can burn quickly. A few minutes on each side will create a beautiful char!
Rest the cooked ribs for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring a tender bite. Enjoy them with rice and fresh veggie sides for a complete meal.
How to Make Galbi (Korean Grilled Flanken Ribs)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds flanken-style beef short ribs
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup minced garlic (about 8-10 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) – optional for heat
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the marinade, plus at least 4 hours of marinating time in the fridge (overnight is best). Cooking on the grill will take around 10-12 minutes. So, plan for around 4 hours and 30 minutes to enjoy your delicious Galbi!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, mirin, gochujang (if you like it spicy), and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the brown sugar has completely dissolved and the marinade is well mixed. This will add a burst of flavor to your ribs!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Place the flanken short ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are well-coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish, and then pop it in the fridge. Let the ribs soak up the flavors for at least 4 hours, but if you have time, letting them marinate overnight is even better!
3. Grill the Ribs:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Take the ribs out of the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Grill the ribs for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them; they can cook quickly since the sugars in the marinade can cause them to char. Cook until they’re beautifully charred and at your preferred doneness.
4. Rest and Garnish:
Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside the meat. Before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top for a nice garnish.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Galbi hot with steamed rice and side dishes like kimchi or pickled vegetables. Enjoy the rich flavors and the wonderful time spent cooking!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Meat Instead of Flanken-Style Ribs?
Yes, you can use other cuts like boneless short ribs or beef chuck. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. If you’re using a tougher cut, you might need to marinate longer for tender results or consider slow-cooking it after grilling.
How Long Can I Marinate the Ribs?
For the best flavor, aim to marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours, but you can go up to 24 hours. Just be cautious not to exceed 48 hours, as the meat can become mushy from the marinade.
What Should I Do with Leftover Marinade?
Since the marinade has been in contact with raw meat, it’s best to discard the leftover marinade to avoid any food safety issues. If you’d like to use a marinade for basting while grilling, set aside a portion before adding the meat to ensure it’s safe to use later!
Can I Make Galbi in the Oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the ribs in your oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until caramelized and cooked through. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for extra charring if desired!
