Galbi are tasty Korean grilled ribs that are sure to make your mouth water! These tender flanken ribs are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, featuring soy sauce, garlic, and sesame.
Cooking them on the grill gives a nice char that adds flavor. Whenever I make these, my friends gather around for more. Just don’t forget extra napkins—they’re finger-lickin’ good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flanken-style beef short ribs: These ribs have a lot of flavor due to the marbling of fat. If you can’t find them, you could use regular short ribs or even beef chuck. Just remember, cooking times may vary with different cuts.
Soy sauce: Use a low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative, while coconut aminos can be used for a soy-free option but will be sweeter.
Brown sugar: For a deeper flavor, try using dark brown sugar, which has more molasses. If you’re looking for a healthier substitute, honey or maple syrup work well too but may alter the flavor slightly.
Gochugaru: This adds heat and flavor, but if you can’t find it, you can use crushed red pepper flakes, though they won’t have the same smoky flavor. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance!
Sesame oil: This oil adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you’re avoiding it, you can use olive oil, though the taste will be different. Toasted sesame oil if you want a strong sesame flavor.
How Do I Marinate the Ribs for Best Flavor?
Marinating the ribs is crucial for flavor. It not only adds taste but also helps tenderize the meat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients until the sugar dissolves. The combination of soy sauce with garlic and ginger is what gives galbi its special taste.
- Use a resealable plastic bag for easy marination. This ensures every rib is coated with the marinade—just place the ribs inside, pour in the marinade, and seal. Don’t forget to massage it a bit!
- Let them soak for a minimum of 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. The longer they marinate, the richer the flavor will be.
After marinating, make sure to remove excess marinade before grilling for nice charring. Happy grilling!
How to Make Galbi (Korean Grilled Flanken Ribs)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade and Ribs:
- 2 pounds flanken-style beef short ribs
- 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 piece ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), optional
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and marinating. You should let the ribs marinate for at least 4 hours, but for the best flavor, leave them overnight. Cooking on the grill will take about 10 minutes, so in total, you’re looking at around 4 hours and 20 minutes (or more if you marinate overnight) to enjoy these delicious ribs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Grab a bowl and combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, gochugaru (if you like some heat), and black pepper. Mix everything well until the brown sugar dissolves completely. This will be the flavorful marinade that makes your ribs delicious!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Take your flanken ribs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are coated evenly. If you’re using a bag, seal it tightly and give it a gentle shake to mix the contents. If using a dish, cover it with plastic wrap. Pop the ribs in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or better yet, let them marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, make sure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat. This is essential for getting those delicious grill marks and a nice char on your ribs!
4. Grill the Ribs:
Take the marinated ribs out of the fridge. Let any excess marinade drip off before placing them on the hot grill. Grill the ribs for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to be charred and cooked to your liking, so keep an eye on them. Be gentle, as overcooking can make them tough!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done, take the ribs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This lets the flavors settle. Just before serving, give them a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that perfect touch!
6. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious galbi with some steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavor of these tasty Korean grilled ribs!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute flanken ribs with other cuts like ribeye or short ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the meat is tender and juicy.
How Long Should I Marinate the Ribs?
For the best flavor, marinate the ribs overnight if possible. However, if you’re short on time, at least 4 hours will still impart good flavor. Just remember that longer marination can make the ribs more tender!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Gochugaru?
No worries! If you can’t find gochugaru, you can substitute it with another chili powder or flakes, but the flavor will be slightly different. For a kick without the authentic taste, try using cayenne pepper or sriracha sauce in the marinade.
How to Store Leftover Galbi?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of marinade or water to keep them moist.
