These grilled Korean short ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor! Marinated in a yummy mix of soy sauce and garlic, they’re perfect for a tasty barbecue.
Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll forget about all other ribs. I love serving them with rice and veggies for a complete meal—makes my grill skills look impressive! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Flanken-style ribs are the traditional cut for galbi. If you can’t find them, try using regular beef short ribs or even pork ribs for a different but tasty flavor.
Soy Sauce: A key ingredient for saltiness and umami. If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari can work as a gluten-free substitute!
Brown Sugar: For sweetness, brown sugar adds a nice caramel flavor. You can use coconut sugar or honey as a substitute if desired.
Rice Wine or Sake: This adds depth to the marinade. If these are hard to find, feel free to use white wine or even apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
Sesame Oil: This gives the ribs a nutty aroma. For a lighter option, you could use vegetable oil, but you’ll miss that unique flavor.
How Can You Ensure Juicy, Flavorful Ribs?
Marinating your ribs well is essential for tenderness and flavor. Aim to marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best—this allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Mix the marinade until the sugar dissolves to ensure even flavor distribution.
- When marinating, try to coat the ribs evenly to soak up the mix completely.
- Before grilling, let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Monitor the grill temp closely, as overcooking can lead to dry meat. A meat thermometer is helpful to make sure you hit that sweet spot of 145°F (63°C).
How to Make Grilled Korean Short Ribs (Galbi)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds beef short ribs, cut flanken-style (across the bone)
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup rice wine or sake
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1 medium onion, grated
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 4 hours to marinate (overnight is best!). The grilling process itself will take around 10 minutes. So, plan for a total of at least 4 hours and 25 minutes to enjoy these savory ribs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, rice wine, sesame oil, grated onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, and finely chopped green onions. Stir everything together well until the sugar is completely dissolved. This sweet and savory marinade is what makes the ribs so flavorful!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Toss your beef short ribs into a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. Let the ribs marinate for at least 4 hours, but for the best flavor, let them sit overnight.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you are ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help to get a nice char on the ribs and lock in flavor.
4. Grill the Ribs:
Take the ribs out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the ribs directly on the grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are beautifully browned and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, depending on your preference.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and any additional chopped green onions on top for that lovely garnish!
6. Serving Suggestion:
Serve these mouthwatering ribs with lettuce leaves for wrapping, along with a side of rice and kimchi. This will enhance your meal and give you that authentic Korean experience. Enjoy your delicious galbi!
Can I Use Another Cut of Meat Instead of Short Ribs?
Yes, you can substitute short ribs with other cuts like flank steak or ribeye. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary slightly based on the thickness and tenderness of the meat. For flank steak, grill it for about 3-4 minutes per side, checking for doneness.
How Long Can I Marinate the Ribs?
You can marinate the ribs for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor! If you’re short on time, at least 4 hours will still allow your ribs to absorb some delicious taste. Just remember to keep them in the fridge while marinating.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover grilled ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on a grill or in the oven at a low temperature to avoid drying them out.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance. Just mix all the marinade ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, it’s ready to go when you’re ready to marinate the ribs!
