Galbi is a tasty Korean dish featuring grilled flanken ribs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. The meat becomes juicy and tender, making each bite a delight!
It’s like a party on your plate! I love grilling these ribs outside because they smell amazing and bring everyone together. Perfect for a fun barbecue! 🍖
Making Galbi is simple. Just marinate the ribs, grill them up, and enjoy with some rice. It’s a great way to impress friends and family without a lot of fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flanken Cut Beef Short Ribs: This is the star of the dish. If you can’t find flanken cut, use other beef short ribs or even beef chuck. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the cut.
Soy Sauce: A key component for flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, coconut aminos or tamari are great substitutes. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Brown Sugar: It gives a rich sweetness. For a healthier alternative, you can use honey or maple syrup, but adjust the amount since they’re sweeter than brown sugar.
Sesame Oil: This is what adds that nutty flavor. If you’re out, you can use olive oil, but it won’t capture the same taste. Toasted sesame oil has a richer flavor, so use that if available.
Rice Wine or Mirin: This adds a touch of sweetness and depth. If you can’t find them, try using white wine or a dash of vinegar mixed with water. The flavor will be different but workable.
How Do I Grill Ribs to Perfection?
Grilling can be tricky, but here’s how to ensure those ribs come out juicy and tender every time. Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high. It’s important to have a hot grill to get that nice char!
- Remove the ribs from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard the marinade.
- Place the ribs on the grill, leaving enough space between them for even cooking.
- Grill each side for 4-5 minutes. Avoid flipping too often, which can prevent that nice sear.
- Use a meat thermometer if unsure. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain their juiciness!
How to Make Galbi Korean Grilled Flanken Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup rice wine or mirin
- 1/4 cup water
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Black pepper to taste
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds flanken cut beef short ribs
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade and ribs. Then, let them marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight for amazing flavor. Lastly, grilling takes about 10-12 minutes. So set aside a total of around 4 hours to overnight plus grilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, pour the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice wine, and water. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped green onions. Add some black pepper too! Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This is your delicious marinade!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Take the flanken cut beef short ribs and add them to the marinade. Make sure they are completely submerged in the sauce. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. Let it rest for at least 4 hours, but if you can, overnight is best for bringing out those yummy flavors!
3. Grill Time:
When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Take the ribs out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and throw away the leftover marinade. Now, grill the ribs for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to have a nice char and be cooked how you like them. Tender and juicy is the goal!
4. Rest and Serve:
Once they’re grilled to perfection, take the ribs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Plate them up, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and some extra chopped green onions for a nice touch.
5. Enjoy!
Serve these tasty ribs hot with rice and some Korean side dishes like kimchi or pickled veggies. They’re so delicious, you won’t be able to get enough. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute the Flanken Ribs with Another Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! If you can’t find flanken cut beef short ribs, you can use regular short ribs or even skirt steak for grilling. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, as different cuts may require varying times to reach the desired doneness.
How Long Should I Marinate the Ribs?
For the best flavor, marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat fully. If you’re short on time, even 1 hour can still give some good flavor, but overnight is recommended!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Ribs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the grill or in the oven at a low temperature to maintain moisture. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overheat, as this can dry them out.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the marinade up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before adding the ribs to ensure everything is well mixed. This is a great way to save time on the day you plan to grill!
