Galbi, or Korean grilled flanken ribs, are tasty and sweet, with a lovely glaze that makes them irresistible. These tender ribs are marinated and grilled for a smoky flavor that’s hard to beat!
Cooking them is a joy—just soak up that delicious marinade and let the grill do its magic. I love serving them with rice and veggies. Warning: they might disappear fast at the dinner table! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flanken-style Beef Ribs: These ribs are perfect for grilling due to their thin cut and rich flavor. If you can’t find flanken ribs, short ribs or even another cut like skirt steak can work, but adjust cooking times for thickness.
Soy Sauce: This adds umami to the marinade. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, use a reduced-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free alternative, try tamari or coconut aminos!
Brown Sugar: This gives the ribs a sweet caramelization. You can substitute it with honey or maple syrup. They’ll bring a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious!
Sesame Oil: This gives a nutty flavor to the marinade. If you don’t have sesame oil, a neutral oil with a sprinkle of sesame seeds will do the trick.
How Do I Marinate the Ribs for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is a key part of this recipe to really infuse the ribs with flavor. Allow your ribs to soak up the marinade for at least 4 hours, but if you can, go for overnight. This lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl to create an even marinade.
- Cover the ribs fully with the marinade and stick them in a resealable bag or container.
- Remember to keep them in the fridge during marinating to keep the meat fresh.
When ready to grill, shake off excess marinade to avoid flare-ups on the grill!
How to Make Galbi Korean Grilled Flanken Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade and Ribs:
- 2 pounds flanken-style beef ribs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon mirin (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a minimum of 4 hours to marinate the ribs (overnight is best!). You will also need about 10 minutes for grilling. In total, expect to spend around 4 hours and 25 minutes, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, mirin (if you’re using it), and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure everything is well mixed and combined. This marinade will give your ribs a yummy flavor!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Add the flanken-style ribs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated with the flavorful mixture. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the ribs marinate for at least 4 hours or, even better, overnight. This will make your ribs super tasty!
3. Preheat and Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the ribs out of the marinade and let any excess drip off—throw away the leftover marinade as it’s not needed anymore. Place the ribs on the hot grill and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to get a nice char and be cooked to how you like them.
4. Rest and Garnish:
After grilling, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Once rested, garnish your grilled ribs with chopped green onions and sesame seeds to add a lovely touch.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious galbi with some steamed rice and side dishes like kimchi or pickled vegetables for a complete Korean meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Another Cut of Beef Instead of Flanken Ribs?
Absolutely! While flanken ribs are traditional for Galbi, you can substitute with short ribs or even beef chuck if necessary. Just adjust the cooking time, as different cuts can vary in tenderness. Short ribs might take a bit longer, while chuck may need less grilling time to avoid drying out.
What If I Don’t Have Mirin?
No worries if you’re out of mirin! You can substitute it with a mixture of rice vinegar and a little sugar, or just skip it altogether. The taste will still be delightful without it, as the rest of the marinade provides plenty of flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for a quick option. Add a splash of water before microwaving to keep them from drying out.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance! Simply mix all the marinade ingredients and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Giving it some time to develop flavors will enhance the taste of your ribs — it’s a win-win!
