Galbi, those tasty Korean grilled flanken ribs, are a real treat! They’re marinated in a sweet and savory mix of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, making them super flavorful.
These ribs are great for gatherings. Just fire up the grill, cook them until tender and juicy, and watch them disappear fast. You’ll be the star of the cookout—trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flanken-style short ribs: These ribs are cut across the bone, giving a unique flavor and texture. If you can’t find flanken ribs, regular short ribs or even beef chuck can work, but they may require different cooking times.
Soy sauce: This is key for the marinade’s umami flavor. If you want a gluten-free option, try tamari instead. Alternatively, coconut aminos can be a good soy-free substitute.
Brown sugar: It adds sweetness and depth. To replace it, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup, but adjust the quantity since these can be sweeter.
Rice wine (or mirin): Rice wine brings a nice acidity. If you don’t have these, white wine or apple cider vinegar can be used, though they may change the flavor profile slightly.
Sesame oil: This oil adds a lovely nutty flavor. Toasted sesame oil is even richer. If you’re out, you can substitute with grapeseed oil, but the nutty flavor will be less pronounced.
How Do I Make the Perfect Marinade?
Creating the marinade is a crucial step in getting delicious, flavor-packed Galbi. Start by combining the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a large bowl. This trio creates a beautiful balance of salty, sweet, and nutty.
- Mix in the minced garlic and grated ginger for a punch of flavor.
- Add sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions to enhance the texture and taste.
- Always whisk thoroughly to ensure everything is well incorporated.
After combining, add your ribs, coating each piece thoroughly. This is where the magic happens! For the best results, let them marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. The longer they soak, the more flavorful they become!
How to Make Galbi (Korean Grilled Flanken Ribs)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup rice wine (or mirin)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 green onions, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds flanken-style short ribs (about 1/2 inch thick)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires around 15 minutes of prep time for the marinade, plus at least 4 hours (ideally overnight) for marinating the ribs. The grilling itself takes about 10-15 minutes. So plan for a total of at least 4 hours and 30 minutes to enjoy these delicious ribs, including the marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice wine, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame seeds, chopped green onions, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk to mix everything together until well combined. This marinade is packed with flavor!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Add the flanken ribs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each rib is fully coated in the marinade. You can cover the bowl or transfer everything to a resealable plastic bag. Place it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have time. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it gets!
3. Grill the Ribs:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Before grilling, oil the grill grates to prevent the ribs from sticking. Take the marinated ribs out of the refrigerator and let the excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
4. Cooking Time:
Place the ribs on the grill and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. They should get a nice char and be cooked to your liking. Don’t be afraid to watch them closely so they don’t burn!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for around 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped green onions and extra sesame seeds on top for garnish. Enjoy your Galbi with steamed rice or cozy lettuce wraps!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flanken-style short ribs are traditional, you can also use other cuts like beef ribs or even skirt steak. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different cuts might require adjustments. Thin cuts will cook faster, so check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
How Long Should I Marinate the Ribs?
For the best flavor, marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. If you’re short on time, try to marinate for at least 30 minutes, though the flavor won’t be quite as deep. Remember, longer marinating times lead to a richer flavor!
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a few days ahead! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, simply add the ribs and follow the recipe as usual. Keep in mind that the flavors may meld together, creating an even more delicious marinade!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Galbi?
Galbi is delicious served straight off the grill! Pair it with steamed rice or use it as a filling for lettuce wraps, along with some fresh veggies. You can also serve it with kimchi and pickled vegetables to complete your Korean barbecue experience!
