Galbi are delicious, tender grilled ribs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. With flavors from soy sauce, garlic, and sesame, they are a true treat for your taste buds!
Cooking these ribs always feels like a party. The aroma alone makes everyone excited! I love serving them with rice and veggies for a yummy meal that’s sure to please.
Plus, grilling them adds a nice smoky touch that’s hard to resist. It’s a fun dish for gatherings and pretty easy to make—perfect for when I want to impress friends without too much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flanken-style Beef Short Ribs: These ribs are cut across the bone, giving them a unique shape and texture. If you can’t find flanken ribs, you might try short rib chunks or even beef steak cut into thick strips, though the flavor may change.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient adds a great umami taste. For gluten-free options, choose tamari. Low-sodium soy sauce is also a good option if you watch your salt intake.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps caramelization. If you’re out, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but start with less as they are sweeter than brown sugar.
Sesame Oil: It provides a nutty flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace it with any neutral oil, though you will lose some of that distinct taste.
Gochugaru (Korean Red Pepper Flakes): This adds heat and color. If you want to skip it, you can use regular red pepper flakes or even paprika for a smoky flavor without the heat.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor When Marinating the Ribs?
Marinating is essential for infusing the ribs with flavor. Letting them soak in the marinade allows the meat to absorb all the delicious tastes. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine marinade ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
- Allow the ribs to marinate in the refrigerator. A shorter time is okay, but overnight brings out the best flavor.
- After marinating, remove excess marinade before grilling to ensure it doesn’t drip and cause flare-ups on the grill.
This extra step will also make sure the ribs get that nice char and crust, which is so tasty!
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 water
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) – optional for heat
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Ribs:
- 2 lbs flanken-style beef short ribs
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 2 hours of marinating the ribs—overnight is best for full flavor. Cooking on the grill will take about 10 minutes, making the total time around 2 hours and 25 minutes, but remember that most of it is hands-off as the ribs marinate!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, gochugaru (if you like a little heat), and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved. This will be your delicious marinade!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Add the flanken-style short ribs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure they are thoroughly coated. You can either cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the ribs to a zip-top bag. Pop them in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, let them sit overnight!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will give the ribs a nice char and cook them perfectly.
4. Grill the Ribs:
Take the ribs out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade—you won’t need it anymore. Place the ribs on the hot grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a nice char and cook them to your liking.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the ribs are done grilling, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! If needed, slice the ribs and arrange them on a serving platter. Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a beautiful finish.
6. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the grilled Galbi hot, maybe alongside some rice or your favorite Korean side dishes. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the joy of grilling!
Can I Use Another Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flanken-style beef short ribs are traditional, you can substitute with ribeye or even sirloin if you prefer. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly, as thinner cuts may cook faster than thicker ribs.
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, even 2 hours will impart a good taste, but overnight is ideal to truly soak in those flavors.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the ribs up to a day in advance. Just keep them refrigerated. When you’re ready to cook, let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, either grill them briefly over medium heat or warm them in a pan with a little water to keep them moist. Enjoy your delicious galbi again!
