These Grilled Korean Short Ribs, or Galbi, are a tasty treat! Marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, they’re perfect for grilling. Plus, they’re tender and juicy.
When I make these ribs, I always end up eating more than I planned. They’re just that good with their smoky flavor and sticky glaze. Yum! 
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: Flanken cut short ribs are ideal for this recipe due to their rich flavor and tenderness. If you can’t find them, consider using other cuts like beef ribeye, or even chicken thighs for a lighter option.
Soy Sauce: This gives the marinade its salty and umami flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, try low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. You can also use coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth. If you need a substitute, try coconut sugar or honey. Just be aware that honey will make the marinade a bit more liquid.
Sesame Oil: This ingredient adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil but it won’t provide the same rich taste.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger give a unique zing to the marinade. If you’re out, pre-minced garlic and ginger in tubes will work too, but fresh is always best for flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Short Ribs Are Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling short ribs can be tricky since you want them charred on the outside, yet tender on the inside. Here are some tips to help you get it right:
- Preheat your grill well before adding meat. Medium-high heat is best for a nice sear.
- Allow the excess marinade to drip off. This prevents flare-ups and gives you a cleaner grill mark.
- Grill ribs for 3-4 minutes per side. Watch closely so they don’t burn.
- Rest the grilled ribs for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep them juicy!
How to Make Grilled Korean Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Short Ribs:
- 2 lbs beef short ribs, preferably flanken cut
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup minced garlic (about 6-8 cloves)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp rice wine or mirin
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
For Garnishing:
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 4 hours for marinating the short ribs (or overnight for extra flavor). Grilling takes another 10-12 minutes. So, plan for a little over 4 hours in total, mostly for marinating. It’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice wine or mirin, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar dissolves and the marinade is well mixed. It should smell amazing!
2. Marinate the Short Ribs:
Add the beef short ribs to the marinade in the bowl. Make sure each rib is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let those flavors soak in for at least 4 hours, or if you can, overnight is even better!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, take the marinated short ribs out of the fridge. Let the excess marinade drip off; you want them coated but not overly wet.
4. Grill the Short Ribs:
Place the marinated short ribs on the hot grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’ve got a nice char and are cooked to your liking. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
5. Rest and Slice:
Once they’re done grilling, take the short ribs off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy! After resting, slice them into pieces to serve.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the grilled short ribs for a lovely garnish. You can also serve these with lettuce leaves for wrapping and enjoy them with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Another Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flanken cut is ideal for grilling, you can use other cuts like short rib or even chuck steak if that’s what you have available. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the meat, so adjust accordingly for tenderness.
How Long Should I Marinate the Ribs?
For the best flavor, marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours, but overnight is recommended. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinade can add some flavor, but the longer it sits, the better it will taste.
Can I Prepare the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the marinade a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir or shake before using it on the ribs. This also allows the flavors to meld and intensify!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Short Ribs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the grill. If they’re a bit dry, a splash of water or extra soy sauce can help add moisture back in!
