Korean BBQ Short Ribs

Korean BBQ Short Ribs

When I think of summer gatherings, the first dish that comes to mind is Korean BBQ Short Ribs. The rich aroma of the marinated beef sizzling on the grill is simply irresistible. Korean BBQ Short Ribs are always a hit, and there’s something special about sharing this meal with friends and family. The marinade, a perfect blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and sesame oil, infuses the ribs with sweet and savory flavors that are truly mouthwatering. As the ribs cook, the sugars in the marinade caramelize, creating a delicious crust that makes these ribs unforgettable.

The Art of Marinating

Marinating the Korean BBQ Short Ribs is an essential step that brings out the best in the beef. I always make sure to let the ribs soak in the marinade for at least eight hours, sometimes even overnight. This ensures that the flavors deeply penetrate the meat, making every bite full of flavor. I use a blend of Asian pear, onion, and garlic in the marinade, which not only adds a unique sweetness but also tenderizes the beef. This process takes time, but the results are worth the wait. The ribs turn out tender, juicy, and full of that signature Korean BBQ flavor.

Grilling to Perfection

Grilling Korean BBQ Short Ribs is an art in itself. The grill needs to be hot, and the ribs should be cooked quickly to achieve that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. I love watching the ribs sizzle on the grill, their edges turning golden brown as the sugars caramelize. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water. I always make sure to oil the grates well before placing the ribs on the grill, to prevent sticking and ensure those beautiful grill marks. Each rib is a perfect bite of smoky, sweet, and savory goodness.

A Meal to Remember

Serving Korean BBQ Short Ribs is always a joy. I like to garnish the ribs with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for a bit of freshness and crunch. Paired with steamed rice and a side of kimchi, these ribs make for a truly authentic and satisfying meal. There’s something about the combination of flavors that makes this dish so comforting and enjoyable. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a weekend barbecue, Korean BBQ Short Ribs are a surefire way to impress your guests and make any meal memorable.

Chef’s Notes- Korean BBQ Short Ribs

• Cutting the Ribs: Ensure the beef short ribs are cut flanken-style, which means across the bone in thin slices. This style allows the marinade to penetrate better and ensures even cooking.
• Marinating: For the best flavor, marinate the ribs overnight. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 8 hours will still yield tasty results, but overnight is ideal for deep flavor infusion.
• Blending the Marinade: Make sure the marinade is smooth, without any large chunks of pear or onion. A smooth marinade will coat the ribs more evenly, leading to a consistent flavor.
• Grilling Temperature: Maintain a high, consistent heat on the grill to get a nice sear on the ribs. This caramelization is key to developing the rich, smoky flavor characteristic of Korean BBQ.
• Resting the Meat: After grilling, let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
• Accompaniments: Pair the ribs with traditional Korean side dishes like kimchi, steamed rice, or Korean potato salad (gamja salad) to create a complete meal.
• Garnishing: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions over the ribs just before serving for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Spice Level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) to the marinade. It will give the ribs a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Umami Boost: A tablespoon of gochujang (Korean fermented chili paste) in the marinade can add depth and a touch of sweetness, elevating the overall flavor profile.

Korean BBQ Short Ribs

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Main CourseCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

1092

kcal

Resting Time

8

hours 

Total time

8

hours 

50

minutes

Get ready to wow your taste buds with these mouthwatering Korean BBQ Short Ribs! Perfectly marinated and grilled to perfection, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or a cozy dinner, these ribs will steal the show. Inspired by traditional Korean flavors, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time.

Ingredients

• For the Marinade

• 1 cup soy sauce such as Kikkoman®

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1/4 cup pure honey

• 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil

• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

• For the Ribs

• 4 pounds beef short ribs cut flanken style

• 1 large Asian pear cored and diced

• 1 medium yellow onion roughly chopped

• 5 large garlic cloves

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Soy Sauce: Tamari for gluten-free

• Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar for a healthier option

• Honey: Maple syrup for a vegan option

• Asian Pear: Kiwi or apple for a different flavor profile

Directions

• Prepare the Ribs: Place the short ribs in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Refrigerate for 1 hour to draw out any blood. Drain and set aside.
• Make the Marinade: In a blender, combine the diced Asian pear, chopped onion, and garlic cloves. Blend until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper.
• Marinate the Ribs: Add the drained short ribs to the marinade bowl. Turn the ribs to coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for best results.
• Preheat the Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
• Grill the Ribs: Remove the ribs from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the ribs on high heat for about 5-10 minutes per side or until the meat is tender and has a nice crust.
• Serve: Transfer the grilled ribs to a serving platter and garnish with optional green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Equipment

• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• blender
• large bowl
• grill
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 1092kcal
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Protein: 39g
• Fat: 79g
• Saturated Fat: 30g
• Cholesterol: 180mg
• Sodium: 2200mg
• Potassium: 900mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 45g
• Vitamin A: 2IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 10mg
• Iron: 25mg

FAQs- Korean BBQ Short Ribs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts like bone-in beef short ribs or even boneless beef ribs. However, flanken-style short ribs are traditional and provide the best texture and flavor for Korean BBQ.

What can I use as a substitute for Asian pear?

If you can’t find Asian pear, kiwi or apple are great alternatives. They offer a similar level of sweetness and natural tenderizing properties that complement the marinade.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free option. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the sesame oil and any condiments, are certified gluten-free.

Can I cook these ribs in the oven if I don’t have a grill?

Yes, you can broil the ribs in the oven. Preheat the broiler and place the ribs on a broiler pan. Broil them on high for about 5-7 minutes per side or until they develop a nice char and are cooked through.

What should I do if the ribs burn too quickly on the grill?

If the ribs are burning, it might be due to high sugar content in the marinade. Move them to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat slightly. You can also tent them with foil to prevent burning while allowing them to cook through.