Korean BBQ Beef Ribs

My Journey with Korean BBQ Beef Ribs

Korean BBQ Beef Ribs have always held a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I encountered this dish—my senses were overwhelmed by the rich, smoky aroma wafting from the grill. The sizzle of the ribs as they hit the hot grates was music to my ears. Korean BBQ Beef Ribs quickly became a family favorite, and I knew I had to recreate that magic at home.

Perfecting the Marinade

The key to mouthwatering Korean BBQ Beef Ribs lies in the marinade. I spent hours perfecting a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, and fresh grated pear that delivers just the right balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. Each time I prepare these ribs, I’m reminded of the importance of letting the meat soak in those flavors overnight. Patience truly pays off as the ribs become tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

The Joy of Grilling

There’s something incredibly satisfying about grilling Korean BBQ Beef Ribs on a hot summer evening. As the ribs cook, the marinade caramelizes, creating a beautifully glossy finish. The aroma alone is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. I love gathering around the grill with family and friends, sharing stories, and enjoying the irresistible taste of these perfectly charred ribs.

Serving with Love

When I serve Korean BBQ Beef Ribs, I like to pair them with Kimchi Fried Rice and Smashed Cucumbers. The combination of flavors and textures creates a truly memorable meal. Each bite is a celebration of Korean cuisine, a cuisine I’ve grown to love and appreciate deeply. Whether it’s a casual weekday dinner or a special gathering, this dish never fails to impress and bring people together.

Chef’s Notes- Korean BBQ Beef Ribs

• Marination Time: The beef needs to marinate for at least 24 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat and helps achieve a tender texture. If you’re short on time, aim for a minimum of 4-6 hours, but the longer, the better.
• Grilling Tips: Preheat the grill to high heat until it’s smoking hot. This helps in achieving a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
• Skillet Cooking: If using a skillet, ensure it’s very hot before adding the beef. This will help you get a good sear. You may need to cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than searing.
• Beef Cuts: For the best results, use beef short ribs sliced thinly through the bone. If you can’t find this specific cut, you can substitute with boneless short ribs or beef oyster blade.
• Mirin Substitute: If you don’t have mirin, you can use Chinese cooking wine or regular cooking sake. The mirin adds a subtle sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce, so ensure the substitute also has a touch of sweetness.
• Pear vs. Apple: The pear adds a unique depth of flavor, but red apple is a good alternative. Ensure the apple is finely grated to blend well with the marinade.
• Sesame Oil: Use toasted sesame oil for its richer, nutty flavor. If unavailable, regular sesame oil can be used, though it won’t have the same depth of flavor.

Korean BBQ Beef Ribs

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Main CourseCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

people

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

1096

kcal

Resting Time

3

hours 

Total time

3

hours 

30

minutes

Get ready to impress with these mouthwatering Korean BBQ Beef Ribs! This simple yet delicious recipe brings the flavors of Korean fine dining right to your kitchen. Marinated in a sweet and savory sesame-soy sauce, these ribs are perfect for any occasion. Serve them with fresh lettuce leaves, white rice, and a touch of gochujang for an unforgettable meal. Your guests will be begging for more!

Ingredients

• Marinade

• 3/4 cup soy sauce

• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

• 3/4 cup water

• 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped

• 1 large garlic clove, minced

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• Main

• 2 pounds beef chuck flanken ribs (cut ⅓ to ½ inch thick across the bones)

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Soy Sauce: Tamari for gluten-free

• Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar for a healthier option

• Beef Short Ribs: Pork ribs for a different meat option

• Sesame Oil: Olive oil if sesame oil is unavailable

Directions

• Prepare Marinade – In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and toasted sesame oil. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved (about 2-3 minutes).
• Marinate Ribs – Place the beef ribs in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag after squeezing out excess air and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to meld.
• Preheat Grill – Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking (about 10 minutes).
• Grill Ribs – Remove the ribs from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Discard the used marinade. Grill the ribs for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are cooked through but still slightly pink near the bone.
• Serve – Arrange the grilled ribs on a serving platter and serve with fresh romaine lettuce leaves, white rice, and a side of gochujang for dipping.

Equipment

• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• large resealable plastic bag
• grill

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 1096kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 86g
• Saturated Fat: 34g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 2200mg
• Potassium: 800mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 40g
• Vitamin A: 10IU
• Vitamin C: 15mg
• Calcium: 8mg
• Iron: 20mg

FAQs- Korean BBQ Beef Ribs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can substitute beef short ribs with boneless short ribs or beef oyster blade. Just ensure the cut is tender and well-marbled for the best results.

What can I use instead of mirin?

If mirin is not available, you can use 1 tablespoon of Chinese cooking wine or regular cooking sake. You can also add a small amount of honey or sugar to replicate the sweetness of mirin.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cooked beef ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven.

Can I freeze the marinated beef?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated beef short ribs. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling or cooking.

What can I serve with Korean BBQ Beef Ribs?

Korean BBQ Beef Ribs pair excellently with traditional sides like Kimchi Fried Rice and Smashed Cucumbers. You can also serve them with steamed rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.