Galbi Korean Grilled Flanken Ribs are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor! These ribs are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce before being grilled to perfection.
Grilling these ribs makes the kitchen smell amazing! I love serving them with rice and some veggies for a yummy meal. Plus, they’re fun to eat—everyone enjoys getting their hands messy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flanken-style beef short ribs: This cut is perfect for grilling. If you can’t find it, you can use regular short ribs or even skirt steak, which also works well with marinades.
Soy sauce: A key flavor base! If you want a lower-sodium option, go for reduced-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
Brown sugar: This adds sweetness and depth to the marinade. If you prefer, coconut sugar or honey are good substitutes; just adjust the quantity to taste.
Sesame oil: This gives a nutty flavor and aroma. Use toasted sesame oil for a stronger flavor. If you’re avoiding oil, you can skip it, but it’ll change the taste slightly.
Mirin: This sweet rice wine adds a unique taste. If you don’t have mirin, you can use a mix of white wine and a little sugar, or just skip it if needed!
How Can I Make Sure My Ribs Are Perfectly Marinated?
Marinating is essential for making flavorful galbi. You want to let the ribs soak up all those amazing flavors. Here’s how to ensure your marination is spot on:
- Combine the marinade thoroughly, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely.
- Place the ribs in the marinade and massage it in. This helps flavors penetrate the meat.
- Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight yields the best results.
- Turn the ribs occasionally if marinating for longer — this ensures even flavor distribution!
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
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds flanken-style beef short ribs
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, for marinating the ribs. The grilling process adds an additional 10-15 minutes. A delicious meal you can easily plan ahead!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Crafting the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, mirin, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely blended into a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinating the Ribs:
Place the flanken-style beef short ribs into the marinade, making sure each piece is generously coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight works great for richer flavor!
3. Prepping to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat. Take the ribs out of the marinade, letting any extra marinade drip off. This helps achieve a nice char without being too saucy.
4. Grilling the Ribs:
Place the ribs on the hot grill and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them to ensure they get that beautiful char, and grill them to your liking!
5. Resting and Garnishing:
Once grilled, take the ribs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to keep them juicy. Before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a pop of color and flavor.
6. Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious galbi hot alongside fluffy rice and an assortment of Korean side dishes (banchan). Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat for Galbi?
Absolutely! While flanken-style beef short ribs are traditional, you can substitute with bone-in or boneless beef short ribs if you prefer. Just adjust the grilling time, as thicker cuts may require a bit more cooking time to ensure tenderness.
How Long Can I Marinate the Ribs?
You can marinate the ribs for a minimum of 4 hours, but for optimal flavor, marinating overnight is best! If you’re in a hurry, you can marinate for just 30 minutes, but the taste may not be as rich.
What If I Don’t Have Mirin?
No worries! If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of 1 tablespoon rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon sugar. This will give you a similar sweetness and acidity that complements the dish perfectly.
How Should I Store Leftover Galbi?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat to regain that charred flavor. Add a splash of soy sauce if they seem a bit dry!
