Galbi are tender Korean grilled flanken ribs marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and sugar. They’re super juicy and packed with flavor!
These ribs are a crowd-pleaser at any BBQ. I love serving them with rice and kimchi on the side—it’s the perfect combo. Plus, who doesn’t love the smoky grill taste? 🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flanken-Style Beef Short Ribs: These ribs are essential for that tender, meaty bite. If unavailable, you could substitute with regular beef short ribs, just adjust the cooking time since they may need longer to tenderize.
Soy Sauce: This brings a great umami flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try tamari sauce instead. Low-sodium soy sauce is another handy alternative for a healthier version.
Brown Sugar: It adds a nice sweetness to the marinade. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. Honey or maple syrup could also work in a pinch!
Sesame Oil: This oil gives a toasty flavor. If you don’t have it, you could substitute with plain vegetable oil, but you might miss that distinct sesame taste. Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds can help.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic are key for flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder and ground ginger can serve as substitutes, though fresh is always better for a punchier taste!
How Do I Get the Perfect Marinade for Flanken Ribs?
The marinade is what makes these ribs burst with flavor, and it’s super easy to whip up! Start by mixing all the ingredients in a large bowl. Make sure your garlic and ginger are finely minced to distribute their flavors evenly.
- Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice wine, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Submerge the flanken ribs in the marinade completely. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or better yet, overnight. This resting time allows the meat to soak up all those delicious flavors!
Once marinated, allow excess marinade to drip off before grilling. Don’t forget to baste the ribs with the reserved marinade during cooking for extra flavor!
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
- 1/4 cup minced garlic (about 8 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- 1/4 cup rice wine (or mirin)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds flanken-style beef short ribs
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the marinade and rib preparation, plus at least 3 hours of marinating time (overnight is best!). Grilling the ribs will take around 10-15 minutes. So overall, you’ll need to budget a full day for marinating, but most of that is hands-off time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice wine. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper for taste! Stir everything until the sugar is mostly dissolved to create a delicious marinade.
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Place the flanken-style ribs into the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 3 hours, but if you can, leave it overnight. This will really boost the flavors!
3. Get Ready to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it heats up, take the ribs out of the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Save the leftover marinade in a separate bowl for basting later.
4. Grill the Ribs:
Once your grill is hot, put the flanken ribs on the grates. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip them over. Brush them with the reserved marinade occasionally as they cook. Keep grilling until they are nicely charred and perfectly cooked to your liking.
5. Rest and Serve:
After grilling, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle and makes them even more tender. Before serving, sprinkle the ribs with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your tasty Galbi with a side of rice or some pickled veggies!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flanken-style beef short ribs are traditional, you can use other cuts like beef chuck or short ribs. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. Boneless options will also work, but they’ll need less cooking time.
How Long Can I Marinate the Ribs?
You can marinate the ribs for up to 24 hours for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, even a 3-hour marinade will work, but overnight is ideal for maximum tenderness and absorbency of the flavors.
What If I Don’t Have Rice Wine or Mirin?
No worries! You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine. If you want to keep it non-alcoholic, try using a mix of water and a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness of mirin.
How to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill for a few minutes for that fresh-grilled taste!
