Skip the crowded Korean BBQ buffets and experience the joy of making Kalbi Korean Barbequed Flanken Short Ribs at home! This recipe is so easy to follow that even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll have no trouble impressing your taste buds. Whether you choose to cook these delicious ribs in the oven or on the grill, this fail-proof recipe will satisfy your cravings.
Serve these mouthwatering BBQ short ribs with a side of rice, Korean Spinach Salad, Sweet Potato Noodles, and/or Korean Cucumber Salad.
Easy Kalbi Korean BBQ Flanken Short Ribs Recipe
Looking for a fantastic Korean BBQ meat recipe? Give these Kalbi Korean BBQ Flanken Short Ribs a try! You’ll fall in love with their amazing flavor, reminiscent of the ones you enjoy at a Korean restaurant, but with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
These Korean short ribs boast tender, juicy meat without the need for any pounding. They truly are a delicious treat!
What’s Beef Galbi or Kalbi:
Beef galbi, also known as “LA-style” Korean barbecue, gained popularity thanks to Korean immigrants in Los Angeles. You might also find it referred to as “Flanken-style” at your local butcher shops.
What’s Kalbi Made of:
These Kalbi Korean BBQ Short Ribs feature flanken-cut short ribs marinated in a soy sauce-based mixture.
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need for Kalbi:
- flanken cut short ribs
- soy sauce
- brown sugar
- mirin or rice wine
- garlic
- Asian pear or apple
- yellow onion
- sesame oil
- fresh ginger
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
What are Flanken-Style Short Ribs:
Flanken-style short ribs are thinly cut across the rib bones, about ¼-½ inch thick, and typically consist of three or four pieces of bone per slice. This style of meat cooks quickly and works well whether you’re grilling or using the oven.
You can find flanken-style short ribs at Asian or Korean supermarkets. I bought mine from Ralph’s for around $7.99 per pound.
Marinade Sauce for Kalbi
The marinade for Kalbi is a sweet and savory soy sauce-based mixture that perfectly enhances the ribs’ flavors. It consists of soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, Asian pears, onion, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, and black pepper.
Asian pear is a common ingredient in Korean barbecue marinades because it contains an enzyme called ‘calpain’ that tenderizes the meat. If you can’t find Asian pears, Fuji apple or Bosc pear can be used as alternatives. Asian pears are available at Trader Joe’s, Costco, Ralphs, Vons, and Asian grocers for around $0.99 – $1.99 each.
You can also use kiwi as a tenderizing agent, but be careful not to over-marinate, as it can make the meat mushy.
Mirin, a Japanese sweet cooking rice wine, can be substituted with rice wine vinegar.
Now, let’s dive into the preparation and cooking process.
How to Prepare Flanken Cut Short Ribs Before Cooking:
Preparing the ribs is a simple and straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1. Wash the Ribs
To start, soak the ribs in cold water for about 10-20 minutes to remove any blood. Then, wash the ribs thoroughly a couple of times in cold water, scrubbing off any bone fragments and debris. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2. Make Marinade
Peel and grate the onion, Asian pear, ginger, and garlic. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, then add soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, water, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 3. Marinate the Ribs
Pour the marinade over the meat and mix it well with your hands or tongs, ensuring that the ribs are completely coated with the sauce.
Refrigerate and marinate the ribs overnight for the best results, or at least 12 hours before cooking. Remember not to marinate them for more than 24 hours!
How to Cook Flanken Cut Short Ribs:
You have two options for cooking the flanken cut short ribs: on the grill or in the oven.
Option 1. Cook Kalbi Short Ribs On the Grill
These thin short ribs cook quickly. Each slice of meat should take about 3-4 minutes per side on medium-high heat.
Make sure the outer part is caramelized and lightly charred on both sides, while the inside is cooked all the way through, allowing the meat to easily separate from the bone.
Grilling Tips:
- If you’re using a small cast iron grill pan, work in multiple batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Clean the pan after each cooking session to remove small residue between batches and prevent burning. A clean grill enhances the taste of your food.
Option 2. In the Oven
Broiling is an alternative method to grilling. However, it’s essential to stay close to your food and monitor it to prevent burning.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Place the ribs on a rack on a baking sheet.
- Transfer the rack to a roasting pan.
- Place the ribs under the broiler, about 3 inches from the heat source.
- Cook the ribs, turning once, for about 3-5 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on the meat to prevent burning.
Check Out More Asian Recipes
- Best Pork Tenderloin Stir Fry
- Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Bowls
- Chinese Sausage Fried Rice
- Singapore Noodles
- Minced Pork Noodles with Hoisin Sauce
- Chinese Eggplant with Mince Pork
- Sesame Noodles
📖 Recipe
Enjoy the delicious flavors of Kalbi Korean BBQ Flanken Short Ribs with this easy-to-follow recipe. Impress your friends and family with this amazing dish that captures the essence of Korean cuisine. Don’t wait any longer; head to the kitchen and get cooking!
Remember, for more fantastic recipes and inspiration, visit Ekilove.
