If you’re looking for a delicious and hassle-free dinner option, look no further than Trader Joe’s Korean short ribs made in the air fryer. These mouthwatering ribs are bursting with flavor, tender on the inside, and crispy on the outside. Best of all, they’re ready in under 20 minutes, making them the perfect choice for a weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Trader Joe’s has a reputation for offering tasty and convenient freezer meals at affordable prices. Their Korean short ribs are no exception. These tender cuts of meat come pre-marinated in a flavorful Korean-style sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, sesame oil, garlic, and lemon juice. With just a quick trip to the air fryer, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.
What Makes Korean Short Ribs Special?
Korean short ribs, also known as ‘flanken’ or LA galbi, are a unique style of beef rib cut. Unlike American or European-style short ribs, which include a thick slice of bone-in beef between the rib bones, Korean short ribs are cut lengthwise across the rib bones. This results in thin strips of meat on one side of the bone, perfect for marinating and cooking quickly.
These delectable ribs are typically found in Asian markets, but you can also find them in your local grocery stores or ask your butcher for assistance.
The Air Fryer Advantage
One question you may have is whether you can cook Trader Joe’s Korean short ribs in the air fryer. The answer is a resounding yes! The air fryer is a favorite go-to kitchen appliance for many, and it works wonders with these ribs. The hot circulating air breaks down the meat quickly and easily, resulting in tender and juicy ribs. Not to mention, they’re ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep and clean-up.
Before cooking your short ribs in the air fryer, make sure to defrost them. You can achieve this by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes, keeping the plastic bag closed to retain the marinade’s flavor.
Perfect Timing and Temperature
The cooking time for your short ribs in the air fryer will depend on your specific model and the thickness of the meat. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ribs for approximately 15 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking, as Korean short ribs cook very quickly.
To ensure the best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This allows the meat to crisp up nicely. If you’re cooking a large batch, it’s best to cook them in batches for optimal crispiness.
Checking for Doneness
To determine whether your ribs are fully cooked, use an instant-read or meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. Your ribs should reach a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This method guarantees that your ribs are safe to eat while maintaining their juicy and tender texture.
Oven Alternative
While grilling is the recommended cooking method for Trader Joe’s Korean short ribs, sometimes you want a quick and easy meal without the fuss of firing up the grill. In this case, broiling the ribs in the oven is a convenient alternative.
Start by defrosting the ribs in their original bag in cold water for 10-15 minutes. Preheat your broiler, then transfer the meat from the bag into a baking dish, discarding the marinade. Broil the ribs until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes. For even browning, flip the meat halfway through using kitchen tongs or a fork.
Leftovers and More
If you happen to have any leftovers, you can store your beef short ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the air fryer for two minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
For more tasty recipes using Trader Joe’s products, be sure to check out Ekilove’s website. They offer a wide range of creative and delicious recipes that you can easily recreate at home.
Remember, the next time you’re craving a flavorful and quick dinner, give Trader Joe’s Korean short ribs a try in the air fryer. You won’t be disappointed!
