These grilled Korean short ribs are fantastic and you’re looking for something different to grill. The savory, umami packed flavors of Korean inspired marinade. They’re a great way to enjoy grilled bbq Korean kalbi ribs at home instead of ordering take-out.

grilled korean short ribs on bbq

What are Korean Short Ribs?

These Korean Cut short ribs refers to a butcher style of cross-cutting the ribs so that they are about 1/2-3/4″ thick.  This is the traditional cut for the Korean dish Kalbi or Galbi, which is unbelievably addicting.  The ribs cut this way allow you to be able to grill, broil, or pan sear them quickly and makes it easier to eat with chopsticks. Also, these thin strips of steak allow you to chew on the marrow-rich bones and rich fat.

grilled korean short ribs with beer

Where to Buy Korean Short Ribs?

Some larger big chain supermarkets are starting to sell these Korean short ribs. But most likely you’re going to find them at Korean grocery stores, International supermarkets, specialty butchers and even sometimes at Whole Foods or Gelson’s. You can even buy them online here at Porter Road.

Video for Grilled Korean Short Ribs

Can’t Find Korean Short Ribs?

Since these are a specialty type of cut, you don’t have to use this cut specifically. The marinade is so good that you can use other types of meats too:

  • You can use a bone-in short rib like this photo here. You will need to cook it a little longer because it’s thicker.
  • Use any type of rib that you like, or any cut of steak.
  • Like chicken? It’s delicious with this marinade. But we definitely prefer de-boned chicken thighs for more flavor.
  • Can you use this marinade on seafood? Certainly yes!

Tips on How to Grill BBQ Korean Short Ribs

  • Make an extra batch of marinade for the last brushing before serving. It’s always nice to have an extra bowl of marinade for anyone who likes extra sauce.
  • If you’ve never cooked with korean short ribs before, make sure to stay by the grill and monitor the meat. These cook really quick, especially if you’re cooking on higher heat. You’ll get a nice crispy char but these are easy to overcook. They’ll get too chewy if cooked too long on the grill.
  • Love spicy ribs? This is a marinade that is great if it’s spicy to your liking. Add your favorite hot sauce to customize the spice level to your liking.
  • All grilled korean short ribs recipe details are in the recipe box below.
grilled korean short ribs on plate
grilled korean short ribs with beer

Korean Short Ribs w/ Ginger Soy Marinade

These Korean style short ribs use the cut of beef rib which is about 1/2-3/4-inch thick. Some butchers will sometimes be called a flake cut beef rib.
There is instructions for cooking on the grill or in the oven, depending on which you prefer. Our favorite way is on the grill, but that isn’t always a feasible option and they still come out great in the oven. We’ll broil them to replicate the intense heat of the grill. Make sure to set your oven rack to be about 6-inches below the broiler element at the top of the oven.
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Ingredients

  • 4 lbs. (1815 g) Korean-style beef short ribs (beef rib flanken cut about 1/2”-3/4" thick)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) oil , high smoke point oil is best like avocado, grapeseed, peanut, canola oil, etc.
  • 3 cloves (3 cloves) garlic , minced
  • 3 Tablespoons (44.36 ml) brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (4.93 ml) sesame seed oil
  • 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) fresh grated ginger

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Gently rinse and pat dry the Korean style short ribs.
    Uncooked short ribs on a plate
  • In a large plastic bag or in a container big enough to marinate the short ribs, combine all marinade ingredients (oil, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame seed oil, and ginger).
    Mixing marinade in a bowl
  • Place the ribs in the marinade and carefully toss to coat.  Allow to marinate for about 30 minutes. (You can leave these out at room temp. for the 1/2 hour marinade time, but if marinating longer, then you might want to refrigerate them as they marinade).
    Pouring marinade over ribs

Grilling

  • Heat grill (on medium-high to high heat) or light charcoal and set up for grilling over direct heat. Make sure to scrape your grill grates clean (this will help minimize sticking).
    Scraping the grill clean to prevent sticking
  • Remove short ribs from marinade and give them a little shake to help some of the extra oil from the marinade shake off. This will help minimize immediate flare up when you put them on the grill if your grill is super hot. Lay the ribs out on the grill.
    Raw short ribs on grill
  • Grill short ribs about 3-4 minutes per side (timing depends on your grill heat, short rib thickness, and personal preference). You may also find some parts of the grill cook hotter than others. Move the short ribs around as needed to get an even cook. For extra flavor, brush the ribs with some of the leftover marinade towards the end of the grilling.
    Cooked short ribs on grill
  • Serve as whole strips or cut between ribs for easier serving if desired.
    Finished short ribs being held on a plate

In The Oven

  • Heat oven on broil, 550ºF/288°C with the rack about 6 inches below the top. Line 2 sheet pans with aluminum foil.
    Oven knobs
  • Place a wire rack on sheet pans then lay ribs in a single layer on the wire rack.
    Raw short ribs on wire rack
  • Broil for about 4-5 minutes each side or until cooked through and nicely slightly charred. (If your oven only can broil up to 500°F/260°C – just cook for a few more minutes or as needed to get them to your liking.)
    Cooked kalbi on a plate

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 641kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 58g, Fat: 41g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 19g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 178mg, Sodium: 534mg, Potassium: 1111mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 0.1IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 33mg, Iron: 7mg

What To serve with korean bbq galbi?

These bbq korean kalbi ribs are so delicious on their own. They’re finger licking good and so easy to eat. But it’s better to add some side dishes to them to make them as a meal so you don’t eat them too fast!

  • They’re great with any side salad, especially if you’re eating low carb. Check out our big list of vegetable side dish and salad recipes:
  • If you’re having an outdoor party, pasta salad is always a nice side to accompany the ribs. We have some great pasta salad recipes for you too.
  • Rice or noodles are fantastic. It’s a hearty and comforting meal with some warm rice or even fried rice.