Galbi are juicy, marinated beef flanken ribs that will make your taste buds dance! The sweet and savory sauce gives them a special kick that’s hard to resist—perfect for grilling!
When I make Galbi, I can’t help but imagine a backyard BBQ with friends. The smell is so good, it draws everyone in like a magnet! 🔥 Grab some rice to soak up all that tasty sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flanken-Style Beef Short Ribs: These are essential for galbi. If you can’t find flanken ribs, you can use regular beef short ribs or even ribeye steaks. Just be mindful of cooking times as they might differ.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth. If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, try a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. For a gluten-free substitute, use coconut aminos.
Brown Sugar: This gives a hint of sweetness. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup, but note it might slightly alter the flavor.
Sesame Oil: It provides a nice nutty flavor. If you don’t have any, vegetable oil can work as an alternative, though you’ll lose some of that unique taste.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh is best here! If those aren’t on hand, dried versions can be a pinch hit, but fresh definitely amps up the flavor.
How Can I Marinate the Ribs for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key to getting that deep flavor into your ribs. Make sure to follow these tips:
- Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. This creates a flavorful marinade.
- Use a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish to let the ribs soak in all that goodness. Make sure they’re fully coated.
- Marinate for at least 4 hours; overnight is best! This gives the meat time to absorb those tasty flavors.
Trust me, the longer you marinate, the tastier your galbi will be!
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 water
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds flanken-style beef short ribs
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 4 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time to make the marinade, plus at least 4 hours of marinating time (overnight if possible). Then, grilling will take about 10-12 minutes. So, overall, you should plan for around 4 hours and 20 minutes, including marinating and cooking time. It’s well worth the wait for those tasty flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and everything is mixed together.
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Place the flanken ribs in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are all well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. Let these tasty ribs marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer, the better!
3. Preheat and Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the marinated ribs out of the fridge, discard the marinade, and place the ribs on the grill. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are beautifully charred and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remember to watch them closely!
4. Rest and Garnish:
Once the ribs are cooked, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Arrange the grilled ribs on a serving platter, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to make it look beautiful.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
These delicious Galbi ribs are best served warm alongside some steamed rice and your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the amazing flavors and share them with friends and family!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Yes! While flanken-style short ribs are traditional for galbi, you can substitute with regular short ribs or even beef chuck. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; ensure the meat is cooked to your desired doneness!
How Long Should I Marinate the Ribs?
For the best flavor, marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better! This allows the meat to soak up all those delicious flavors. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 30 minutes will still provide some taste, but overnight is ideal.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to a week in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. When you’re ready to use it, give it a good stir to recombine the ingredients before marinating the ribs.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply grill them again for a few minutes on each side, or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Enjoy them as they are or in a stir-fry!
