Flanken Beef Short Ribs
Tender, juicy beef short ribs cut flanken-style across the bone into thin strips. These ribs are marinated in a savory-sweet soy-based sauce, then grilled over high heat until beautifully caramelized and charred at the edges. A backyard barbecue favorite that cooks in minutes, not hours.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Make the marinade.
1.In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper.2.Stir until the brown sugar dissolves completely.TIPThe brown sugar must dissolve fully or it will burn on the grill. Rub the mixture between your fingers to check for grittiness. - prep · ~30 min
Marinate the short ribs.
1.Place the flanken short ribs in a shallow baking dish in a single layer.2.Pour the marinade over the ribs, turning to coat every piece evenly.3.Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 4 hours.TIPDon't marinate longer than 8 hours — the soy and vinegar will start breaking down the meat too much, turning it mushy. - prep · ~5 min
Preheat the grill.
Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat until very hot, about 5 minutes. The grates should be clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
TIPYou want the grill screaming hot. Flanken ribs are thin and need a fast, hard sear to develop a charred crust without overcooking the interior. - grill · ~6 min
Grill the short ribs.
1.Remove the ribs from the marinade and let excess drip off. Reserve any leftover marinade.2.Place the ribs on the hot grill in a single layer, working in batches if needed.3.Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until the edges are charred and caramelized.4.The meat is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare.TIPWatch for flare-ups from dripping fat. Move the ribs to a cooler part of the grill if flames get too high. - rest · ~3 min
Rest the meat.
Transfer the grilled ribs to a cutting board or platter and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- garnish
Garnish and serve.
Slice the ribs between the bones into individual pieces. Scatter sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best char, pat the ribs dry with a paper towel just before grilling to remove excess marinade.
- 2If using wooden skewers to keep the ribbons of meat flat, soak them in water for 30 minutes first to prevent burning.
- 3Let the ribs rest on a wire rack after grilling so the bottom doesn't steam and soften the crust.
- 4For easy cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper before adding the ribs and marinade.
- 5Grill in batches if needed; overcrowding drops the grill temperature and causes steaming instead of searing.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy gochujang
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade for a smoky-sweet heat that complements the sesame oil. Perfect for those who enjoy a spicy, Korean-inspired twist.
low sodiumLow-sodium
Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon. Ideal for anyone monitoring their salt and sugar intake without sacrificing flavour.
citrusy herbCitrusy herb
Add the zest and juice of 1 lime and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro to the marinade. This brightens the dish with a fresh, tangy profile that pairs well with grilled meats.
smoky chipotleSmoky chipotle
Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle powder or 1 minced chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky, moderately spicy kick that adds depth to the American barbecue style.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in High-Quality Protein
Beef short ribs provide complete protein, essential for muscle repair and maintenance, especially when the meat is grilled lean.
Good Source of Iron
Red meat is a rich source of heme iron, which your body absorbs more easily than plant-based iron, supporting oxygen transport and energy levels.
Contains Healthy Fats
Sesame oil contributes unsaturated fats, including omega-6 fatty acids, which can support heart health when used in moderation.
Antioxidants from Aromatics
Garlic and ginger contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation and boost immune function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use thinly sliced boneless beef short ribs or even skirt steak, but adjust grilling time since thickness varies.
