Kalbi Short Ribs
Tender, juicy, and savory-sweet Korean BBQ short ribs marinated in a classic soy, pear, and garlic sauce. This flanken-cut beef recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for your next summer cookout.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Create the Marinade
- b.In a blender, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, mirin, sesame oil, garlic cloves, ginger, Asian pear, and roughly chopped green onions.
- c.Blend on high for 30-60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth.
- d.Pour the marinade into a large, non-reactive bowl or baking dish and stir in the freshly ground black pepper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Short Ribs
- b.Place the flanken-cut short ribs into the marinade one by one, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- c.Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the ribs and marinade to a large zip-top bag, pressing out any excess air.
- d.Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally 8-12 hours for optimal flavor. Do not marinate for more than 24 hours as the pear can make the meat texture too soft.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare for Grilling
- b.Remove the ribs from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.
- c.Preheat your grill (charcoal or gas) to a medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C).
- d.Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them with a high-smoke-point oil to prevent sticking.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Grill the Kalbi
- b.Remove the ribs from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
- c.Place the ribs on the hot grill in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.
- d.Grill for 3-4 minutes per side. The sugar in the marinade will create a beautiful char and caramelization. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- e.The ribs are done when they are nicely charred and cooked through.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Transfer the cooked Kalbi to a cutting board and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender bite.
- c.Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut the ribs between the bones into individual pieces.
- d.Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.
- e.Serve immediately with steamed rice and your favorite Korean side dishes (banchan) like kimchi.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a smoother marinade and better flavor infusion, use a blender as instructed. If you don't have one, finely grate the pear, ginger, and garlic.
- 2Flanken-cut (or LA-style) ribs are key. They are cut thinly across the bone, which allows for quick cooking and maximum marinade absorption.
- 3Manage your grill heat. The sugar in the marinade can burn easily. Keep a cooler zone on your grill to move ribs to if they are charring too quickly.
- 4Don't skip the resting step! It's crucial for juicy, tender ribs.
- 5For an alternative cooking method, you can cook the ribs under a broiler or in a hot cast-iron skillet for 3-4 minutes per side.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kalbi
Add 1-3 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Fruit SubstitutionFruit Substitution
If you can't find Asian pear, you can substitute with a Bosc pear or a sweet apple like Fuji. You can also use 1/4 cup of pineapple juice, but reduce marination time to 2-4 hours as pineapple is a very strong tenderizer.
Pork Kalbi (Dwaeji Galbi)Pork Kalbi (Dwaeji Galbi)
Use the same marinade with bone-in pork shoulder steaks or thick-cut pork chops for a delicious alternative.
Bulgogi StyleBulgogi-Style
Use this marinade for thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin to make classic Bulgogi. Pan-fry instead of grilling.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, growth, and overall function.
Rich in Heme Iron
The beef in Kalbi provides heme iron, a form of iron that is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron from plants. Iron is crucial for preventing anemia and transporting oxygen in the blood.
Contains B Vitamins
Short ribs are a good source of B vitamins, particularly B12, which is essential for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Flavor from Natural Ingredients
The marinade uses garlic, ginger, and pear, which not only add incredible flavor but also contain beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Kalbi short ribs (around 275g) contains approximately 700-850 calories, primarily from the beef and the sugars in the marinade. This can vary based on the fat content of the meat.