Charcoal-Grilled Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Sesame Scallion Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy beef short ribs grilled over charcoal and topped with a flavorful sesame scallion sauce that adds a fresh, nutty kick. This korean-inspired grilling ready in about 25 minutes blends pounds flanken-cut beef short ribs, soy sauce, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 pounds flanken-cut beef short ribs to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a charcoal grill until medium-high heat is reached (approx. 450°F) with glowing embers.
  4. Step 4: Place the marinated short ribs on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once, until nicely charred and cooked to medium-rare or desired doneness.
  5. Step 5: While the ribs grill, thinly slice 4 green onions and mix with 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 1 tbsp rice vinegar to create the sesame scallion sauce.
  6. Step 6: Remove the ribs from the grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve topped generously with the sesame scallion sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Sesame Scallion Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Sesame Scallion Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Sesame Scallion Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Sesame Scallion Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Sesame Scallion Sauce?

Korean grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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