Grilled Korean-Style Beef Short Ribs with Gochujang Marinade
Tender beef short ribs marinated in a spicy-sweet Korean gochujang sauce and grilled to smoky perfection for a flavorful dinner. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends beef short ribs, flanken cut, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce 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 480 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef short ribs, flanken cut
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 3 stalks, sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp gochujang, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 2: Place 2 lbs flanken-cut beef short ribs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring all pieces are coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Remove ribs from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Step 4: Grill the ribs for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked to desired doneness.
- Step 5: Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Korean-Style Beef Short Ribs with Gochujang Marinade 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 Grilled Korean-Style Beef Short Ribs with Gochujang Marinade?
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 Grilled Korean-Style Beef Short Ribs with Gochujang Marinade?
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 Grilled Korean-Style Beef Short Ribs with Gochujang Marinade 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 Grilled Korean-Style Beef Short Ribs with Gochujang Marinade?
Korean beef 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.