Grilled Korean-Style Beef Short Ribs with Sesame and Scallion Marinade
Tender beef short ribs marinated in a savory sesame-soy sauce with scallions and garlic, grilled to perfection for a classic Korean BBQ flavor. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends 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 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 flanken-cut beef short ribs
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 4, finely chopped scallions
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 4 finely chopped scallions, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 2 lbs flanken-cut beef short ribs to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the ribs from the marinade and grill for about 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked to medium doneness.
- Step 4: Transfer ribs to a serving platter and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Korean-Style Beef Short Ribs with Sesame and Scallion 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 Sesame and Scallion 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 Sesame and Scallion 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 Sesame and Scallion 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 Sesame and Scallion 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.