Grilled Korean-Style Beef Short Ribs with Spicy Gochujang Marinade

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef short ribs marinated in a spicy and savory gochujang sauce, grilled to smoky perfection and served with sesame seeds and scallions. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 22 minutes blends pounds beef short ribs, soy sauce, tablespoons 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 420 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons gochujang, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 2 pounds beef short ribs in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all ribs are coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove ribs from marinade, shaking off excess, and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked to medium-rare to medium.
  4. Step 4: Transfer ribs to a serving platter, sprinkle 3 tablespoons sliced scallions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds over the top, and serve immediately with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Korean-Style Beef Short Ribs with Spicy Gochujang Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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.

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