Grilled Korean-Style Short Ribs with Sesame-Garlic Marinade
Tender short ribs marinated in a savory blend of soy, garlic, and sesame, grilled to caramelized perfection with a smoky char. This korean-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 20 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
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 3 sliced green onions, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Place 2 lbs flanken-cut beef short ribs in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the ribs. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove ribs from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Step 4: Grill ribs for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked to desired doneness.
- Step 5: Transfer ribs to a platter, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing between bones to serve.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Korean-Style Short Ribs with Sesame-Garlic Marinade take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Short Ribs with Sesame-Garlic 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 Short Ribs with Sesame-Garlic 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 Short Ribs with Sesame-Garlic 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 Short Ribs with Sesame-Garlic Marinade?
Korean bbq & smoked 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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