Korean Charcoal-Grilled Galbi Short Ribs with Sesame-Garlic Marinade

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

Juicy Korean-style short ribs marinated in a savory sesame-garlic sauce and grilled over charcoal for a smoky, caramelized finish. This korean-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 30 minutes blends beef short ribs (flanken cut), 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 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 chopped scallions, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 1/2 grated Asian pear. Stir to blend the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs flanken cut beef short ribs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Prepare a charcoal or hardwood grill for medium-high heat, allowing coals to ash over and produce smoke.
  4. Step 4: Remove ribs from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill ribs over direct heat for 3-4 minutes per side until edges are caramelized and meat is cooked to medium.
  5. Step 5: Transfer ribs to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean Charcoal-Grilled Galbi Short Ribs with Sesame-Garlic Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Korean Charcoal-Grilled Galbi 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 Korean Charcoal-Grilled Galbi 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 Korean Charcoal-Grilled Galbi 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 Korean Charcoal-Grilled Galbi 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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