Smoky Korean Galbi Ribs with Blackberry Bourbon Glaze
Tender beef short ribs marinated in a savory Korean-style sauce, grilled over smoky coals, and finished with a rich blackberry bourbon glaze. This korean-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs pounds beef short ribs, soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 3 pounds beef short ribs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup blackberry jam
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp grated ginger, 2 tbsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp black pepper. Add 3 pounds beef short ribs, coating thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 2: Prepare the blackberry bourbon glaze by mixing 1/2 cup blackberry jam, 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until thickened and syrupy; remove from heat.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F. Remove ribs from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill ribs for 5-7 minutes per side, turning once, until charred edges appear and meat is cooked through.
- Step 4: During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush ribs generously with the blackberry bourbon glaze on all sides. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow glaze to set.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Korean Galbi Ribs with Blackberry Bourbon Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Smoky Korean Galbi Ribs with Blackberry Bourbon Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds beef short ribs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Korean Galbi Ribs with Blackberry Bourbon Glaze?
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 Smoky Korean Galbi Ribs with Blackberry Bourbon Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Smoky Korean Galbi Ribs with Blackberry Bourbon Glaze?
Korean grilling 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.