Spice-Rubbed Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled beef short ribs coated with a spicy Korean-inspired dry rub that caramelizes beautifully over the grill. This korean-inspired grilling ready in about 20 minutes pairs pounds beef short ribs, flanken cut, brown sugar, gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp gochugaru, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp ginger powder, 1 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt to make the spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 pounds flanken-cut beef short ribs and rub both sides evenly with 1 tbsp sesame oil, then generously coat them with the spice rub, pressing lightly to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to high heat, about 450°F, ensuring the grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until nicely charred with caramelized edges but still juicy inside (internal temp around 135°F for medium rare).
  5. Step 5: Transfer ribs to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice between the bones and sprinkle with 2 tbsp sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spice-Rubbed Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Spice-Rubbed Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs?

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 brown sugar from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spice-Rubbed Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs?

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 Spice-Rubbed Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs 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 Spice-Rubbed Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs?

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.

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