Flanken Beef Short Ribs
Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, these grilled flanken-style beef short ribs are marinated in an authentic savory-sweet Korean sauce and cooked to perfection in minutes. An absolute crowd-pleaser for any barbecue or weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Marinade
- b.In a blender or food processor, combine the low sodium soy sauce, chopped Asian pear, packed brown sugar, mirin, toasted sesame oil, garlic cloves, ginger, and black pepper.
- c.Blend on high for 60-90 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and the sugar has dissolved. This ensures the flavors penetrate the meat evenly.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Short Ribs
- b.Place the flanken-cut short ribs in a large, non-reactive bowl, glass baking dish, or a large resealable plastic bag.
- c.Pour the blended marinade over the ribs, turning each piece to ensure it is fully coated.
- d.Cover the dish or seal the bag, pressing out any excess air. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours) for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Grill
- b.About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the ribs from the refrigerator to allow them to come closer to room temperature.
- c.Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to a high heat, aiming for 450-500°F (230-260°C).
- d.Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a wire brush. Use tongs to wipe the grates with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Grill the Ribs
- b.Remove the ribs from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- c.Place the ribs on the hot grill in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- d.Grill for 2-4 minutes per side. The sugar in the marinade will create a beautiful char quickly, so watch them closely to prevent burning.
- e.The ribs are done when they have a deep, caramelized crust and are cooked through.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Transfer the cooked ribs from the grill to a clean platter or cutting board.
- c.Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.
- d.Garnish generously with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice and kimchi.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender results, marinate the ribs overnight. The enzymes in the Asian pear work to break down the meat fibers.
- 2Using a blender for the marinade creates a smooth consistency that adheres better to the meat.
- 3High, direct heat is crucial for getting a perfect char without overcooking the thin ribs.
- 4Stay by the grill! The marinade's sugar content means the ribs can go from perfectly charred to burnt in a matter of seconds.
- 5Let the ribs come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Version
Add 1-2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Oven Broiler MethodOven-Broiler Method
If you don't have a grill, you can cook these under the broiler. Place marinated ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil on high for 3-5 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Different FruitDifferent Fruit
If you can't find an Asian pear, you can substitute with a Bosc pear or a kiwi. Note that kiwi is a very powerful tenderizer, so reduce marination time to 2-3 hours.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef short ribs are packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Iron and B12
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps prevent anemia. It's also a great source of Vitamin B12, crucial for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Flavorful and Aromatic Spices
The marinade includes garlic and ginger, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially boosting the immune system and aiding digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Flanken-cut is a style of cutting beef short ribs where the ribs are cut across the bone into thin strips, typically about 1/2-inch thick. This cut is popular in Korean cuisine for grilling (as in LA Galbi) because it cooks quickly and absorbs marinade well.