Korean Barbecue Ribs

Father’s day is coming up and what a better way to celebrate this special day than to have a barbecue with your loved ones. The weather has been nice and warm here in Vancouver so we have started using our charcoal grill about two weeks ago. We usually grill pork, beef short ribs and eggplant. Pork barbecue has been my family’s favorite ever since we were in the Philippines while Korean style barbecue ribs was a recent addition. The first time I tried this Korean barbecue ribs recipe was at my sister’s house. It was so good, I asked for the recipe so I can make it at home. My sister got the recipe from her Korean neighbor who served them these tasty barbecue ribs when they were invited to their house. In this recipe, the beef short ribs are marinated overnight in a thick mixture of sugar, soy sauce, onion powder, chopped green onions, garlic, black pepper and sesame oil. The onion powder gives this barbecue ribs its strong and distinct smell and taste. My family loves them so much, summertime barbecue is not complete without Korean barbecue ribs.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Korean Barbecue Ribs

To achieve the best flavor and tenderness with your Korean barbecue ribs, start by choosing quality beef short ribs. Look for meat with good marbling, as this fat will melt during cooking and keep the ribs juicy. Marinating overnight is crucial. The longer the meat sits in the marinade, the more it absorbs those rich flavors. If you can, let it marinate for 24 hours. When it comes time to grill, make sure your grill is preheated. A hot grill helps to sear the meat, locking in juices and creating that delicious char. Avoid flipping the ribs too often; let them cook on one side until they release easily from the grill grates. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a few wood chips to the charcoal. This will infuse a smoky taste that complements the sweet and savory marinade beautifully. Lastly, let the ribs rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and packed with flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Korean barbecue ribs are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate your meal. A classic side is kimchi, which adds a spicy and tangy contrast to the sweet ribs. You can also serve a simple salad of cucumber and radish tossed in sesame oil and vinegar for a refreshing crunch. If you want something heartier, try serving the ribs with steamed rice or fried rice, which can soak up all those tasty juices. For a fun twist, make lettuce wraps. Just take a piece of lettuce, add a slice of rib, a dollop of rice, and a spoonful of gochujang sauce for a burst of flavor. As for drinks, a cold beer pairs well with the richness of the ribs. For a non-alcoholic option, try a refreshing iced tea or a fruit soda. Finish off the meal with a light dessert like sorbet or fruit salad to cleanse the palate after the savory feast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for beef short ribs?

If you can’t find beef short ribs, try using pork ribs or even chicken thighs. Both will work well with the marinade, but keep in mind that the cooking times may vary.

How should I store leftover Korean barbecue ribs?

Once they’re cooled down, store the ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months if you want to save them for later.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before you use it to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.

What side dishes go well with Korean barbecue ribs?

Korean barbecue ribs pair perfectly with rice, kimchi, or a fresh cucumber salad. You can also serve them with grilled vegetables to balance out the richness of the ribs.

What are common mistakes to avoid when making these ribs?

One common mistake is not marinating the ribs long enough. For the best flavor, aim for at least 12 hours, but 24 hours is even better. Also, make sure your grill is preheated to get those nice grill marks.

Korean Barbecue Ribs

Liza A

Korean barbecue ribs are tender, juicy beef short ribs coated in a sweet and savory marinade. The bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture will have everyone coming back for more.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Korean

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs beef short ribs
• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup onion powder
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, combine all ingredients except short ribs.
• Spread each piece of rib with the thick marinade and place in a shallow dish.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• Grill on medium heat until cooked, turning every few minutes on each side.
• Enjoy!

Notes

Update:
You can enjoy these delicious ribs even during winter time by baking in preheated 350 degree F oven for 50 minutes, turning once midway through the cooking time.

Nutrition

Serving: 4g

Keyword barbecue, beef, grilled, Korean cuisine, ribs

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