Korean Grilled Flanken Short Ribs are a perfect addition to your summer BBQ. Marinated overnight in a savory blend of Korean pear, soy sauce, and sesame oil, these ribs offer a rich, umami-packed flavor. Grilled to perfection, they’re an easy yet impressive dish that works well as an appetizer, snack, or main meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 lbs beef flanken short ribs
  For the Marinade:

• ½ Korean pear (or Asian pear)

• 1 stalk of green onion

• 2 garlic cloves

• 1-inch piece of ginger

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 3 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp mirin

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp avocado oil

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a blender, combine all the marinade ingredients. Blend until smooth and well-combined.

2. Marinate the Ribs: Place the flanken short ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or container. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse the meat.

3. Grill the Ribs: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the ribs from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the marinade.

4. Grill the ribs for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they are nicely charred and cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Nutrients

These grilled ribs are packed with protein and rich in flavor. Nutritional values will vary based on portion size and grilling technique, but typically, you can expect the following per serving (approximately 4 ribs):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal

• Protein: 25-30g

• Fat: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 12-15g

• Sodium: 600-700mg

What Makes Flanken Short Ribs Special?

Flanken short ribs are a popular cut of beef in Korean cuisine. Unlike traditional short ribs that are cut between the bones, flanken short ribs are cut across the bone, resulting in smaller pieces that allow for more surface area to be seasoned and grilled. This cut of meat has a unique texture, offering both tenderness and chewiness that’s perfect for grilling.

The fat content in flanken short ribs ensures that they stay juicy while grilling, keeping the meat moist and flavorful. The bone-in cut also adds an extra layer of flavor as it releases juices while cooking, which makes each bite a savory delight. This cut of beef is ideal for absorbing marinades, making it a perfect choice for the Korean-style marinade used in this recipe.

The Power of the Marinade: Sweet, Savory, and Aromatic

The marinade is key to the distinct taste of Korean Grilled Flanken Short Ribs. The use of Korean pear (or Asian pear) is what sets this marinade apart from others. Korean pears are known for their crisp texture and natural sweetness, and when blended into the marinade, they help tenderize the meat while adding a subtle fruity flavor that balances the savory components of the sauce. The sweetness of the pear works harmoniously with the saltiness of the soy sauce, creating a flavorful depth that infuses the ribs.

Soy sauce provides the rich, salty umami flavor that gives Korean cuisine its signature taste. Sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic component that enhances the overall flavor profile, making the marinade feel more authentic. The brown sugar contributes a hint of caramelized sweetness, while mirin (a type of sweet rice wine) adds a delicate tang and depth of flavor. Finally, green onion, garlic, and ginger bring freshness and spice to the mix, infusing the marinade with complexity and fragrance.

The combination of these ingredients creates a balanced marinade that works wonders in tenderizing the meat while imparting deep, complex flavors. Marinating the ribs overnight allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness.

Marinating: Patience Pays Off

For the best results, marinate the flanken short ribs for at least 2 hours, although marinating overnight yields the most flavorful and tender results. The extended marination time allows the flavors to fully absorb into the meat, ensuring that each rib is bursting with umami-rich taste.

The marinade process not only infuses the ribs with flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. The natural enzymes in the Korean pear help break down the muscle fibers, making the ribs more tender while also allowing the spices and seasonings to permeate deep into the meat. This process results in a juicy, flavorful rib that will have everyone coming back for more.

Grilling the Ribs: Achieving the Perfect Char

Once the ribs have marinated, the next step is grilling. Grilling imparts a smoky flavor to the meat and creates a beautiful char on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It’s important to preheat the grill to medium-high heat, which ensures that the ribs cook quickly and evenly without drying out.

When grilling flanken short ribs, it’s crucial not to overcrowd the grill. Leave enough space between the ribs to allow for even cooking and proper charring. Grill the ribs for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely charred and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Since these ribs are thin, they cook relatively quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Once the ribs are grilled to perfection, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that every bite remains juicy and flavorful.

Serving Korean Grilled Flanken Short Ribs

These ribs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. They are perfect as an appetizer or snack at a BBQ, where guests can easily grab and enjoy them with their hands. Alternatively, you can serve them as the main dish alongside some traditional Korean sides like kimchi, steamed rice, or pickled vegetables to create a complete meal.

Another great way to serve these ribs is in lettuce wraps. Simply place a grilled rib in a large lettuce leaf, add a few slices of fresh vegetables like cucumber and scallions, and drizzle with some extra soy sauce or Korean BBQ sauce for added flavor. These wraps make for a fun and interactive meal that’s both light and satisfying.

For a more substantial meal, serve the ribs alongside some grilled vegetables, rice, or noodles. The smoky and savory flavors of the ribs pair wonderfully with the lightness of grilled vegetables or the richness of a bowl of steamed rice.

Conclusion

Korean Grilled Flanken Short Ribs are a delicious, umami-packed dish that brings together the best of Korean barbecue flavors in a simple yet impressive way. The combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic elements in the marinade makes the ribs incredibly flavorful and tender. Grilled to perfection, these ribs are the perfect addition to your summer BBQ or any gathering. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or in lettuce wraps, these ribs will be the star of your meal. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, Korean Grilled Flanken Short Ribs are sure to become a favorite for all your grilling occasions.