Kalbi Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi)
This is an easy way to make Kalbi Korean short ribs. You can also substitute chicken breast or sliced rib-eye for the short ribs. If you use chicken or rib-eye, you must add thinly sliced green onion tops. This can also be broiled in the oven for the same amount of time.
Ingredients:
- 3 - 4 pounds cross-cut beef short ribs (galbi cut) about ⅓ - inch thick
- 1/2 Korean/Asian pear (or 1 apple), grated
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 medium onion, grated
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onion for garnish
Instructions:
For the Ribs
Rinse the ribs to wash off bone dust and remove some blood on the surface. Drain well. Pound the meat lightly with a meat tenderizer. This second part helps tenderize the meat, but you can skip it if you want.
For the Marinade
- Blend the pear (or apple) together with the onion, garlic, and ginger in a mini/regular blender. Mix all the marinade ingredients well in a large bowl or container.
- Add the meat to the marinade and coat each rib with the marinade. Marinate the meat for 6-8 hours (overnight for best results). Flip them over half way through. The thicker the meat, the longer you’ll want to marinate.
Cooking the Ribs
- Grilling: Preheat the grill over medium-high heat. Grill the short ribs, turning only once, 2-3 minutes on each side. You can use charcoal or wood charcoal (soot bul) grill, gas grill or a grill pan over the stove top.
- Broiling in the oven: Set the oven to broil and preheat. Lay the meat in a single layer on a broiling pan and place it on the top rack of the oven, usually about 6 inches below the broiler. Cook until the ribs are slightly charred and caramelized, 5 to 6 minutes. Flip them over and cook for an additional 3 – 4 minutes. Watch closely not to burn them.
- Pan-frying: Preheat a large non-stick pan. Reduce the heat to medium. Lay the short ribs in a single layer, 4 or 5 ribs depending on the size of the pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes. When the pan is getting dry. Add the marinade through a strainer. Flip them over and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until all the sauce is gone and the ribs are nicely browned.