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Flavorful Grilled Korean BBQ Short Ribs Kalbi Recipe with Easy Sesame Cucumber Slaw

korean bbq short ribs kalbi - featured image
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A delicious Korean BBQ short ribs recipe featuring a sweet and savory marinade with a hint of smoky depth, paired with a crisp, refreshing sesame cucumber slaw that balances the richness perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 g) flanken-cut beef short ribs (thinly sliced)
  • 1 Asian pear, peeled and grated (or ripe Bosc pear/apple as substitute)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce (Kikkoman recommended)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) brown sugar, packed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon mirin or rice wine (optional)
  • 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced or julienned
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Optional: thinly sliced red chili or chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by combining grated Asian pear, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, sliced green onions, black pepper, and mirin (if using) in a large bowl. Mix until sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).
  2. Add the flanken-cut short ribs to the marinade, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, ideally overnight.
  3. Prepare the sesame cucumber slaw by thinly slicing or julienning cucumbers. In a separate bowl, whisk toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until sugar dissolves. Toss cucumbers in dressing and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
  5. Remove ribs from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill ribs for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and slightly charred (total 8-10 minutes).
  6. Transfer ribs to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with chilled sesame cucumber slaw.
  7. Optional: Boil leftover marinade for a few minutes and drizzle over cooked ribs for extra flavor.

Notes

Marinate ribs at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor and tenderness. Use toasted sesame oil for best flavor. Thinly slice cucumbers and drain excess moisture to avoid sogginess. Rest ribs after grilling to retain juices. Leftover marinade can be boiled and used as sauce. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Optional spicy kick by adding gochujang to marinade or chili flakes to slaw.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean BBQ, kalbi, short ribs, grilled ribs, sesame cucumber slaw, Korean marinade, BBQ recipe, easy Korean recipe

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/flavorful-grilled-korean-bbq-short-ribs-kalbi-recipe-with-easy-sesame-cucumber-slaw/