Sweet soy-marinated flanken-cut short ribs
Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi)
Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi)
28 minEasy
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
8 min
Total Time
28 min
Servings
4
3 lbs ribs
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Premium
$$$
Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi)
Sweet soy-marinated flanken-cut short ribs
Flanken-cut beef short ribs marinated in a sweet soy-pear sauce and grilled until caramelized. The iconic Korean BBQ dish that melts in your mouth.
20m
Prep Time
8m
Cook Time
28m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Premium $$$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Galbi is the crown jewel of Korean BBQ, where thin-cut short ribs soak in a sweet-savory marinade of soy, pear, and sesame. The pear acts as a natural meat tenderizer for impossibly tender results.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs flanken-cut beef short ribs (1/4 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 Asian pear, grated
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
PrecisionUtility
Test Kitchen Pick
Thermometer
Helpful Tool
Why a thermometer helps here
This is the kind of recipe where doneness changes the result fast. A quick thermometer helps you pull it at the right moment instead of guessing.
The easiest upgrade here is accuracy, not another pan.
- Makes doneness more repeatable
- Helps avoid dry or overcooked protein
If you cook meat or fish regularly, an instant-read thermometer gets used constantly.
Shop thermometer options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Blend soy sauce, brown sugar, grated pear, sesame oil, and garlic until smooth. Pour over ribs in a zip-lock bag.
- 2
Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- 3
Remove ribs from marinade and let excess drip off. Preheat grill to high heat.
- 4
Grill ribs 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and slightly charred.
- 5
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Serve with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, and kimchi.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
Asian pearKiwi or pineapple juice (2 tbsp)
Both contain meat-tenderizing enzymes, but use less—they are stronger
Flanken short ribsThinly sliced rib-eye (bulgogi style)
Different cut but same marinade works beautifully
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Sesame Oil
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the sesame oil matters
A small amount of toasted sesame oil changes the aroma fast. It is one of the easiest ways to make a sauce or dressing taste more complete.
This ingredient adds most of its value in aroma and finish.
- Adds nutty depth with very little effort
- Useful in noodles, dressings, and marinades
Toasted sesame oil is a small bottle that tends to have outsized payoff.
Shop sesame oil for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Ask your butcher to cut short ribs flanken-style (across the bone) about 1/4 inch thick.
Do not overcook—the thin cut goes from perfect to tough quickly. Pull when just caramelized.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Can marinate and freeze raw for 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat on the grill or in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (95mg) · 4 servings
Calories420
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein32g
Carbohydrates28g
Fat12g
Fiber780mg
Sugar0g
Sodium10g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is flanken cut?
- Short ribs cut across the bone into thin strips, exposing cross-sections of 3-4 small bones.
- Can I use English-cut short ribs?
- They are much thicker and better suited for braising, not grilling.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →Some product links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate RecipePool earns from qualifying purchases.
You Might Also Like
Easy
American
Hawaiian Pork Sliders
27 min6 servings
View Recipe
Hawaiian Pork Sliders
27 min•Easy
Gluten-FreeDairy-Free
Medium
Mexican
Jamaican Jerk Pork
45 min6 servings
View Recipe
Jamaican Jerk Pork
45 min•Medium
Gluten-Free
Easy
Mexican
Grilled Fish Tacos
28 min4 servings
View Recipe
Grilled Fish Tacos
28 min•Easy
Gluten-FreeKeto
Medium
BBQ Tri-Tip
45 min6 servings
View Recipe
BBQ Tri-Tip
45 min•Medium
Gluten-FreeKeto
Easy
Grilled Flank Steak
25 min4 servings
View Recipe
Grilled Flank Steak
25 min•Easy
Gluten-FreeKeto
Easy
Mexican
Grilled Skirt Steak
16 min4 servings
View Recipe
Grilled Skirt Steak
16 min•Easy