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Authentic Korean BBQ Recipe Kalbi: Sweet and Savory Short Ribs

Kalbi is a traditional Korean BBQ beef short rib dish marinated in a sweet soy mixture with garlic and green onion, grilled to caramelized perfection. This recipe creates the authentic flavor you'd find at the best Korean restaurants, with beautifully tender meat and a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 1096
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds beef short ribs cut flanken style (across the bones)
  • 3/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup rice wine or mirin
  • 1 small Asian pear peeled and grated (or apple as substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 green onions finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Begin by preparing the beef short ribs. If necessary, rinse the ribs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, grated Asian pear, sesame oil, minced garlic, green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until sugar is dissolved.
  3. Place the short ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure all ribs are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight (up to 24 hours for maximum flavor).
  4. Turn the ribs occasionally throughout the marinating process to ensure even flavor distribution.
  5. When ready to cook, remove the ribs from refrigeration and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F).
  7. Remove the ribs from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off (do not discard marinade yet).
  8. Grill the ribs for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare to medium doneness. The short cooking time is key for maintaining tenderness.
  9. Optional: While grilling, brush the ribs with a little reserved marinade for the first few minutes of cooking (discard any remaining marinade afterward).
  10. Once cooked to desired doneness, transfer to a serving plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
  11. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 1096kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 36gFat: 86gSaturated Fat: 36gCholesterol: 172mgSodium: 2831mgFiber: 1gSugar: 41g
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