Authentic Korean Kalbi (Grilled Beef Short Ribs) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of beef short ribs, bone-in
  • 1 cup of soy sauce
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup of sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
  • 1 medium onion, grated
  • 6 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 kiwi, peeled and pureed
  • 1 Asian pear, peeled and pureed
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the beef short ribs in a large dish or zip-top bag.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated onion, minced garlic, pureed kiwi, pureed Asian pear, black pepper, and grated ginger.
  3. Pour the marinade over the short ribs, making sure they are completely covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight for better flavor.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  5. Remove the short ribs from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill the ribs for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are nicely charred and cooked to your desired degree of doneness.
  6. Transfer the grilled short ribs to a platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Tools for making

  • Grill - You will need a grill to cook the short ribs.
  • Large dish or zip-top bag - This will be used to marinate the short ribs.
  • Bowl - You will need a bowl to mix the marinade ingredients.
  • Grater - A grater will be needed to grate the onion and ginger.
  • Knife - You will need a knife to mince the garlic, chop the green onions, and peel the kiwi and Asian pear.
  • Blender or food processor - A blender or food processor will be needed to puree the kiwi and Asian pear.
  • Platter - A platter will be used to serve the grilled short ribs.
  • Tongs - Tongs will be helpful for flipping the short ribs on the grill.
  • Toasted sesame seeds - These will be used as a garnish, so you will need a small plate or bowl to hold them.

Recipe variations

  • Use boneless beef ribs instead of bone-in.
  • Try marinating the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a more traditional flavor.
  • Add a kick of spice by including crushed red pepper flakes or gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade.
  • Experiment with different sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or molasses instead of brown sugar.
  • Replace the beef with chicken or pork for a different protein option.
  • Add sliced pineapple or mango to the marinade for a fruity twist.
  • Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to grill alongside the ribs.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh and adjust the grilling time accordingly.

Recipe overview

This delicious Kalbi recipe brings the tastes of Korean BBQ right to your dining table. Kalbi, or Korean BBQ short ribs, are marinated in a rich blend of flavors that include soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and a unique blend of pureed kiwi and Asian pear. These ingredients, combined with the smoky sear from the grill, create a sweet-savory experience that's truly irresistible. Preparing this dish involves an overnight marinade for optimal flavor, followed by a quick grilling. The result is a beautifully charred, tender and juicy beef short ribs that will surely impress your family and guests. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy this authentic Korean delicacy paired with steamed rice and your favorite sides.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe? It is recommended to use beef short ribs for authentic Kalbi flavor. However, you can try using other cuts of beef, such as flanken-style ribs, if beef short ribs are not available.
  2. Can I marinate the beef for a shorter time? While marinating the beef for at least 4 hours is recommended to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, you can marinate for a shorter time if needed. However, the longer the marination time, the more flavorful the final dish will be.
  3. Can I make this recipe without a grill? Absolutely! If you don't have a grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan or broil the short ribs in the oven. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  4. Can I freeze the leftover marinade? It is not recommended to freeze the leftover marinade since it has been in contact with raw meat. However, you can store any unused marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week and use it for future batches of Kalbi.
  5. Can I adjust the sweetness of the marinade? Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of the marinade by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste preference. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect balance of flavors for you.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill - A grill is essential for cooking the beef short ribs to perfection.
  • Tongs - Tongs are helpful for flipping the short ribs on the grill and handling them safely.
  • Platter - A platter is needed to serve and display the grilled short ribs.
  • Chopping Board - You'll need a chopping board to chop the green onions and prepare other ingredients.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary for cutting the green onions and any other required preparation.
  • Grater - A grater is needed to grate the onion and ginger for the marinade.
  • Zip-top Bag - If using a zip-top bag for marinating, it will come in handy for sealing and marinating the short ribs.
  • Bowl - A bowl is necessary for mixing the marinade ingredients together.
  • Basting Brush - A basting brush can be used to brush on the marinade while grilling the short ribs.

Origin stories

Kalbi, also known as Korean BBQ short ribs, is a beloved staple in Korean cuisine. Its origins can be traced back to the Goguryeo era around 37 BC–668 AD, where they would grill meat on a skewer, similar to our modern-day barbecues. What makes Kalbi unique is the use of a sweet and savory marinade that includes ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and sugar, but the real secret lies in the addition of Asian pear or kiwi. These fruits contain enzymes that naturally tenderize the meat, resulting in ribs that are flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth tender. This grilling method has been handed down through generations and it's not just about cooking, but also about bringing people together, reflecting the Korean philosophy of food being a communal experience.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.