Ultimate Korean BBQ Kalbi (Grilled Beef Short Ribs)
Indulge in the sublime flavors of this Ultimate Korean BBQ Kalbi, a delicious fusion of sweet and savory that transcends traditional grilled meats. This recipe transforms beef short ribs into a tender, mouthwatering experience, capturing the essence of Korean cuisine while appealing to American tastes. Perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners, Kalbi is a dish that brings family together, inviting laughter and joy around the table. The marinade, combining garlic, sesame oil, and fresh onions, infuses the meat with unforgettable flavor. You can easily customize the sweetness to your liking, using honey or fruit juice, and throw in some spice for an extra kick! Serve it with fluffy rice and a colorful array of side dishes for the ultimate Korean feast. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its rich flavors but also in its versatility, making it easy to enjoy at home without the high price of dining out.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef short ribs (Flanken style or Korean style)
3 lbs (Rinse and soak in water for 10 minutes)
sugar
1 cup (Dissolve in marinade)
water
1 cup (Mix into the marinade)
soy sauce
1 cup (Combine with other marinade ingredients)
sesame oil
2 tablespoons (Add to marinade and mix well)
yellow onion
1 (Halved and sliced)
garlic cloves
4 (Minced)
toasted sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (Mix into marinade)
scallions
2 (Chopped)
red leaf lettuce
1 head (Washed (optional for serving))
scallions
3 (Sliced lengthwise (optional for serving))
red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon (Mix into scallion mixture (optional))
sesame oil
1 tablespoon (Mix into scallion mixture (optional))
hot bean paste or chili paste
1/4 cup (For serving (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the beef short ribs under cold water to remove any loose bone fragments. Then, soak the ribs in water for about 10 minutes to help drain out excess blood. You can use any suitable container for soaking.
2
In a large bowl or the chosen marinating container, mix together the sugar, water, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir in the sliced onions, minced garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped scallions until well combined. Let the sugar dissolve, even if completely is not achievable.
3
Place the short ribs into the marinade, ensuring that the onion slices are distributed throughout. Submerge the meat as best as you can. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, try to allow it to marinate overnight.
4
Prepare your grill by lining it with foil and poking holes in the foil to allow for proper heat flow. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5
Remove the marinated short ribs from the refrigerator, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Grill each side for approximately 5-7 minutes until they reach medium-well doneness, and the meat shows some charred edges, signifying optimal flavor.
6
To serve, pair the grilled ribs with cooked rice. For an authentic Korean BBQ experience, wash and separate whole red lettuce leaves to act as wraps. Create a scallion mixture by tossing thinly sliced scallions with sesame oil and red pepper flakes. Serve the beef, cut into small pieces, alongside spicy bean paste or chili paste, allowing guests to create their own delicious wraps with the lettuce, scallion mixture, and spicy sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Korean BBQ Kalbi?
It is a delicious fusion of sweet and savory grilled beef short ribs that captures the essence of Korean cuisine.
What cut of beef is used for Kalbi?
This recipe uses 3 lbs of beef short ribs, specifically Flanken style or Korean style cuts.
How do I prepare the ribs before marinating?
Rinse the beef short ribs under cold water to remove loose bone fragments and soak them in water for 10 minutes to drain excess blood.
What are the primary liquid ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of 1 cup of water, 1 cup of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.
How much sugar is required for the Kalbi marinade?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar to provide its signature sweetness.
What aromatics are added to the marinade?
The recipe includes a halved and sliced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 chopped scallions.
Are there any seeds in the marinade?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds are mixed into the marinade.
How long should the meat marinate?
The meat should marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How do I prepare the grill for Kalbi?
Line the grill with foil and poke holes in the foil to allow for proper heat flow.
How long do the ribs need to be grilled?
Grill each side for approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
What level of doneness is ideal for Kalbi?
The ribs should reach medium-well doneness with some charred edges for optimal flavor.
Should I remove the marinade before grilling?
You should allow any excess marinade to drip off the short ribs before placing them on the grill.
What is the best way to serve Kalbi?
Serve the grilled ribs with cooked rice and red leaf lettuce to create wraps.
How do I prepare the lettuce for serving?
Wash and separate whole red leaf lettuce leaves to act as the wrap vessel.
What goes into the optional scallion mixture?
Thinly slice 3 scallions lengthwise and toss them with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes.
What sauces are recommended for serving?
Serve the beef alongside spicy bean paste or chili paste for dipping or adding to wraps.
Can I customize the sweetness of the recipe?
Yes, you can easily adjust the sweetness using honey or fruit juice instead of sugar.
How can I make the Kalbi spicy?
You can throw in some extra spice or red pepper flakes into the marinade for an extra kick.
Is it necessary to soak the ribs in water?
Yes, soaking for 10 minutes helps remove excess blood and ensures a cleaner flavor.
What do the charred edges signify?
Charred edges signify optimal flavor and the caramelization of the sugar in the marinade.
Can I marinate the meat at room temperature?
No, you should cover and marinate the meat in the refrigerator to ensure food safety.
How many scallions are needed in total?
The recipe uses 2 chopped scallions for the marinade and 3 sliced scallions for the optional serving mixture.
What type of onion is used?
The recipe specifies using one yellow onion, halved and sliced.
Can I use this recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is designed to be versatile enough for both special occasions and easy weeknight meals.
Do I need to dissolve the sugar completely?
You should stir the marinade until the sugar dissolves, though the recipe notes it is okay if it is not completely dissolved.
How should the beef be cut for lettuce wraps?
The beef should be cut into small pieces to make it easier to wrap in the lettuce leaves.
What is the benefit of making Kalbi at home?
Making it at home allows you to enjoy rich flavors without the high price of dining out at a restaurant.
Is the foil on the grill mandatory?
While not strictly mandatory, lining the grill with foil helps manage the sugar-rich marinade and makes cleanup easier.
What gives the dish its authentic Korean flavor?
The combination of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, garlic, and scallions provides the authentic flavor profile.