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Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi)

Costco's flanken-cut beef short ribs are made for Korean BBQ — marinated in a soy-sesame-pear sauce and grilled or broiled until caramelized, tender, and deeply savory.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 min
Servings
4
Cost / Serving
$9.00

Quick Answer

Marinate Costco's flanken-cut short ribs for 30 minutes in soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and grated Asian pear, then grill or broil 3 minutes per side until caramelized. The pear tenderizes the meat. Ready in 30 minutes; serves 4.

Costco sells beef short ribs in the flanken cut — thin cross-cut slices perfect for Korean BBQ (galbi). The marinade is the dish: soy sauce, sesame oil, Asian pear or kiwi (the key tenderizing ingredient), garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. After 4 hours (or overnight), these ribs grill in 3 minutes per side into caramelized, sticky, impossibly tender perfection.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse ribs and pat dry. Score between the bones if needed so the marinade penetrates.

  2. 2

    Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, grated pear (or kiwi), rice vinegar, pepper, and sliced green onions.

  3. 3

    Add ribs to the marinade in a large zip-lock bag or dish. Toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

  4. 4

    Remove ribs from marinade 30 minutes before cooking. Bring to near room temperature.

  5. 5

    Grill method: heat grill to high. Grill ribs 2–3 minutes per side until charred and caramelized. Broiler method: line a baking sheet with foil, place ribs in a single layer, and broil 4 inches from heat for 3–4 minutes per side.

  6. 6

    Rest 2 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve over steamed rice with kimchi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of ribs do I need for Korean BBQ short ribs?+
Korean BBQ short ribs (galbi) require the flanken cut — thin cross-cuts through the bone that give you multiple small bone sections per slice. This is different from the English cut (which slices along the bone). Ask your Costco meat counter for flanken-cut short ribs, or look for them pre-cut in the refrigerator section.
Why is Asian pear or kiwi in the marinade?+
Asian pear and kiwi both contain natural enzymes (bromelain in kiwi, actinidin in pear) that break down meat protein, tenderizing the short ribs significantly. Do not marinate with kiwi for more than 8 hours or the texture can become mushy. Asian pear is more forgiving and can be left overnight.
Can I cook Korean BBQ short ribs in the oven instead of on a grill?+
Yes — broiling is the best oven method and produces results close to grilling. Place marinated ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil 4 inches from the heat for 3–4 minutes per side until charred and caramelized. Watch carefully as they can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
How long should I marinate galbi short ribs?+
Minimum 4 hours, ideally overnight. The marinade needs time to break down the proteins and penetrate the meat. If using kiwi as the tenderizer, cap marinating at 8 hours. Asian pear can be used for up to 24 hours without over-tenderizing.
What do you serve with Korean BBQ short ribs?+
Steamed short-grain rice is essential. Traditional accompaniments include kimchi, japchae (glass noodles), banchan (small side dishes like pickled vegetables and spinach), and lettuce leaves for wrapping. A simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes is an easy pairing.

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