Grilled Korean-Style Short Ribs
Marinated in sweet soy, ginger, and sesame, these sizzling flanken-cut short ribs caramelize fast over direct flame.

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Ingredients
- 3 lbs flanken-cut beef short ribs (about 1/2-inch thick)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Asian pear or sweet apple, grated
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons mirin or rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, grated pear, sesame oil, mirin, garlic, ginger, and half of the green onions.
- 2
Arrange the flanken-cut short ribs in a large shallow dish or zip-top bag, pour the marinade over them, and ensure all surfaces are thoroughly coated.
- 3
Seal and refrigerate the ribs for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, turning the meat occasionally to absorb the marinade evenly.
- 4
Preheat your grill to high direct heat, targeting around 450°F to 500°F, and clean and oil the grates thoroughly.
- 5
Remove the ribs from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off, and discard the leftover marinade.
- 6
Lay the ribs across the hot grates in a single layer and grill undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until deeply charred and caramelized.
- 7
Flip the ribs and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until sizzling, lightly charred on the second side, and cooked through.
- 8
Transfer the grilled ribs to a warm platter, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and remaining green onions, and serve immediately.
Why this recipe works best on a clean grill
A clean grill makes this recipe easier because the grates release food evenly, the heat moves predictably, and old grease does not smoke over the fresh ingredients. When carbon buildup sits on the grate, it can leave bitter flavors, create flare-ups, and make delicate foods stick right when they should sear.
Before cooking, preheat the grill fully, scrape the grate with a bristle-free tool, and lightly oil the surface. If your grill has yellow flames, heavy smoke, stubborn hot spots, or a greasy smell before the food goes on, it may need a deeper cleaning before your next cookout. For more context, read our clean grill benefits guide or request a professional quote from The Grill Guyz.
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