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Hawaiian-Style Kalbi Grilled Beef Short Ribs

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Kalbi ribs are a local favorite in Hawaii. They are sometimes referred to as Korean Beef Short Ribs. Introduced to the islands by the Koreans, it is loved by locals and visitors alike. A great Summer Grilling Recipe.

Hawaiian-Style Kalbi Grilled Beef Short Ribs on a white plate on top of white rice with cabbage.

Last summer, while visiting my local meat market, I noticed they had “short ribs” for sale. I was intrigued and purchased several pounds of the meat. I’d had Hawaiian-Style Beef Short Ribs before and knew how tasty they are, especially when grilled! They’re finger licking good.

The Kalbi marinade for this dish is all about flavor! Using simple ingredients found in your pantry you can create this fantastic sauce! You will need to marinade these ribs for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors in the marinade to soak into the meat and help tenderize the beef.

Korean-Style beef short ribs, are nothing more than “Flanken Steak”, that is cut lengthwise across the bone. They grill quickly and make for a spectacular presentation for your summer grilling!

How to Make Kalbi (Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs)

List of Ingredients to make Grilled Korean Beef Short Ribs

  • 2 pounds Korean style beef short ribs
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 3/4 C Soy Sauce
  • 3/4 C Dark Brown Sugar
  • 3 tbsp White Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ginger paste (optional)
  • 3/4 C Pepsi or 7-up, or water

How to make Kalbi Marinade

In a large bowl combine onions, soy sauce, brown sugar, white vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, black pepper, ginger paste (optional) and Pepsi, 7-up or water. Whisk ingredients together until well combined.

Kalbi Marinade with whisk in a large marinade container.

Marinating the Korean Beef Short Ribs

Transfer beef into a large sealable freezer bag (you may need 2), or a large container with a lid.

Add marinade, if using a bag, press out excess air from bags, and seal. Turn bag over several times to ensure beef is evenly coated. If using a marinading container, place the lid on top and seal, make sure to “burp” the lid. Then shake the container a few times to make sure the beef is well coated.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. (Why does “resting” in a tub of marinade sound heavenly??!)

Adding beef ribs into marinade bowl.

How to Grill Hawaiian-Style Korean Beef Short Ribs

Heat gas or charcoal grill to medium-hot. Drain excess marinade off beef. Place ribs on hot pre-heated grill.

Korean Short Ribs on Grill cooking.

Grill short ribs, turning once to desired doneness, about 3–4 minutes per side. I love how quickly these ribs cook! Means they’ll be in my tummy sooner! Goals!!!

Grilling Short Ribs on the BBQ.

Remove ribs from the grill. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. If desired.

You can serve these whole or cut into smaller pieces, for a starter or party appetizer.

I love serving them whole on a bed of steamed white rice. This scrumptious Korean Beef short rib recipe pairs together well with my Traditional Hawaiian Macaroni Salad and grilled pineapple!

Don’t they look amazing! A great summer grill recipe that your family is sure to love. It’s like a tropical vacation without leaving home! (Okay…kind of like that!)

Hawaiian-Style Beef Short Ribs on a bed rice.

Other Favorite Grilling Recipes

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Enjoy this delicious tropical dish!

Happy Nesting!

Photo of Norine from Norine's Nest and Signature.
Yield: 6

Hawaiian-Style Kalbi Grilled Beef Short Ribs

Hawaiian Style Short Ribs on a plate with rice and onion garnihs.

Kalbi ribs are a local favorite in Hawaii. They are also sometimes referred to as Korean Beef Short Ribs. Introduced to the islands by the Koreans, it is loved by locals and visitors alike.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Additional Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 18 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Korean style beef short ribs
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 3/4 C Soy Sauce
  • 3/4 C Dark Brown Sugar
  • 3 tbsp White Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ginger paste (optional)
  • 3/4 C Pepsi or 7-up, or water

Instructions

  1. Set ribs aside on a plate for 10 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together all the remaining ingredients. Transfer beef into a large sealable freezer bag (you may need 2). Add marinade, press out excess air from bags, and seal. Turn bag over several times to ensure beef is evenly coated. You can also place the ribs in a large container with a lid.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours but preferable overnight.
  3. Heat gas or charcoal grill to medium-hot. Drain excess marinade off beef. Grill short ribs, turning once, to desired doneness, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, if desired. Serve whole pieces as a main course or cut into smaller pieces, for an appetizer.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 525Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 3158mgCarbohydrates: 57gFiber: 1gSugar: 50gProtein: 24g

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