Korean Grilled Short Ribs for a Charcoal Grill—Kalbi
At Korean barbecue restaurants, kalbi is traditionally grilled in just minutes right at the table. Our version makes use of a charcoal grill for similarly tender, flavorful results.
A cookbook recipe exclusively for ATK Essential members from Master of the GrillGather Your Ingredients
Key Equipment
Before You Begin
If pressed for time, a 1-hour marinade will provide sufficient flavor, but it will not tenderize the meat as well as a longer marinade. Make sure to buy English-style ribs that have at least 1 inch of meat on top of the bone, avoiding ones that have little meat and large bones. Two pounds of boneless short ribs at least 4 inches long and 1 inch thick can be used instead of bone-in ribs. Alternatively, 2 1/2 pounds of thinly sliced Korean-style ribs can be used (no butchering is required; see modified instructions in step 5). For a spicier marinade, add 1/2 teaspoon or more hot red pepper flakes. Serve with steamed rice, kimchi, and gochujang. Traditionally, all these ingredients are wrapped in a lettuce leaf and eaten by hand.
Instructions
1.
Process pear, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oil, sugar, and vinegar in food processor until smooth, 20 to 30 seconds, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Transfer to medium bowl and stir in scallions.
2.
Spread one-third of marinade in 13 by 9-inch pan or other suitable container that will hold ribs in 2 layers. Place half of meat in single layer over marinade. Pour half of remaining marinade over meat, followed by remaining meat and marinade. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator. Marinate ribs for at least 4 hours and up to 12 hours, turning meat once or twice to ensure that it marinates evenly.
3.
Light large chimney starter filled two-thirds with charcoal (4 quarts, or about 65 briquettes) and allow to burn until coals are fully ignited and partially covered with thin layer of ash, 15 to 20 minutes. Build modified two-level fire by arranging coals to cover half of grill. Position grill grate over coals, cover grill, and heat grate until hot, about 5 minutes; scrape grate clean with grill brush. Lightly dip wad of paper towels in oil; holding wad with tongs, wipe grill grate.
4.
Grill half of meat directly over coals, turning 3 or 4 times, until well browned on both sides, 7 to 12 minutes. If flare-ups occur, move meat to cooler side of grill until flames die down. Move first batch of meat to cooler side of grill and repeat browning with second batch. Transfer second batch of meat to platter. Return first batch of meat to hot side of grill and warm for 30 seconds; transfer to platter and serve immediately.
5.
For Korean-Style Ribs: Korean-style ribs are fattier than English-style ribs, so watch for flare-ups at the grill. Follow recipe above, substituting 2 1/2 pounds Korean-style beef short ribs that are trimmed of excess fat and cut no more than 1/4 inch thick. Reduce amount of charcoal to 3 quarts.
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