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    Home » Recipes » Beef

    Hawaiian Style Kalbi Short Ribs

    Published: Jun 1, 2022 · Modified: Dec 12, 2022 by Laura Reigel · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump To Recipe Comments
    how to make hawaiian style Kalbi short ribs

    Growing up in Hawaii, these grilled Hawaiian-style Kalbi Ribs were a staple at backyard BBQs. These thin-cut ribs soak up the flavorful kalbi marinade and grill up quickly. The flavor is out of this world. Similar to my Braised Korean Short Ribs.

    Let me take you to the Islands with this easy-to-make, easy-to-grill Grilled Short Ribs Recipe. You'll want to serve it with a few Hawaiian side dish recipes like Mac Salad or my Spam Fried Rice.

    grilled korean short ribs

    Kalbi Beef

    Kalbi beef is a style of ribs that originated in Korea. Kalbi or Galbi are both translated as "rib". Kalbi ribs are typically thin-cut ribs cut across the rack of ribs with a saw. You will see them called Hawaiians or Flanken Short ribs.

    Because these ribs are cut across the grain, they are perfect for a marinade because they soak up so much flavor. The cut also transforms this typically very tough cut of meat into beef that can be grilled for very little time and be super tender

    For this recipe, you'll need ➜ 3 pounds of flanken-cut beef short ribs.

    beef rib cuts including american cut beef ribs, english cut short ribs, flanken cut

    Kalbi Marinade Ingredients

    This Kalbi rib marinade has a lot of flavor and is essentially the same recipe I use for making Braised Korean Short Ribs (Galbi Jjim).

    Making this marinade in a food processor is ultra-easy.

    ingredients for braised short ribs
    • garlic cloves
    • fresh ginger
    • Asian pear
    • onion
    • brown sugar
    • sesame oil
    • soy sauce
    • rice wine vinegar
    • black pepper
    • gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
    • sesame seeds

    How to Make Kalbi

    Step 1 - Make the marinade

    food processor with pureed garlic, onion, ginger, and asian pear
    puree the garlic, ginger, onion, and Asian pear
    Korean marinade step of adding brown sugar
    add brown sugar
    Korean marinade step of adding souy sauce
    add soy sauce
    Korean marinade step of adding sesame oil
    add sesame oil
    Korean marinade step of adding rice wine vinegar
    add rice wine vinegar
    Korean marinade step of adding black pepper
    add black pepper

    Step 2 - Marinate the ribs for 1 to 3 days

    Marinating Time

    Marinating these ribs not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat.

    It's best to marinate these ribs overnight, and it's no problem to make them ahead and leave them marinating in the fridge for several days.

    Bring the ribs to room temperature for several hours before cooking

    Step 3 - Grill the ribs on high heat

    add the marinated kalbi ribs to a hot grill
    grill for 3 minutes
    flip them over after 3 minutes
    flip, and grill for 3 more minutes
    grill until they are carmelized
    Yum!!

    Step 4 - Garnish

    Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds.

    kalbi short ribs garnished with green onions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What part of the cow is kalbi?

    Kalbi is cut from the ribs of the cow.

    What cut is kalbi ribs?

    Kalbi ribs are cut across the bone, which is also across the grain. This cross-cut of the grain allows the meat to soak up a lot of flavor from the marinade and also contributes to its tenderness.

    What's the difference between kalbi and galbi?

    What does Korean kalbi taste like?

    These ribs are beefy with lovely soy, ginger, and garlic flavor. There is usually a hint of spiciness from the gochugaru and, of course, that smokey charred Korean BBQ flavor.

    What To Serve With Kalbi Ribs

    All of your favorite Hawaiian sides pair perfectly with grilled Korean ribs. A few of my favorites are; Hawaiian Mac Salad, Hawaiian Coleslaw, and Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad.

    If you're feeling more adventurous, you should try my Cucumber Kimchi Pickles.

    • Hawaiian Coleslaw - Sweet & Savory
    • Pork Fried Rice
    • Smoked Kalua Pork - Authentic Hawaiian Flavor
    • Japanese Beef Curry Recipe - Easy & Delicious

    Hungry For More Grilled Recipes?

    Summer just isn't Summer without all the grilling recipes. Check out our Grilling Page to see all of our drool-worthy grilled recipes.

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    ➽ Did you make this recipe? I love to see what's going on in your kitchen. Please show me what you're cooking. 🍳 Tag me @foodologygeek on your favorite social channel! Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest. If you loved ❤︎ this recipe, please leave a five ★ review and a comment!

    kalbi ribs with Korean marinade served with rice and kimchi
    Favorite Saved!

    Kalbi Ribs

    Laura Reigel
    Grilled Kalbi Ribs are a melt in your mouth explosion of flavor. The marinade for this recipe can be used as a braising liquid to braise English short ribs OR as a pre-grill marinade for Kalbi or Hawaiian style ribs.
    PRINT PIN SAVE SAVED
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 8 mins
    marinating time 1 d
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine Hawaiian, Korean
    Servings 8
    Calories 284 kcal

    Equipment

    • food processor

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 lbs kalbi ribs or Hawaiian ribs

    Marinade for Kalbi Ribs

    • 8 cloves garlic
    • 1 1 inch chunk fresh ginger
    • 1 medium white onion
    • 1 Asian pear
    • ⅓ cup brown sugar
    • ⅓ cup soy sauce or shoyu
    • ⅓ cup rice wine vinegar
    • 2 teapoons sesame oil
    • 2 teaspoons black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon gochugaru or gochujang
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Rinse and pat dry the ribs. Set them aside.
    • Make the marinade: In a food processor fitted with the S-blade. Start the food processor and drop the garlic cloves through the shoot while the processor is running. Repeat with the chopped ginger, chopped onion, and chopped pear.
    • Scrape down the bowl: Then add the brown sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and gochugaru. Mix one more time.
    • Marinate The Ribs: Add the marinade to a shallow dish like a 9 x 13 glass baking pan. Add the marinade, toss to coat, and then cover with plastic wrap. Marinate overnight.
    • Bring the ribs to room temperature: Take the ribs out of the fridge 2 to 3 hours before cooking. Let them warm up a bit before putting them on the grill.
    • To Grill Short Ribs: Preheat the grill to high direct heat. Place the ribs on the grill and grill for 3 minutes. Flip and grill for another 3 minutes.

    Laura's Tips + Notes

    1. Gochugaru: Gochugaru or Gochujang are both variations of Korean chili. gochugaru is a powder and gochujang is a paste. Both can be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores. If you can't find it you can order it online from Amazon. (affiliate links above).
    2. Storage and reheating: Kalbi short ribs are best served fresh off the grill, but leftovers will keep for a couple of days. Transfer cooled kalbi into an airtight container & store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Easily reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

    YOUR OWN NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 3ribsCalories: 284kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 25gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 625mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gCalcium: 33mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword grilling, short ribs
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Snap a 📸 and share it. Tag me @foodologygeek and don't forget to hashtag #foodologygeek!

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    About Laura Reigel

    Laura is the owner and CEO of Foodology Geek. She holds a degree in Physiology and Neuroscience as well as a Certification as a Nutrition Coach. Laura uses her love of cooking and science to create healthy real food recipes that you'll love eating.

    As a certified recipe hoarder, and meal prep maven Laura is passionate about sharing her love for cooking easy from-scratch recipes. She also shares the occasional family recipe and all of the technical details.

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    Hi, I'm Laura! Welcome to Foodology Geek restaurant-inspired recipes & culinary science.

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