Hawaiian Style Kalbi Short Ribs

kalbi ribs with Korean marinade served with rice and kimchi

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my

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.

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.

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 — puree the garlic, ginger, onion, and Asian pear

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 — grill for 3 minutes

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.

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.

Leave A Review

Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment and a 5 ★ review. Your feedback helps other readers and helps me continue to offer recipes at no cost. Happy Cooking!!

Jump To Comments

Hawaiian Style Kalbi Short Ribs

Kalbi Beef

Kalbi Marinade Ingredients