Grilled Lemongrass Korean Short Ribs

For as long as I can remember, Korean beef short ribs have been a crowd pleaser and favorite party food at birthday parties and/or other special occasions! Whenever my parents threw us a party when I was a kid, they made sure our guests were fell fed and bought the best food to treat our guests.  We can always guarantee to have thinly sliced Korean beef short ribs marinated in oyster sauce, lemongrass and other Vietnamese flavors, to be on the menu.  I never complained because I love the tender, rich and fat goodness of the beef short ribs and eating the cartilage around the bone.  I love how the beef soaks up all the amazing umami flavor from the marinade. So flavorful and so good.

The local Costco has been selling packaged USDA Choice thinly sliced beef ribs.  The quality is very good and the meat is not tough and chewy.  I’ve been experimenting with a few different marinades, but my favorite is using this lemongrass marinade, which transports me back to my childhood when my mom and dad use to make this for my birthday parties.  These days, it is me that is marinating and grilling and having them come over to eat for a normal weeknight dinner!  Try this for a delicious weeknight dinner or make in bulk to grill up for your next BBQ.

Ingredients:
5 pounds Korean short ribs
1 cup honey
1 cup lemongrass, finely chopped
12 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup oyster sauce
1/2 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon Vietnamese caramel cooking sauce (optional)

Steps:

Marinate Beef – In an extra-large bowl or bowl large enough to hold the beef, whisk honey, oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, water, sugar, sesame oil, ground black pepper, and Vietnamese caramel cooking sauce together until combined. Add lemongrass and garlic and mix well. Add the Korean short ribs and mix well. Add oil on the top of marinated beef, cover with saran wrap and let the beef marinate at least overnight.

Grill Beef – Set the grill to medium high – high heat. Once the grill is heated, grill the Korean short ribs directly over the open flames for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the beef is completely cooked.  Serve with steamed rice and salad, or any other foods you like to pair up the grilled beef with.

Tips:

• If fire flare-ups occur while grilling, close the lid of the grill to control the flare-up.
• This marinade is excellent for other grilled proteins like chicken and pork.
• If you don’t have caramel cooking sauce, you can substitute it with molasses, thick soy sauce, or you can just leave it out. The caramel cooking sauce gives a darker and bolder color when it is grilled.
• Marinated beef short ribs freeze well.