Korean Beef Short Ribs Recipe | BBQ Dry Rub

Korean beef short ribs are one of the most impressive dishes you can make on the BBQ. The Korean BBQ Rub — with gochugaru, sesame, and garlic — gives the meat a layer of sweet, spicy, and umami that you'll crave with every bite. Slow-cooked until the meat falls off the bone.

What do you need?

  • 1.5 kg beef short ribs (English cut or flanken cut)
  • 40–50g Korean BBQ Rub
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • BBQ or oven
  • Butcher paper or aluminum foil
  • Meat thermometer

Preparation

Mix the Korean BBQ Rub with sesame oil and soy sauce to form a marinade. Rub this generously over the short ribs and let marinate for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator — overnight gives the deepest flavor.

Preparation on the BBQ (low & slow)

  1. Heat the BBQ to indirect heat: 120–130°C.
  2. Place the short ribs with the fat side up on the grate.
  3. Smoke for 3–4 hours without opening. Use cherry wood or apple wood for a mild smoky flavor.
  4. Wrap the ribs in butcher paper when the core temperature reaches 70°C.
  5. Continue cooking until a core temperature of 93–95°C — another 1–2 hours.
  6. Let rest for 20–30 minutes before serving.

Preparation in the oven

  1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (convection).
  2. Place the short ribs in an oven dish and add a splash of water.
  3. Cover with foil and cook for 3–4 hours until the meat is tender.
  4. Remove the foil and set the oven to 220°C for 15–20 minutes for a crispy bark.

Tips for perfect short ribs

  • English cut (thick) is ideal for low & slow — flanken cut (thin) is better for direct grilling
  • Sesame oil in the marinade greatly enhances the Korean notes
  • Let the meat rest well — the juices will redistribute
  • Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and spring onion for an authentic presentation

Serving

Serve with steamed rice, kimchi, and grilled vegetables. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced spring onion.

→ Order the Korean BBQ Rub
→ Also check out the Korean Chicken Wings Recipe
→ All about Korean BBQ Rub — flavor profile & tips
→ Discover more flavors with the Starter Pack

Want to learn more about BBQ techniques?

→ What is low & slow BBQ? The basics explained
→ How to make a perfect bark?
→ The stall — what is it and what do you do with it?
→ Core temperatures for BBQ — complete overview
→ Which smoking wood do you use? Hickory, apple, cherry, and mesquite explained