Flanken style short ribs are a popular cut of beef that are known for their rich, meaty flavor and tender texture. This cut is made by slicing the beef ribs across the bone, resulting in thin strips of meat that are perfect for grilling, braising, or slow cooking. Flanken style short ribs are commonly used in Korean cuisine, where they are marinated and grilled to perfection.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to cook flanken style short ribs to ensure that you achieve the best results.
Firstly, it is important to season the flanken style short ribs with your desired marinade or dry rub. Popular marinades for this cut include a combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. Make sure to marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Next, you can choose to grill or braise the flanken style short ribs. To grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the ribs for approximately 3-4 minutes per side. For a deliciously tender result, braise the ribs by placing them in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 2-3 hours, or until they are fork-tender.
Tip: For extra flavor, you can brush the ribs with additional marinade or barbecue sauce during the cooking process.
Lastly, let the flanken style short ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful bite. Serve the ribs with your choice of side dishes, such as steamed rice and kimchi, to complete the meal.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking flanken style short ribs, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Flanken style short ribs: Flanken style short ribs are beef short ribs that have been cut across the bone, resulting in thin slices with multiple bones. You can find them at your local butcher or grocery store.
– Marinade: The marinade is the key to flavorful flanken style short ribs. You’ll need ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and green onions to make a delicious marinade.
– Vegetables: To accompany your flanken style short ribs, you can prepare some vegetables. Common options include carrots, onions, and potatoes. You can also add some mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
– Seasonings: Besides the marinade, you’ll need some additional seasonings like salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you prefer. These will enhance the flavors of your dish.
– Cooking equipment: Make sure you have a large bowl or a zip-top bag for marinating the ribs. You’ll also need a baking dish or a grill to cook the ribs. If you’re baking them, you might need aluminum foil to cover the dish.
Once you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, you’re all set to start cooking your delicious flanken style short ribs. In the next section, we’ll guide you through the marinating process.
Gather the Necessary Ingredients
Before you start cooking flanken style short ribs, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here is what you will need:
Flanken Style Short Ribs:
– 2 pounds of flanken style short ribs
Marinade:
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce (optional, for extra heat)
Vegetables:
– 2 medium onions, sliced
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Garnish:
– Fresh cilantro, chopped
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. This will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking process. Happy cooking!
Trim the Excess Fat
Before cooking flanken style short ribs, it is important to trim any excess fat from the meat. This will help prevent flare-ups on the grill and ensure that the ribs cook evenly.
To trim the excess fat, start by placing the ribs on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove any large pieces of fat from the edges of the ribs. Trim away any excess fat from between the bones as well.
Make sure to leave a thin layer of fat on the ribs, as this will add flavor and help keep the meat moist during cooking. However, removing excessive fat will prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
After trimming the fat, pat the ribs dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This will help the seasonings adhere to the meat and ensure a more flavorful end result.
Note: If you prefer a leaner cut of meat, you can trim off more of the fat. However, keep in mind that the fat does add flavor and moisture, so it is recommended to leave a thin layer on the ribs.
Marinate the Short Ribs
Marinating the short ribs is an essential step to infuse them with flavor and ensure they are tender and juicy. Here’s how to marinate the short ribs:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds flanken style short ribs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper.
- Place the short ribs in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them.
- Seal the bag tightly and massage the marinade into the ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Marinate the short ribs in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Once marinated, remove the short ribs from the bag and discard the marinade.
Now that the short ribs are marinated, they are ready to be cooked. Marinating allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a delicious and tender dish. Whether you plan to grill, broil, or braise the short ribs, marinating is an essential step for the best results.
Create a Flanken-Style Marinade
To infuse the flanken-style short ribs with delicious flavors, you’ll need to create a marinade. This marinade will not only add taste but also help to tenderize the meat. Here’s a simple recipe for a flavorful flanken-style marinade:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
- Place the flanken-style short ribs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Tip: For even more flavor, you can add additional ingredients like honey, chili flakes, or your favorite herbs and spices to customize the marinade to your taste.
By marinating the flanken-style short ribs in this flavorful mixture, you’ll enhance the taste and tenderness of the meat, creating a dish that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
Coat the Ribs in the Marinade
Once you have prepared the marinade, it’s time to coat the flanken style short ribs. This will help infuse the meat with all the delicious flavors.
You can use a brush or simply use your hands to ensure that all sides of the ribs are coated evenly. Make sure to massage the marinade into the meat to make sure it penetrates thoroughly.
Place the coated ribs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to develop and enhance the taste of the ribs.
Cook the Flanken Short Ribs
Once you have marinated the flanken style short ribs, it’s time to cook them. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Preheat the grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the ribs cook evenly and develop a nice char on the outside.
- Remove the ribs from the marinade: Take the ribs out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. This will prevent flare-ups on the grill.
- Grill the ribs: Place the ribs on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. This will result in medium-rare ribs with a slightly pink center. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness.
- Baste the ribs: About halfway through cooking, you can baste the ribs with additional marinade or your favorite barbecue sauce. This will add extra flavor and moisture to the ribs.
- Rest and serve: Once the ribs are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the ribs even more tender. Serve the ribs hot and enjoy!
Now that you know how to cook flanken style short ribs, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious and flavorful dish. Happy cooking!
FAQ
What are flanken style short ribs?
Flanken style short ribs are a type of beef ribs that are cut across the bone, resulting in thin strips of meat with several short pieces of bone running through them.
Where can I buy flanken style short ribs?
Flanken style short ribs can usually be found at butcher shops or at the meat section of your local grocery store. You may also be able to order them online.
What is the best way to cook flanken style short ribs?
The best way to cook flanken style short ribs is to marinate them first, then grill or broil them over high heat until they are nicely charred on the outside and cooked to your desired level of doneness on the inside.
How long should flanken style short ribs be cooked for?
Flanken style short ribs should be cooked for about 6-8 minutes per side on a hot grill or under the broiler. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the ribs and your desired level of doneness.
What are some marinade options for flanken style short ribs?
There are many marinade options for flanken style short ribs, including classic Korean marinades like bulgogi sauce, soy sauce-based marinades with garlic and ginger, or a tangy barbecue marinade with a combination of sweet and savory ingredients.
What are flanken style short ribs?
Flanken style short ribs are beef ribs that are cut across the bone instead of along the bone. This gives them a unique appearance with multiple layers of meat and a cross-section of bone in each slice.
How do I choose the best flanken style short ribs?
When choosing flanken style short ribs, look for pieces that have a good amount of meat on them and are well marbled with fat. The meat should be bright red and not have any strong odors. Additionally, make sure the ribs are evenly cut and not too thick.