Smoked, Korean Short Ribs

These smoked Korean BBQ short ribs are infused with savory-sweet flavors from a gochujang marinade and a touch of smoke from the pellet grill. The gochujang (Korean chili paste) adds a subtle spicy depth, while the pellet grill’s slow smoke creates tender, flavorful ribs with a deliciously caramelized exterior.

Ingredients

• Beef Short Ribs: 2-3 pounds

For the Marinade:

• Soy Sauce: ½ cup

• Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): 2 tbsp

• Brown Sugar: 2 tbsp

• Honey: 2 tbsp

• Sesame Oil: 2 tbsp

• Rice Vinegar: 1 tbsp

• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced

• Ginger: 1 tbsp, grated

• Green Onions: 3, chopped

• Black Pepper: 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

   • In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, and black pepper until well combined.

2. Marinate the Ribs

   • Place the short ribs in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure each rib is fully coated.

   • Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, for best results, overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.

3. Preheat the Pellet Grill

   • Set your pellet grill to 250°F and allow it to preheat with the lid closed for about 10-15 minutes. For a rich, smoky flavor, use wood pellets like hickory or cherry.

4. Smoke the Short Ribs

   • Remove the ribs from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the ribs directly on the grill grates, with space between each rib to ensure even smoke penetration.

   • Close the lid and smoke at 250°F for 3-4 hours, or until the ribs are tender and have a rich, smoky flavor. You can baste the ribs with leftover marinade every hour for extra flavor and moisture.

5. Caramelize

   • Increase the heat to 350°F in the last 10-15 minutes. This will create a sticky, flavorful crust on the ribs.

6. Serve

   • Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.

   • Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh pop of flavor.

7. Enjoy

   • Serve the smoked Korean BBQ short ribs hot, with sides like steamed rice, kimchi, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips

• Control Spice: Adjust the amount of gochujang to your preferred spice level. Adding more will give a stronger, spicier flavor.

These smoked Korean BBQ short ribs bring together the best of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors for a deliciously tender and unforgettable dish!