Easy Flanken Short Ribs Recipe

Introduction: Flanken Short Ribs Made Easy and Delicious

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering, juicy, fall-off-the-bone cut of beef that’s bursting with flavor and surprisingly simple to prepare, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through an easy flanken short ribs recipe that delivers gourmet-level results with minimal effort.

Flanken short ribs are incredibly versatile and can be grilled, roasted, braised, or slow-cooked — making them a dream come true for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or backyard BBQs. And the best part? This easy flanken short ribs recipe will have you feeling like a pro, even if you’re new to cooking this underrated cut.

Let’s dive into what makes flanken ribs special, how to prep and cook them to perfection, and why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

What Are Flanken Short Ribs?

The term “flanken” refers to a specific cut of beef short ribs. Instead of being cut between the bones (like traditional English-style short ribs), flanken short ribs are sliced across the bone, so each piece contains multiple small cross-sections of rib bone, along with rich, marbled meat.

This thin slicing method (usually about ½ inch thick) is common in Korean and Jewish cuisine and is ideal for fast cooking methods like grilling or broiling. The marbling in the meat gives it an incredibly tender texture when cooked right — and trust us, this easy flanken short ribs recipe nails it every time.

Flanken vs. English-Cut Short Ribs: What’s the Difference?

Let’s clear up some confusion. While both cuts come from the same area (the short plate of the cow), how they are sliced changes everything.

• Flanken-Cut Short Ribs: Sliced across the bone into thin strips, ideal for grilling or quick searing. Each slice contains 3–4 small pieces of bone.
• English-Cut Short Ribs: Sliced parallel to the bone, typically 2–4 inches long. This cut is used for braising and slow cooking.

For this recipe, we’ll be working exclusively with flanken-cut ribs, which cook faster and are perfect for those who love bold, beefy flavor without hours of cooking time.

Ingredients: What You Need for This Easy Flanken Short Ribs Recipe

Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need for a basic yet flavorful easy flanken short ribs recipe. These ingredients can be found in most grocery stores or butcher shops.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 to 2.5 lbs flanken short ribs (about 8–10 pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a glaze-like finish)

The Best Marinade for Flanken Short Ribs

A standout marinade is what takes this easy flanken short ribs recipe from good to unforgettable. You want something that’s sweet, salty, acidic, and slightly spicy to tenderize and flavor the meat.

Here’s why each marinade ingredient matters:

• Soy Sauce: Delivers saltiness and umami depth
• Brown Sugar + Honey: Adds caramelization and balances salt
• Vinegar: Tenderizes and provides brightness
• Garlic + Ginger: Bring aromatic intensity
• Sesame Oil: Adds nuttiness and richness
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances savory beefy flavor
• Crushed Red Pepper: Introduces mild heat (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions for Easy Flanken Short Ribs Recipe

Let’s walk through the full process, from marinating to plating.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl or large zip-top bag, combine all marinade ingredients. Mix well.

Step 2: Marinate the Ribs

Place the flanken short ribs in the bowl or bag with the marinade. Coat each rib thoroughly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Bring to Room Temperature

Remove the ribs from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.

Step 4: Preheat Your Grill or Skillet

Heat your grill, grill pan, or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Cook the Ribs

Grill or sear the ribs for 3–4 minutes per side. Because they’re thin, they cook quickly. Look for a nice char on both sides.

Step 6: Let Them Rest

Transfer the cooked ribs to a platter and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Cooking Methods: Grilled, Oven-Baked, Broiled, or Stovetop

This easy flanken short ribs recipe can be prepared in multiple ways, depending on your kitchen setup.

Grilling (Recommended)

Best method for flavor and texture. High heat and flame = charred, juicy ribs.

Oven-Broiled

Set oven to broil. Place ribs on a rack over a baking sheet. Broil 4–5 minutes per side.

Oven-Baked

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lay ribs in a single layer on a baking tray. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Stovetop Searing

Use a cast-iron skillet. Sear each side for 3–4 minutes over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.

Tips for Perfect Flanken Short Ribs Every Time

• Marinate overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Use a hot grill or skillet to sear in juices and get that caramelized exterior.
• Don’t overcook — flanken ribs are thin and cook fast.
• Rest after cooking to keep them juicy.
• Double the batch for leftovers — they reheat well and taste amazing the next day.

Flavor Variations and International Twists

Want to mix it up? Try these flavor profiles with the same flanken short ribs cut:

Korean-Style (Galbi Inspired)

Use a marinade with soy sauce, sugar, Asian pear, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.

Latin-Inspired

Marinate in citrus juice (orange + lime), cumin, paprika, and garlic for a mojo-style rib.

BBQ-Style

Brush with smoky BBQ sauce while grilling for a sticky, crowd-pleasing glaze.

What to Serve with Flanken Short Ribs

This easy flanken short ribs recipe pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some crowd-favorite combos:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Cilantro lime rice
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Kimchi or pickled vegetables
• Simple green salad or coleslaw
• Steamed jasmine or sticky rice
• Roasted vegetables (carrots, brussels, asparagus)

Don’t forget a cold drink — sparkling water, beer, or red wine pairs beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

Flanken short ribs store and reheat like a dream.

Storage:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheating:

• Microwave with a damp paper towel for 1–2 minutes.
• Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
• For best results, reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use English-cut ribs instead of flanken?
A: Not for this recipe. English-cut ribs are much thicker and require longer cooking times.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: It’s mildly spiced. Omit the red pepper flakes for a kid-friendly version.

Q: Can I cook these in a slow cooker?
A: Flanken ribs are better suited for fast cooking methods. But you can braise them on low for 4–5 hours with broth and aromatics for a fall-apart result.

Q: Do I need to remove the membrane or trim the ribs?
A: No. Flanken ribs come pre-trimmed and ready to marinate.

Q: Can I cook them straight from frozen?
A: It’s best to thaw first for even cooking and proper marination.

Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: The internal temperature should reach 145°F, but focus more on sear and appearance since they cook so quickly.

Q: What kind of grill is best?
A: Charcoal adds smoky flavor, but gas or cast-iron pans work perfectly.

Q: Can I meal prep this recipe?
A: Absolutely! The cooked ribs last all week and work great in tacos, salads, or rice bowls.

Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Repeating

If you’re looking for a recipe that checks all the boxes — fast, flavorful, foolproof — this easy flanken short ribs recipe is it. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s one of those go-to meals that never fails to impress.

Whether you’re grilling for friends, making a quick weeknight dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, flanken short ribs are a versatile protein that delivers every time. Try it once, and you’ll wonder why this cut isn’t more famous.

So grab some ribs, whip up that marinade, and get ready to fall in love with this easy flanken short ribs recipe — your new favorite way to eat beef.

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