Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for smoked short ribs marinated in homemade Korean BBQ sauce. This mouthwatering dish combines the rich flavors of tender short ribs with the bold and tangy taste of Korean BBQ sauce. Whether you are a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner griller, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends at your next cookout or gathering. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and dive into a culinary adventure!
Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
– 3 pounds of beef short ribs
– 1 cup of soy sauce
– 1/4 cup of brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 1 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
– 1/4 cup of chopped green onions (for garnish)

Steps
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these mouthwatering smoked short ribs marinated in homemade Korean BBQ sauce:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, honey, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Mix well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Place the short ribs in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it tender and flavorful.
3. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) and prepare it for indirect heat smoking. If using a charcoal smoker, arrange the charcoal on one side of the smoker and place a water pan on the other side. If using a gas smoker, turn on the burners on one side and place a water pan on the other side.
4. Remove the short ribs from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
5. Place the short ribs on the smoker grates, bone side down, away from the direct heat source. Close the lid and let the ribs smoke for approximately 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C). This low and slow cooking method will result in tender and juicy ribs.
6. Once the ribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute within the meat.
7. Garnish the smoked short ribs with chopped green onions and serve them hot. They pair perfectly with steamed rice, kimchi, and pickled vegetables.
Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
– Spicy Korean BBQ Sauce: If you like some heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce to the marinade.
– Asian Pear Marinade: For a sweeter and fruitier flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of grated Asian pear for the honey in the marinade.
– Sticky Glaze: If you prefer a sticky glaze on your ribs, baste them with the marinade during the last 30 minutes of smoking and increase the heat to caramelize the sauce.
Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your smoked short ribs turn out perfect every time:
– Use quality beef short ribs with a good amount of marbling. This will result in tender and flavorful ribs.
– Let the ribs marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
– Maintain a steady temperature of 225°F (107°C) throughout the smoking process. Fluctuations in temperature can affect the cooking time and result in unevenly cooked ribs.
– Resist the temptation to constantly open the smoker lid. This can cause temperature fluctuations and increase the cooking time.
– Let the smoked short ribs rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful ribs.
Conclusion
Smoked short ribs marinated in homemade Korean BBQ sauce are a true delight for any BBQ enthusiast. The combination of smoky, tender meat and the bold, tangy flavors of the BBQ sauce create a taste sensation that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or simply looking to elevate your grilling game, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So fire up your smoker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in this incredible dish!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
While this recipe specifically calls for beef short ribs, you can certainly experiment with other cuts of meat. Pork ribs or even chicken thighs can be marinated and smoked using the same Korean BBQ sauce for equally delicious results.
Can I grill the short ribs instead of smoking them?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a smoker, you can grill the marinated short ribs over indirect heat on a charcoal or gas grill. Just make sure to maintain a steady temperature and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make the Korean BBQ sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Korean BBQ sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious. Just remember to give it a good stir before using it to marinate the short ribs.

Smoked Short Ribs Marinated in Homemade Korean BBQ Sauce
Tender beef short ribs marinated in a flavorful homemade Korean BBQ sauce, smoked to perfection for a mouthwatering taste sensation. This recipe is ideal for grilling enthusiasts and BBQ lovers looking to impress with rich, bold flavors.
Ingredients
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3 pounds beef short ribs
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1 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons sesame oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon grated ginger
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
Directions
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In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, honey, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until sugar is fully dissolved.
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Place short ribs in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
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Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C) for indirect heat smoking.
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Remove ribs from marinade, pat dry, and place on smoker grates bone side down, away from direct heat source.
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Smoke ribs for 4-5 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C).
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Let ribs rest for 10-15 minutes, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot.
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Enjoy with steamed rice, kimchi, and pickled vegetables.