Flanken style ribs are a delicious cut of beef that’s sliced across the rib bones, giving you thin strips with a wonderful mix of meat and bone. This cut is popular in Korean BBQ (known as galbi), Jewish cuisine, and many other culinary traditions. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook flanken style ribs to get that perfect balance of juicy, flavorful meat with a nice char, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into a simple, tasty way to prepare these ribs that will impress your family and friends.
What Are Flanken Style Ribs?
Flanken ribs come from the lower rib section of the cow and are cut thinly across the bones, usually about half an inch thick. This cross-cutting means each piece has several small bone segments, which helps the ribs soak up marinades quickly and cook faster than traditional ribs cut between the bones. The marbling of fat in flanken ribs makes them tender and rich in flavor once cooked.
Preparing Your Flanken Ribs
Step 1: Remove Bone Fragments
When you buy flanken ribs, you might notice some tiny bone fragments left from the slicing process. It’s a good idea to carefully scrape these off with a butter knife to avoid any unpleasant surprises while eating.
Step 2: Dry the Ribs
Pat your ribs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the marinade stick better and allows the ribs to sear nicely when cooking.
Marinade Magic: Flavor That Penetrates
Marinating is key to tender, flavorful flanken ribs. A classic marinade often includes:
– Soy sauce or a savory base
– Garlic and ginger (optional but recommended for depth)
– Brown sugar or honey for sweetness
– Sesame oil for nuttiness
– Sliced onions or green onions for extra flavor
Mix your marinade ingredients well. Reserve a small portion to reduce later for basting or serving. Pour the marinade over the ribs in a sealable bag or container, making sure each piece is coated. Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Cooking Flanken Style Ribs: Three Popular Methods
1. Grilling (The Classic Way)
– Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
– Remove ribs from the marinade and let excess drip off. Discard leftover marinade.
– Place ribs on the grill and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side.
– After searing, move ribs to a cooler part of the grill or lower the heat and cook for another 3-4 minutes per side.
– Aim for medium-rare (130-135°F) to medium (145°F), depending on your preference.
– Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
– Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that authentic touch.
2. Searing on the Stove
– Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
– Add a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
– Sear ribs 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
– Optionally, finish under the broiler for a few minutes with Korean BBQ sauce for caramelization.
– Brush with reduced marinade for extra flavor before serving.
3. Braising or Slow Cooking (For Tender, Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs)
– Brown ribs in a hot pan.
– Add marinade and enough beef broth to cover halfway.
– Cover and cook in a 325°F oven for 2-3 hours or in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
– This method is great if you prefer very tender meat and a rich sauce.
Tips for Perfect Flanken Ribs
– Scrape bone fragments: It’s worth the extra step to avoid biting on bone shards.
– Marinate longer for more flavor: Overnight marinating makes a big difference.
– Grill hot and fast: Flanken ribs cook quickly due to their thinness, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
– Use a meat thermometer: For perfect doneness, medium-rare is about 130-135°F, medium is 145°F.
– Rest your meat: Letting ribs rest after cooking keeps them juicy and tender.
– Simple seasoning can shine: If you prefer, just season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon pepper, and onion powder and sear them for a straightforward, flavorful dish.
Serving Suggestions
Flanken ribs are versatile and pair well with:
– Steamed rice or fried rice
– Grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini or peppers
– Fresh green salads or kimchi for a Korean BBQ vibe
– Beans and rice for a Mexican-inspired meal
Flanken style ribs are a fantastic cut to experiment with, whether you’re grilling for a backyard BBQ or slow-cooking for a cozy dinner. Their quick cooking time and rich flavor make them a winner every time.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every juicy, flavorful bite!
Perfectly cooked flanken ribs are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. With a good marinade and the right cooking technique, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Happy grilling!