Ever wondered how to cook flanken style ribs in oven and get that tender, melt-in-your-mouth flavor without firing up the grill? Many people think ribs are only for barbecues, but guess what? You can make amazing flanken ribs right in your kitchen, any time of the year! This guide will show you how to cook flanken style ribs in oven, step by step, with tips and tricks to make them taste like they came straight from a fancy restaurant. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this super easy and delicious recipe!
What are Flanken Style Ribs?
First things first, let’s talk about what exactly flanken style ribs are. These aren’t your typical, chunky short ribs. Flanken ribs are cut thinly across the bone, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, so you get long, flat strips with a few pieces of bone in each. This cut is also known as cross-cut ribs or thin-cut short ribs. Most of the meat is on one side, with small bones on the other. They’re usually cut from the chuck end of the short ribs and have nice marbling, which means they have little streaks of fat that make them super flavorful and juicy.
Why Cook Flanken Ribs in the Oven?
You might be thinking, “Why the oven? Aren’t ribs better on the grill?” Well, here’s why the oven is a fantastic option:
- Convenience: You can cook them anytime, regardless of the weather.
- Even Cooking: The oven provides consistent heat, so your ribs cook evenly.
- Easy Cleanup: No grill grates to scrub!
- Flavor Control: You can easily control the flavors with marinades and sauces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Okay, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for some seriously tasty flanken style ribs:
- Flanken Style Ribs: 2-3 pounds. Look for ribs that are about ¼ to ½ inch thick and have good marbling.
- Marinade: This is where the magic happens! Here’s a simple and delicious marinade:
- ½ cup soy sauce (for that umami goodness)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (for sweetness and caramelization)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (for nutty flavor)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (to balance the flavors)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (for a little zing)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Flanken Style Ribs in Oven
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make delicious flanken ribs in your oven:
- Marinate the Ribs:
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Place the flanken ribs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they will be!
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate around the ribs, so they cook evenly.
- Arrange the Ribs:
- Remove the ribs from the marinade and place them on the wire rack in a single layer.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; if necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Bake the Ribs:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the ribs are cooked through and slightly browned.
- The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the ribs, so keep an eye on them.
- Broil for Extra Brownness (Optional):
- If you want a little extra color on your ribs, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Keep a close watch to prevent burning!
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Flanken Ribs
Want to take your flanken rib game to the next level? Here are some extra tips and tricks:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To make sure your ribs are perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for beef.
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: The marinade is key to tenderizing the ribs and infusing them with flavor.
- Scrape off Bone Fragments: Prior to marinating, scrape any bone fragments off the ribs with a butter knife to avoid damaging your teeth.
- Get Creative with Marinades: Feel free to experiment with different marinades. A little bit of red pepper flakes can add some heat, or you could try adding some grated apple for sweetness.
- Pair with Delicious Sides: Flanken ribs go great with so many things! Try them with rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
Flanken style ribs are super versatile, so you can serve them in lots of different ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Korean BBQ Style: Serve the ribs with rice, kimchi, and a variety of Korean side dishes (banchan).
- Tacos: Use the ribs as a filling for tacos, topped with your favorite salsa and toppings.
- Noodle Bowls: Slice the ribs and add them to noodle bowls with veggies and a flavorful broth.
- Sandwiches: Make a delicious sandwich with the ribs, some slaw, and your favorite barbecue sauce.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover flanken ribs (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Flanken Ribs Variations
Looking to mix things up? Here are some variations on the classic flanken rib recipe:
- Spicy Flanken Ribs: Add some red pepper flakes or gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Sour Flanken Ribs: Use a sweet and sour sauce instead of the marinade for a tangy twist.
- Garlic and Herb Flanken Ribs: Add lots of garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to the marinade for a savory flavor.
So, there you have it! Cooking flanken style ribs in the oven is super easy and delicious. With a little bit of prep and a few simple steps, you can have tender, flavorful ribs that will impress everyone. So next time you’re craving ribs but don’t want to fire up the grill, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
What are Flanken Style Short Ribs?
Flanken style short ribs are a cut of beef short ribs that are cut thinly across the bone, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This results in long, flat strips of meat with small pieces of bone. They are also known as cross-cut ribs or Korean short ribs (Kalbi).
What’s the difference between Flanken Style and English Cut Short Ribs?
Flanken short ribs are cut across the bone, while English-cut short ribs are cut between the bones. Flanken ribs are thin and cook quickly, whereas English-cut ribs are meatier and require low and slow cooking methods.
Where can I buy Flanken Short Ribs?
You can find flanken short ribs at Asian markets, local butchers, online meat retailers, and sometimes at Costco.
What is the best way to marinate Flanken Ribs?
A good marinade for flanken ribs typically includes soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Marinate the ribs for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
How do I prevent bone fragments in my Flanken Ribs?
Before marinating, scrape any bone fragments off the ribs with a butter knife. This prevents biting into them and potentially damaging your teeth.
How long do I cook Flanken Ribs?
Cooking times vary depending on the method. When grilling, cook for about 3 minutes per side over medium-high heat. In a cast iron skillet, sear each side until caramelized. In the oven, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or broil for 3-5 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer; medium is 135°F.
Can I cook Flanken Ribs in a cast iron skillet?
Yes, flanken ribs are amazing cooked in cast iron. Heat the pan until hot, add a touch of butter or cooking oil, and cook the ribs on each side until browned and caramelized.
What sauces go well with Flanken Ribs?
Flanken ribs pair well with various sauces, including Korean BBQ sauces (like Kalbi), Bachan’s Japanese BBQ Sauce, or any marinade with enough acid to cut the richness from the fat.
How do I store leftover Flanken Ribs?
Store leftover flanken ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
