Spicy Korean BBQ Short Ribs with Gochujang Glaze

### Instructions for Spicy Korean BBQ Short Ribs with Gochujang Glaze

#### Step 1: Prepare the Short Ribs
1. **Season the ribs**: Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with **salt and pepper**.
2. **Sear the ribs**: Heat **vegetable oil** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the short ribs in batches, searing each side for 3-4 minutes until they’re browned and caramelized. This step will lock in the flavor and create a delicious crust on the meat. Once seared, remove the ribs and set them aside.

#### Step 2: Make the Gochujang Glaze
3. **Prepare the glaze**: In a small saucepan, combine the **gochujang**, **soy sauce**, **honey**, **rice vinegar**, **sesame oil**, **minced garlic**, and **grated ginger**. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it’s well combined. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. **Taste and adjust**: Taste the glaze and adjust the flavors as needed. You can add more honey if you prefer a sweeter glaze, or more gochujang if you want extra heat.

#### Step 3: Cook the Short Ribs
5. **Coat the ribs in glaze**: Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Place the seared short ribs in a roasting pan or oven-safe dish. Pour half of the prepared gochujang glaze over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly. Reserve the other half of the glaze for later.
6. **Slow roast**: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake the ribs in the preheated oven for **2.5 to 3 hours**, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily. For extra tenderness, you can also cook the ribs in a slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours.
7. **Glaze during cooking**: After 1.5 hours of cooking, baste the ribs with the remaining glaze and return them to the oven for the final cooking period.

#### Step 4: Finish and Serve
8. **Broil for crispy edges**: Once the ribs are tender and cooked through, remove them from the oven. For a crispy, caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil and broil the ribs for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. This will give the ribs a beautiful, crispy glaze on top.
9. **Garnish and serve**: Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with **sesame seeds** and **chopped green onions**. Serve the ribs with steamed rice, kimchi, or your favorite side dishes.

### Why Spicy Korean BBQ Short Ribs Are So Special

– **Complex Flavors**: The **gochujang glaze** provides a deep, complex flavor that combines spicy, sweet, savory, and tangy elements. This unique flavor profile is what makes Korean BBQ such a treat, and it’s no different in this recipe.
– **Tender, Juicy Meat**: Slow-cooked short ribs are known for their tenderness, and when combined with the rich glaze, the result is melt-in-your-mouth meat that practically falls off the bone.
– **Ideal for Entertaining**: These Spicy Korean BBQ Short Ribs make an excellent centerpiece for any dinner or BBQ. The combination of stunning presentation, bold flavors, and melt-in-your-mouth texture will have everyone talking.

### Tips for Perfect Spicy Korean BBQ Short Ribs

– **Choose Quality Ribs**: For the best flavor and tenderness, try to buy high-quality beef short ribs. Bone-in ribs are traditional, but you can use boneless short ribs if preferred.
– **Adjust the Spice**: Gochujang is spicy, but it has a unique flavor profile that isn’t just heat. If you want to tone down the heat, use less gochujang or mix it with a bit of ketchup to mellow the spice.
– **Make it Ahead**: You can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors only improve with time, so this can be a great make-ahead step.
– **Serve with Pickled Vegetables**: The richness of the short ribs pairs wonderfully with something tangy and crunchy like pickled cucumbers, kimchi, or a simple Asian slaw.

### Variations to Try

– **Spicy BBQ Sauce**: Mix gochujang with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky twist on this dish.
– **Short Rib Tacos**: Shred the cooked short ribs and serve them in soft corn tortillas with a sprinkle of cilantro, lime, and a dollop of sour cream for a Korean-Mexican fusion taco.
– **Add Vegetables**: For extra flavor and nutrition, roast some vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and onions alongside the ribs.

### Conclusion

**Spicy Korean BBQ Short Ribs with Gochujang Glaze** are a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine. The tender short ribs paired with the fiery and flavorful glaze are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. With its balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, this dish delivers an unforgettable taste experience that will leave everyone craving more. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking in your kitchen, these short ribs are a guaranteed hit for any occasion.