If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful way to cook Grilled Flanken Beef Short Ribs, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.
Thanks to a simple marinade with Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce and a fast cook over medium-high heat, these flanken-style ribs develop incredible caramelization while staying juicy and tender. Pair them with fresh cucumber salad and fluffy white rice for an easy BBQ meal that’s packed with bold flavors.
Whether you’re firing up your outdoor grill for a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this flanken short ribs recipe delivers big flavor with very little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Flanken Beef Short Ribs Recipe
- Quick cooking thanks to the thin cut of the flanken cut ribs.
- Sweet and savory Japanese-inspired flavors.
- Simple ingredients you can find at your local grocery store.
- Perfect for weeknight grilling.
- Fresh cucumber salad balances the rich beef perfectly.
- Great served with white rice for a complete meal.

What Are Flanken Beef Short Ribs?
Unlike traditional English-cut short ribs, flanken style ribs are sliced across several bones into thin strips. This creates a beautiful cut of beef that cooks much faster while still delivering rich beef flavor.

You’ll usually find these bone-in beef ribs in the meat section or at the meat counter of your local grocery store. Their thinner profile means less cooking time, making them one of the easiest ways to enjoy beef ribs without spending all day tending the grill.
Ingredients for Grilled Flanken Beef Short Ribs
For the Beef
- 3 pounds flanken beef ribs
- ½ cup Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce
- 2 tablespoons SPG Blend seasoning
- 3 tablespoons green onions, sliced
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- White rice, for serving
For the Cucumber Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup green onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup liquid aminos
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
How to Make Grilled Flanken Beef Short Ribs
1. Marinate the Beef
To begin, place the flanken beef ribs into a large zip-top bag. Next, pour in the barbecue sauce, ensuring every piece is fully coated. Then, seal the bag and refrigerate the ribs for 1 to 2 hours. During this time, the marinade will infuse the beef with rich, savory flavor.
Although this marinating time is enough to build plenty of flavor, a longer marinade can deepen the savory taste even more.

2. Prepare the Cucumber Salad
Meanwhile, thinly slice the cucumbers, green onion, carrots, and cilantro.

Add the cilantro, green onion, shredded carrots, sesame seeds, liquid aminos, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

Mix well, then refrigerate for about one hour while the ribs marinate.

3. Season the Ribs
After marinating, remove the ribs from the marinade and discard the excess sauce. Next, season both sides with the SPG Blend, making sure each rib is evenly coated before grilling.

4. Grill the Ribs
Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grill grate, then place the ribs directly over the heat.

Because these ribs are a thin cut, they’ll cook quickly. Flip them every 1 to 2 minutes to prevent burning while allowing both sides to develop a flavorful char.

5. Finish Cooking
Once the ribs have a nice crust, move them to indirect heat. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.

6. Garnish and Serve
Top the ribs with sliced green onions and additional sesame seeds.

Serve alongside fluffy white rice and the chilled cucumber salad for an unforgettable meal.

Expert Tips On Grilled Flanken Beef Short Ribs
- Start with a clean hot grill for the best sear.
- Flip often so the sugars in the bbq sauce don’t burn.
- Since these ribs are thin, always watch them closely.
- Let the meat rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
- An instant-read thermometer helps prevent overcooking.
Variations
- Add a drizzle of spicy Bachan’s for extra heat.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper over the cucumber salad.
- Serve inside lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.
- Pair with grilled vegetables instead of rice.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime for extra brightness.
Storage
Allow the ribs to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm them gently on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. For the best results, enjoy the cucumber salad within 2 days while the cucumbers remain crisp and refreshing.
Frequently Asked Questions On Grilled Flanken Beef Short Ribs
Where can I buy flanken beef ribs? Most grocery stores carry them in the meat section, while many butcher shops keep them stocked year-round.
Why do I flip them so often? Frequent flipping helps prevent the sugars in the marinade from burning while creating an even caramelized crust.
Can I cook these on a pellet grill? Absolutely. You can grill them directly over high heat or cook them on a pellet grill set to around 400°F until they reach your preferred doneness.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes. You can marinate the ribs the night before, making this an even easier BBQ dinner the next day.
Final Thoughts on Grilled Flanken Beef Short Ribs
This Grilled Flanken Beef Short Ribs recipe is proof that incredible BBQ doesn’t have to take all day. The sweet and savory marinade, quick grilling method, and fresh cucumber salad create a meal that’s packed with flavor from start to finish. If you’re searching for an easy BBQ dinner with tasty ribs, this is sure to become your new favorite way to cook flanken beef.
More Delicious Beef Recipes
If you enjoyed these grilled ribs, be sure to check out these other Burnt Pellet BBQ favorites:
Smoked Beef Ribs with Chimichurri – Tender smoked beef ribs seasoned simply with salt and pepper, topped with fresh homemade chimichurri for a rich, smoky barbecue recipe that’s packed with flavor.
Smoked Beef Short Rib Tacos – Juicy smoked beef short ribs piled into warm tortillas with fresh toppings and homemade chimichurri create an easy taco recipe loaded with smoky, savory flavors.
Grilled Steak Frites with Chimichurri – Perfectly grilled steak served with crispy fries and fresh chimichurri sauce creates a restaurant-quality dinner that’s surprisingly simple to make at home on the grill.
Steak Caesar Wrap – Tender grilled steak, crisp romaine, creamy Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese wrapped in a soft tortilla make this an easy lunch or quick dinner.
Oklahoma Onion Smash Burger – Juicy smash burgers cooked with thinly sliced onions until crispy, then topped with melted cheese for a classic diner-style burger bursting with incredible flavor.
Print
Grilled Flanken Beef Short Ribs
Grilled Flanken Beef Short Ribs marinated in Japanese barbecue sauce, grilled until tender, then served with cucumber salad and white rice.
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Beef
- 3 pounds flanken beef ribs
- ½ cup Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce
- 2 tablespoons SPG Blend seasoning
- 3 tablespoons green onions, sliced
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- White rice, for serving
Cucumber Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup green onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup liquid aminos
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Place the flanken beef ribs into a zip-top bag with Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
- Combine all cucumber salad ingredients in a bowl, mix thoroughly, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Remove the ribs from the marinade and season both sides with the SPG Blend.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and clean the grill grate.
- Grill the ribs over direct heat, flipping every 1 to 2 minutes until nicely charred.
- Move the ribs to indirect heat and continue cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve with white rice, cucumber salad and Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American




