Zabuton (Japanese Grilled Beef Short Ribs)

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Zabuton (Japanese Grilled Beef Short Ribs)

Zabuton, often referred to as the 'cushion meat' due to its tender and flavorful cut, is a beloved dish in Japan. These marinated beef short ribs are grilled to perfection, resulting in a deliciously smoky and savory experience. Each bite reveals layers of umami from the marinade, complemented by the aromatic notes of ginger and garlic. Perfect for summer barbecues or a cozy dinner, this dish brings the essence of Japanese cuisine right to your table. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Beef short ribs
2 pounds
Soy sauce
1/2 cup
Mirin
1/4 cup
Sake
1/4 cup
Sugar
2 tablespoons
Garlic
4 cloves, minced
Ginger
1 tablespoon, minced
Green onions
4, chopped
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Vegetable oil
for brushing the grill

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped green onions to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Place the beef short ribs into a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight for enhanced flavor.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot enough to create those perfect grill marks.
  4. Remove the beef short ribs from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off (discard the used marinade).
  5. Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
  7. Grill the short ribs for approximately 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130°F (54°C).
  8. Once grilled, remove the short ribs from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
  9. Slice the beef short ribs against the grain and serve hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions if desired.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time) • Cook Time: 16 minutes • Calories: 450 • Fat: 30g • Carbs: 8g • Protein: 40g • Sodium: 800mg • Sugar: 4g