Sage on the Coast's Asian beef short rib appetizer

Huntington Beach

Dear Bob: These tasty Korean-style short ribs are a perfect appetizer when you're entertaining with little time to spare. Simply marinate the ribs the night before in a lively soy marinade flavored with brown sugar, red wine, ginger, garlic and a little sesame oil. Just before serving, char the beef quickly over a hot grill, then slice and serve with a sweet and spicy Thai dipping sauce. You'll have happy guests in almost no time.

Grilled Asian beef short rib appetizer

Total time: 25 minutes, plus overnight marinating time for the ribs

Servings: 6 to 8

Note: Adapted from Sage on the Coast

Thai sweet and spicy sauce

1/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup white vinegar

2 teaspoons chile paste

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup water

1. Combine the sugar, vinegar, chile paste, garlic, salt and water. Stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until needed. This makes three-fourths cup of sauce and will keep, refrigerated, for 5 days.

Short ribs and assembly

2 pounds boneless beef short ribs no thicker than 1/2 -inch

2 cups soy sauce

1 1/2 cups brown sugar