Hawaiian plate lunch vibes — sweet kalbi ribs, rice, macaroni salad on the side. This high calorie lunch is island comfort food at its most authentic.
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Whisk well to dissolve the sugar and form the kalbi marinade.
Place beef short ribs in a sealable bag or non-metal container and pour in the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (up to overnight) for deep flavor.
Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until just tender, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Let cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, toss cooled macaroni with mayonnaise, shredded carrot, green onion, rice vinegar, and salt until creamy. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Shake excess marinade from ribs and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for caramelization but avoiding burnt sugar. Baste with reserved marinade and flip as needed for even charring.
Scoop 1 cup of cooked white rice onto each plate. Arrange a portion of grilled kalbi alongside the rice, and add a generous mound of macaroni salad. Serve immediately while ribs are hot and glossy.