Name: Asian Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-490848H10M49S
Total time: 5 h 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp avocado oil; 3 to 4 lbs bone-in beef short ribs; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated; 1 ½ tsp Chinese 5-Spice powder; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 star anise pods; 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; ½ cup hoisin sauce; 3 Tbsp liquid aminos or low-sodium soy sauce; 1 Tbsp brown sugar or pure maple syrup; Steamed white rice, brown rice, or mashed potatoes; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 72 reviews

If you are searching for a dish that brings together rich, comforting flavors with an irresistible Asian flair, this Asian Beef Short Ribs Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs soak up an aromatic blend of hoisin, ginger, star anise, and Chinese five-spice, creating a mouthwatering experience that feels both indulgent and homey. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a celebration of savory, sweet, and fragrant notes that linger long after the last bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several pieces of thick, browned meat cooking in a black pan. The meat chunks are square and have a rich, dark brown crust on top with visible searing marks, while the sides are lighter beige with some juiciness. The pan contains some shiny oil that reflects light around the meat. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color in your Asian Beef Short Ribs Recipe. From fresh aromatics to robust spices and savory sauces, this list ensures every bite bursts with delightful complexity.

Avocado oil: A high-heat oil perfect for searing the ribs to create a beautiful crust.
Bone-in beef short ribs (3 to 4 lbs): The star of the dish, offering rich marbling and deep beef flavor.
Sea salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance and balance the beef’s natural taste.
Large yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and body to the sauce base.
Garlic cloves (minced): Gives the dish its signature aromatic punch.
Fresh ginger (peeled and grated): Provides a zesty warmth and freshness.
Chinese 5-Spice: Brings a harmonious blend of star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, and pepper.
Cinnamon stick: Offers subtle sweetness and warmth to the broth.
Star anise: Introduces a licorice-like aroma that ties all elements together.
Low-sodium beef broth (2 cups): Creates a rich, savory cooking liquid that tenderizes the ribs.
Hoisin sauce (½ cup): Adds a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy depth to the sauce.
Liquid aminos or low-sodium soy sauce (3 Tbsp): Enhances umami and saltiness without overpowering.
Brown sugar or pure maple syrup (1 Tbsp): Balances the savory notes with just the right touch of sweetness.
Steamed white or brown rice, or mashed potatoes: Perfect vehicles for soaking up all that luscious sauce.
Fresh cilantro (chopped): Provides a bright, herbal finish as a garnish.
Sesame seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and great visual contrast.

How to Make Asian Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Ribs

Start by removing the short ribs from their packaging and patting them dry with paper towels if needed. This step ensures a good sear by preventing steam. Then, season both sides generously with sea salt and black pepper to build foundational savory flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Ribs

Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over high heat until it sizzles. Carefully place the short ribs in a single layer and sear them for 3 minutes on one side, then flip and sear for 2 to 3 minutes more. This process creates a rich, golden crust that locks in juices and intensifies flavor. Using tongs, transfer the seared ribs to your slow cooker. You may need to sear in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium-high and add the diced onion to the same skillet, sautéing for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese 5-Spice; cook for another 3 to 4 minutes while stirring. This delightful combo builds the deeply fragrant base for your sauce.

Step 4: Combine in Slow Cooker

Transfer the onion and spice mixture into the slow cooker with the short ribs. Toss in the cinnamon stick and star anise to infuse the dish with warm, sweet-spiced notes.

Step 5: Mix and Add the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, hoisin sauce, liquid aminos (or soy sauce), and brown sugar or maple syrup. Pour this luscious sauce over the ribs in the slow cooker, ensuring the ribs are mostly submerged to absorb all the flavors.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 4 to 5 hours or on Low for 7 to 9 hours. This gentle, extended cooking time breaks down connective tissue, making the ribs irresistibly tender and flavorful.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, serve your Asian Beef Short Ribs Recipe over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, spooning the rich juices generously on top. For an extra touch, follow the gravy-making steps if you prefer a thicker sauce.

How to Serve Asian Beef Short Ribs Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with a base layer of light beige couscous, topped with three dark brown glazed ribs that have a shiny surface and small bits of onion. On top of the ribs, there are bright red sliced chili peppers with visible seeds and fresh green cilantro leaves scattered around. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with part of a golden-yellow fringed cloth and metal chopsticks visible at the edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro, sprinkled sesame seeds, sliced green onions, lime wedges, and thinly sliced red chilis not only dress the dish up visually but also add contrasting freshness and brightness that lift the rich flavors of the ribs.

Side Dishes

Steamed white or brown rice is a classic pairing, absorbing the decadent sauce beautifully. Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting alternative, while simple sautéed or steamed vegetables introduce a light, fresh balance to the hearty meat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the ribs on a bed of garlic and scallion noodles or wrap the meat in lettuce leaves for an interactive, fresh bite. You could also place the ribs alongside pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast that excites the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Asian Beef Short Ribs Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked short ribs and their sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the ribs in a covered pan over low heat or microwave in short intervals, spooning the sauce over them to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Adding a splash of broth or water can help if the sauce has thickened too much in storage.

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs for this Asian Beef Short Ribs Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless short ribs will work fine and cook faster, although bone-in ribs tend to provide extra flavor and a juicier texture.

What can I substitute if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

If hoisin sauce is unavailable, try a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, and a splash of vinegar as a homemade alternative to mimic its sweet and savory profile.

Is a slow cooker necessary or can I use an oven?

You can braise the ribs in the oven at 325°F covered, for about 3 to 4 hours until tender. A slow cooker offers convenience but the oven method works just as well.

How spicy is this Asian Beef Short Ribs Recipe?

The dish itself is mildly spiced with warmth from Chinese 5-Spice and star anise; however, you can adjust heat by adding chili peppers or sriracha if you like more kick.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a gathering?

Yes! This recipe actually tastes better the next day. Prepare it fully ahead, then gently reheat before serving to impress your guests effortlessly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about sinking your teeth into tender, flavorful Asian beef short ribs that have been slow-cooked to perfection. This Asian Beef Short Ribs Recipe is one of those dishes that warms the soul while dazzling your taste buds. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal that gets rave reviews every time.