Slow Cooker Asian Beef Short Ribs

 

Slow Cooker Asian Beef Short Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone Flavor, No Fuss

There’s something undeniably comforting about slow-cooked meat — the way it melts in your mouth, the richness of the flavor, and the fact that it pretty much cooks itself while you go about your day. But when you combine the deep umami flavors of Asian cuisine with tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs, you get something truly special: Slow Cooker Asian Beef Short Ribs.

This recipe brings bold, savory, and slightly sweet flavors together in one beautifully balanced dish. With minimal prep and maximum flavor payoff, it’s the perfect meal for weeknight comfort or a weekend dinner that feels gourmet — without the stress.

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🍖 Why You'll Love These Short Ribs

• Hands-off cooking: Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.

• Mouthwatering flavor: A soy-based sauce with garlic, ginger, and sesame is both bold and balanced.

• Restaurant-quality at home: Impress your family or guests with something that tastes like it came from a high-end Asian bistro.

• Perfectly tender meat: The low-and-slow method turns tough ribs into buttery, succulent bites.

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🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list is simple but packed with flavor:

For the Ribs:

• 3–4 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in for the most flavor)

• Salt & pepper, to season

• 1 tablespoon oil (for browning)

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground)

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• 1 cup beef broth or water

Optional Garnishes:

• Sliced green onions

• Toasted sesame seeds

• Fresh cilantro

• Steamed rice or noodles (for serving)

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🥢 How to Make Slow Cooker Asian Beef Short Ribs

1. Brown the Ribs (Optional but Recommended)

• Season ribs with salt and pepper.

• In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the short ribs on all sides until browned (about 2–3 minutes per side). This locks in flavor and improves texture.

2. Make the Sauce

• In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and beef broth.

3. Add to Slow Cooker

• Place the short ribs in the slow cooker.

• Pour the sauce over the ribs, making sure they’re mostly submerged.

4. Cook Low and Slow

• Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

5. Optional: Thicken the Sauce

• If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the ribs once cooked and simmer the sauce on the stovetop or in the slow cooker (with the lid off) until reduced. You can also stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and cook until thickened.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Plate the ribs over steamed rice or noodles.

• Spoon extra sauce over the top and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.

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📝 Tips for Success

• Bone-in short ribs are preferred for depth of flavor, but boneless works too.

• Want more veggies? Add sliced carrots, bell peppers, or baby bok choy during the last 1–2 hours of cooking.

• Don't skip the browning step if you have time — it really boosts the flavor.

• Leftovers? Even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

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🍷 What to Serve with Asian Short Ribs

These short ribs are rich and flavorful, so pair them with lighter sides to balance the plate:

• Steamed jasmine or coconut rice

• Garlic sautéed bok choy or broccoli

• Pickled cucumbers or kimchi for a little tang

• Noodles tossed in sesame oil

For drinks, try a cold lager, jasmine tea, or even a glass of red wine (like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel) that can hold its own against the rich meat.

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Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Asian Beef Short Ribs are proof that bold flavor doesn’t have to come with a complicated recipe. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you’ll end up with a dish that’s deeply satisfying, irresistibly tender, and guaranteed to impress.

So the next time you want to wow your tastebuds (or your dinner guests), let your slow cooker do the work — and take all the credit.