Caramelized Slow Roast Asian Beef Short Rib

These Caramelized Slow Roast Asian Beef Short Ribs are fall-apart tender, packed with flavor, and glazed to sticky perfection. A weekend-worthy dinner that’s rich, comforting, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender: Slow-cooked for hours in a flavorful sauce

• Asian-Inspired Glaze: Smoky, sweet, and lightly spiced

• Oven or Slow Cooker Friendly: Flexible for different cooking setups

• Impressively Delicious: Great for guests or indulgent family meals

• One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup and full of layered flavor

ingredients

(Full measurements in the recipe card below)

For the Short Ribs

• 4 meaty beef short ribs

• 1½ tbsp oil

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 large red onion, diced

For the Spicy Glaze

• 1½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp cayenne

• 2 tbsp dark brown sugar

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp water

For the Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, crushed

• 400g (14 oz) tin chopped tomatoes

• 540ml (2¼ cups) hot beef stock

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp brown sauce (HP or A1 Steak Sauce)

• 1 tbsp light brown sugar

For Serving

• 1 tsp chili flakes

• Small bunch fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped

• Boiled rice

directions

1. Preheat Oven: 140°C/275°F (fan).

2. Brown the Ribs:
   Heat oil in a large oven-safe pan. Season ribs, then brown all sides (6–8 min). Remove and set aside.

3. Soften the Onion:
   Lower heat. Sauté diced onion in the same pan for 5 minutes until soft.

4. Prepare Glaze:
   In a bowl, mix paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, brown sugar, honey, and water. Brush half onto the browned ribs.

5. Make the Sauce:
   Add garlic to onion; cook 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes, stock, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sauce. Bring to a boil.

6. Slow Roast:
   Place ribs on top of the sauce, cover, and roast in the oven for 3 hours. Add water if sauce reduces too much.

7. Caramelize:
   Remove lid. Brush ribs with remaining glaze and sprinkle with light brown sugar. Increase oven temp to 200°C/400°F (fan). Roast uncovered for 20–30 minutes until sticky and dark.

8. Serve:
   Sprinkle with chili flakes and coriander. Serve over boiled rice with sauce spooned over.

Slow Cooker Option

• Follow steps 1–5, then transfer everything to a slow cooker.

• Place ribs on top, cover, and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

• Finish under the grill (broiler) after brushing with glaze and brown sugar for a sticky finish.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4 very hungry people

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 4 hours

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• No brown sauce? Use extra Worcestershire + ketchup.

• Spicier? Add more cayenne or fresh chili slices.

• Low-sugar version? Reduce or omit brown sugar from the glaze.

• Try with brisket as a substitute if short ribs aren’t available.

storage/reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers up to 3 days

• Freezer: Freeze cooked ribs and sauce for up to 3 months

• Reheat: Gently warm in oven or stovetop; add water to loosen sauce if needed

FAQs

1. Can I use brisket instead of short ribs?

Yes, but the texture will differ. Brisket is leaner and less gelatinous than short ribs.

2. Can I make this ahead?

Yes! It reheats well and may even taste better the next day.

3. What’s a substitute for brown sauce (HP/A1)?

Mix 1 tbsp Worcestershire + 1 tsp ketchup for a quick alternative.

4. Can I cook it entirely on the stovetop?

It’s possible, but you’ll need to maintain a very low simmer and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. How do I thicken the sauce more?

Simmer uncovered for longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end.

6. How spicy is this?

Mild to medium. Adjust cayenne and chili flakes to suit your taste.

Conclusion

These Caramelized Slow Roast Asian Beef Short Ribs are rich, indulgent, and deeply comforting. With a spicy-sweet glaze and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re ideal for a cozy weekend dinner or special gathering. Whether cooked in the oven or slow cooker, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in your home kitchen.