These Caramelized Slow Roast Asian Beef Short Ribs are a rich, flavorful treat with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The short ribs are first browned, then slow-roasted in a spicy glaze with a savory sauce, creating a caramelized finish that’s simply irresistible. This dish is perfect for a weekend dinner when you want something hearty and full of flavor. The sweet and savory glaze with the richness of the beef will fill your home with an incredible aroma!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the beef and marinade:

  • 1 ½ tbsp oil

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 4 meaty beef short ribs

  • 1 large red onion, peeled and diced

• For the spicy glaze:

  • 1 ½ 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, peeled and crushed

  • 400g (14 oz) tin of chopped tomatoes

  • 540 ml (2 1/4 cups) hot beef stock

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

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

  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar

• For serving:

  • 1 tsp chili flakes

  • Small bunch of freshly chopped coriander (cilantro)

  • Boiled rice

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 140°C (275°F, fan).

2. Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large casserole pan over high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Brown them on all sides (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the beef and set aside.

3. Cook the onions: In the same pan, reduce heat to low, add diced onions with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.

4. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, dark brown sugar, honey, and water. Brush half of this glaze on the short ribs.

5. Make the sauce: Add crushed garlic to the pan with the onions, then add chopped tomatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, brown sauce, and light brown sugar. Bring to a boil.

6. Slow cook: Return the short ribs to the pan, cover, and place in the oven. Cook for 3 hours, checking occasionally and adding a splash of water if the sauce looks dry.

7. Caramelize: After 3 hours, remove from the oven, stir, and spread the remaining glaze on the ribs. Sprinkle with light brown sugar. Increase oven temperature to 200°C (400°F), and cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the ribs are dark and sticky.

8. Serve: Garnish with chili flakes and chopped coriander. Serve hot with boiled rice.

Nutrients (per serving, without rice)

• Calories: 584 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 24g

• Protein: 51g

• Fat: 30g

• Saturated Fat: 14g

• Cholesterol: 146mg

• Sodium: 841mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 18g

The Magic of Slow-Roasting Short Ribs

Short ribs are known for their rich flavor and tender texture, but achieving the perfect balance of tenderness and juiciness requires patience. The key to this recipe lies in the slow-roasting process. By cooking the short ribs at a low temperature for several hours, the meat becomes incredibly tender and falls off the bone with minimal effort. The slow heat allows the natural flavors of the beef to develop fully, while also absorbing the sweetness and spice of the glaze.

Slow-roasting is a technique that helps to lock in moisture while ensuring that the meat becomes soft and succulent. As the beef cooks, it releases flavorful juices that blend with the sauce, creating a rich and hearty base. The result is a tender and juicy cut of meat that’s perfectly paired with a sweet and savory sauce that’s developed over hours of cooking.

A Sweet and Spicy Glaze for Maximum Flavor

What makes these beef short ribs truly special is the glaze. This is where the depth of flavor truly shines, bringing a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and warmth. The glaze is made with smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, dark brown sugar, honey, and water, creating a combination of smoky, sweet, and mildly spicy flavors that coat the beef perfectly.

The addition of cinnamon adds an unexpected warmth to the dish, while the cayenne brings just the right amount of heat. Dark brown sugar and honey provide the sweetness that caramelizes during the roasting process, creating a sticky, flavorful coating on the ribs. The combination of these ingredients transforms the beef short ribs into a decadent dish with a rich, savory glaze that’s impossible to resist.

Building the Sauce: Layers of Richness

While the glaze is cooking the beef, the sauce works its magic in the background. The savory sauce is made with crushed garlic, chopped tomatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, brown sauce (HP or A1 Steak Sauce), and light brown sugar. This sauce is rich in umami flavors, with a slight tang from the Worcestershire sauce and a subtle sweetness from the brown sugar.

When combined with the slow-roasted beef, the sauce develops a deep, complex flavor that perfectly complements the tender meat. The garlic adds an aromatic depth, and the tomatoes create a thick, flavorful base for the sauce. As the beef cooks in the sauce, it becomes infused with all these flavors, adding another layer of richness to the final dish.

The Caramelized Finish: A Perfect Crunch

After the beef has been slow-roasted for hours, it’s time to finish the dish with a touch of caramelization. This final step is what transforms the ribs from tender and juicy to sticky and irresistible. The remaining glaze is brushed over the ribs, and the dish is returned to the oven at a higher temperature to caramelize the meat and create a deep, dark, and sticky finish.

The caramelized glaze forms a beautiful, glossy coating on the ribs that adds a rich texture and enhanced flavor. This finishing step is essential for achieving the perfect balance of crispy, caramelized edges and tender meat that falls apart at the touch of a fork.

Serving Suggestions: A Perfect Pairing with Rice

These Caramelized Slow Roast Asian Beef Short Ribs are incredibly rich and flavorful, making them an ideal choice to serve over boiled rice. The rice soaks up the savory sauce, making each bite more satisfying and filling. The sweetness and spice of the glaze contrast beautifully with the neutral flavor of the rice, creating a balanced meal that’s both hearty and comforting.

For an extra touch, sprinkle the finished dish with chili flakes for a little extra heat and freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) for a burst of freshness. The cilantro adds a light, herbaceous note that brightens up the rich flavors of the ribs and sauce, making each bite even more complex and delightful.

Why This Recipe Works: The Ultimate Comfort Food

What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of tender, slow-cooked beef short ribs with a rich and flavorful sauce creates a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting. The caramelized glaze adds an irresistible finish, turning the short ribs into a sticky, flavorful treat that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.

The slow-roasting method ensures that the beef is as tender as possible, while the glaze and sauce provide layers of complexity, making this dish stand out among other beef recipes. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal for a cold evening or an impressive dish for a weekend dinner, these caramelized short ribs check all the boxes.

Nutritional Considerations and Adjustments

While Caramelized Slow Roast Asian Beef Short Ribs are a decadent dish, they offer a good source of protein and are rich in essential nutrients like iron, which is found in the beef. However, due to the richness of the sauce and the marbled fat in the beef, this dish is higher in calories and fat, particularly saturated fat. For those looking to reduce the fat content, you could consider using leaner cuts of beef, though this may impact the tenderness and flavor.

Pairing the ribs with boiled rice balances the richness of the dish with carbohydrates, making it a more complete meal. For those seeking a lower-carb option, consider serving the short ribs with cauliflower rice or a leafy salad to reduce the calorie load while still enjoying the bold flavors.

Perfect for Special Occasions

These caramelized short ribs are perfect for special occasions, holidays, or weekend dinners when you want to indulge in a rich, flavorful meal. The slow-roasting method allows you to prepare other dishes or relax while the beef cooks, making it an excellent choice for dinner parties or family gatherings. The aroma that fills your home as the beef slow-cooks in the oven will have everyone eagerly anticipating the meal.

Conclusion: A Dish Worth the Wait

The Caramelized Slow Roast Asian Beef Short Ribs recipe is a true standout in the world of hearty, flavorful meals. The combination of tender beef, sweet and spicy glaze, and savory sauce creates a dish that’s full of depth and character. With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for anyone looking to impress guests or enjoy a comforting meal at home.

Slow-cooked to perfection and finished with a caramelized, sticky glaze, these ribs are a melt-in-your-mouth treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether served with rice or your favorite side, this dish offers a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that will make every bite unforgettable.