There’s a certain joy in creating a meal that not only fills your plate but warms your heart, and these Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Boneless Short Rib Bao Buns do just that. The moment you peel back those fluffy steamed buns, the aroma of tender, braised short ribs mingling with sweet and spicy notes hits you, inviting you into a world of mouthwatering flavor.
Imagine gathering around the dinner table with loved ones, sharing stories as you savor each bite of meat, embraced by the delicate softness of the buns. Whether you’re looking to impress at a gathering, or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this dish is both a comfort and a celebration.
If you’ve grown weary of fast food and are searching for that homemade touch, then this recipe is your delicious answer. Let’s dive in and whip up these delectable bao buns that promise a delightful twist to any dining experience!
Why Love Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Bao Buns?
Versatile enough to satisfy any palate, these bao buns can be filled with various ingredients, making them a perfect crowd-pleaser for gatherings. Unique flavors of sweet, spicy, and savory will transport your taste buds straight to Asia. Simplicity in preparation means you don’t need to be a culinary expert; just a few easy steps and you’re ready to impress! Comforting texture with fluffy buns beautifully cradling tender short ribs creates an irresistible bite. For more meal inspiration, check out my weeknight dinner favorites!
Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Boneless Short Rib Bao Buns Ingredients
For the Short Ribs
• Boneless Short Ribs – Essential protein base; rich flavor when braised. Note: Ensure even browning for the best crust.
• Olive Oil – Used for browning the ribs; adds richness.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Provides saltiness and umami; use regular soy sauce if you prefer a stronger flavor but reduce overall salt.
• Dark Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth to the rich sauce.
• Garlic – Fresh, minced; enhances flavor complexity and adds aromatic notes.
• Ginger – Grated; contributes warmth and a spicy kick.
• Fresno Chili – Offers heat; can substitute with a jalapeño for a milder option.
• White Vinegar – Balances the flavors with a touch of acidity.
• Sambal Chili Paste – Adds extra spice; adjust amount to taste based on your heat preference.
• Water – Used to dilute the marinade, helping the flavors meld perfectly.
For the Slaw
• Green Cabbage – Forms the base of the slaw, adding a satisfying crunch.
• Radishes – Thinly sliced; perfect for a peppery flavor and crisp texture.
• Tat Soy or Bok Choy – Adds greenness and crunch; easily substitutes if necessary.
• Carrot – Julienned; contributes bright color and natural sweetness.
• Green Onions – Provides freshness and a pop of color when serving.
• Sesame Seeds – Add a nutty flavor and delightful crunch on top of the slaw.
• Honey – Introduces an additional layer of sweetness in the slaw.
• Limes – Juice adds acidity and brightness, essential for slaw flavor.
• Red Chili Flakes – Optional for extra spice in the slaw, perfect for chili lovers.
For the Buns
• Pre-Made Steam Buns – The perfect vessel for serving; readily available in stores and make for an easy prep.
With these Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Boneless Short Rib Bao Buns ingredients, you’ll create a delightful meal that brings warmth and flavor to your table!
How to Make Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Boneless Short Rib Bao Buns
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Preheat the oven to 325°F, ensuring the temperature is just right for slow braising. This will help develop that deep, rich flavor in the short ribs as they cook.
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Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottom pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the boneless short ribs and brown them until they’re nicely crusted, about 5 minutes per side for a gorgeous golden color.
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Mix the marinade: In a bowl, combine low-sodium soy sauce, dark brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, diced Fresno chili, white vinegar, sambal chili paste, and water. Stir until well-blended—this is where your sticky, spicy flavor magic begins!
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Cover the browned short ribs with the marinade, add the chopped green onions, and seal the pan. Braise in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until they are fork-tender and the meat falls apart effortlessly.
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Prepare the slaw: In a large bowl, mix together green cabbage, thinly sliced radishes, tat soy or bok choy, julienned carrot, sesame seeds, honey, lime juice, white vinegar, and red chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine for a refreshing crunch.
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Steam the bao buns: About 15 minutes before the ribs finish cooking, place the pre-made steam buns in a bamboo steamer over boiling water. Steam for 8-10 minutes until warm and fluffy.
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Shred the ribs using a fork once they’ve cooked. This will create tender pieces of meat brimming with flavor!
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Assemble the bao buns: Fill each steamed bun with a generous portion of shredded ribs and top with the fresh slaw for a delightful crunch and color contrast.
Optional: Drizzle with extra honey or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Boneless Short Rib Bao Buns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can braise the boneless short ribs and prepare the slaw up to 3 days in advance for a hassle-free dinner. Simply brown the short ribs, mix the marinade, and do all the braising ahead of time. Store the shredded meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its tenderness. As for the slaw, mix all the ingredients and refrigerate to let the flavors meld overnight. When you’re ready to serve, steam the bao buns fresh—this way, you’ll enjoy that delightful, fluffy texture while savoring the rich, layered flavors of the dish with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Boneless Short Rib Bao Buns
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep the buns moist.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze shredded short ribs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Bao Buns: While it’s best to enjoy bao buns fresh, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a steamer or microwave for a few seconds, adding a damp paper towel for moisture.
Reheating: When ready to serve, reheat the shredded meat and slaw separately to maintain texture, and then assemble your Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Boneless Short Rib Bao Buns fresh.
Expert Tips for Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Bao Buns
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Browning Bliss: Ensure short ribs are perfectly browned to lock in flavor and create a delightful crust—this step is key for tasty bao buns!
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Marinade Mastery: Adjust the marinade to suit your taste; if you love it spicy, add more sambal chili paste, but start conservatively to avoid overwhelming heat.
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Steaming Success: Line your bamboo steamer with parchment paper before steaming the buns to prevent them from sticking, ensuring a clean, fluffy result.
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Meat Magic: Use a fork to shred the ribs gently but thoroughly, allowing the sticky sauce to cling to the meat and create that savory goodness in every bite.
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Slaw Savvy: Let the slaw sit for a few minutes after mixing to let the flavors meld; it enhances the crunchiness and tastes even better with a little time.
Enjoy your Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Boneless Short Rib Bao Buns!
What to Serve with Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Boneless Short Rib Bao Buns?
Transform your dining experience with delightful accompaniments that enhance the charm of this savory dish.
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Pickled Vegetables: The tangy crunch of pickled veggies perfectly cuts through the richness of the short ribs, adding a refreshing touch.
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Coconut Rice: This creamy, slightly sweet rice provides a beautiful base, balancing the bold flavors and offering a comforting texture.
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Miso Soup: A warm, umami-rich miso soup complements the dish, deepening the savory experience and inviting warmth to your meal.
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Sesame Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli, lightly tossed in sesame oil, provides a nutritious contrast, while the nutty flavor enhances the Asian theme.
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Chili Soy Dipping Sauce: A zesty dipping sauce with chili flakes brings an exciting kick, allowing everyone to personalize their bao bun experience.
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Thai Mango Salad: The bright, citrusy notes of a mango salad contrast beautifully with the rich short ribs, adding a playful, vibrant element to your meal.
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Tsingtao Beer: This light, crisp lager beautifully complements the sticky ribs and helps cleanse the palate between bites for an elevated dining experience.
Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Variations
Embrace the joy of customizing your bao buns with delightful variations that tickle your taste buds.
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Pork Alternative: Use shredded pork instead of short ribs for a slightly sweeter and tender filling.
The substitution creates a wonderfully rich flavor that melts in your mouth, keeping the essence of bao intact. -
Veggie Delight: Swap out meat for jackfruit or tofu for a hearty vegetarian option.
Jackfruit mimics the texture of pulled pork beautifully, while seasoned tofu offers a protein-packed choice everyone will enjoy. -
Spiced Up: Add extra Fresno chili or a splash of Sriracha for an elevated heat level.
If you love a kick, this brings an exciting burst of spice that dances on the palate, yet still complements the dish’s sweet undertones. -
Sweet & Savory: Incorporate a tablespoon of crushed pineapple into the slaw for a tropical twist.
The pineapple’s sweetness beautifully balances the crunch of the slaw, adding an unexpected and delightful flavor profile. -
Crunch Factor: Try adding roasted peanuts or almonds to the slaw for a crunchy texture contrast.
This extra crunch not only adds depth but also enhances the overall eating adventure with delightful surprises in each bite. -
Herb Infusion: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or mint into the slaw for a refreshing herbaceous note.
With these herbs, the dish takes on a lively freshness, balancing the richness of the short ribs perfectly. -
Pickled Punch: Experiment with pickled ginger or pickled carrots in the slaw for an added zing.
These tangy ingredients brighten the flavor, ensuring every mouthful is cheerful and invigorating, making it hard to resist. -
Sauce Swap: Swap the sambal chili paste for hoisin sauce for a sweeter, less spicy take.
Hoisin adds a delightful layer of rich sweetness while keeping that signature Asian flair that makes bao so appealing.
Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Boneless Short Rib Bao Buns Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best boneless short ribs?
Absolutely! Look for boneless short ribs that have a good amount of marbling; this fat will render down during cooking, keeping the meat nice and tender. Ensure they have a deep red color with minimal dark spots—a sign of freshness.
How should I store leftovers of my bao buns?
Leftover Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Boneless Short Rib Bao Buns can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep the buns moist for an enjoyable eating experience.
Can I freeze the short ribs?
Very! To freeze the shredded short ribs, let them cool completely, then portion them into airtight containers or freezer bags. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently before assembly.
What if my bao buns stick to the steamer?
Oh no! To prevent sticking, be sure to line your bamboo steamer with parchment paper or use non-stick spray before adding the bao buns. This will help them slide out effortlessly and keep them looking pristine when served!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If you have allergies to soy or gluten, you can opt for gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos for the marinade. Always double-check the ingredients in the pre-made steam buns. Additionally, for a vegetarian option, consider using jackfruit instead of short ribs for that delicious, pulled texture!
How can I adjust the heat in this recipe if I don’t like spicy food?
So easy! If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Fresno chili and sambal chili paste in the marinade. Start with half the suggested amounts and gradually increase as you taste. For the slaw, leave out the red chili flakes entirely, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy the bao buns!
Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Boneless Short Rib Bao Buns Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F for slow braising.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottom pan over medium heat, add short ribs and brown for 5 minutes per side.
- Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl until well-blended.
- Cover the browned short ribs with the marinade, add chopped green onions, and braise in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Prepare the slaw by mixing all slaw ingredients in a large bowl.
- Steam the bao buns for 8-10 minutes until warm and fluffy.
- Shred the ribs using a fork.
- Assemble the bao buns with shredded ribs and top with slaw.