This Caramelized Slow Roast Asian Beef Short Rib is a mouthwatering dish that offers tender, flavorful beef slow-cooked to perfection, coated with a rich, glossy glaze made of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ginger. The deep umami flavors, combined with a touch of sweetness, create a memorable dish ideal for special occasions or cozy dinners. The slow roasting makes the beef melt in your mouth, and the caramelized finish adds a beautiful texture and shine.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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4 pounds beef short ribs
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1 cup soy sauce
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½ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup rice vinegar
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¼ cup sesame oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 tablespoons water
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
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Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
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Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
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Marinate the ribs: Place the beef short ribs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a deeper flavor.
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Sear the ribs: Heat a small amount of oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
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Slow roast the ribs: Pour the marinade over the seared ribs, cover the pot, and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for 3 hours or until the ribs are tender.
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Make the glaze: After 3 hours, remove the ribs. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then add it to the pot. Simmer the marinade until thickened, about 5 minutes.
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Glaze the ribs: Brush the glaze over the short ribs and cook under the broiler for 5-10 minutes until caramelized.
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Rest the ribs: Let the ribs rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Nutrients
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Calories: 580 kcal (per serving)
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Fat: 35g
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Protein: 40g
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Sugar: 14g
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Sodium: 1200mg
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Cholesterol: 110mg
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Potassium: 800mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Vitamin A: 5%
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Vitamin C: 3%
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Calcium: 2%
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Iron: 15%
The Essence of Asian-Inspired Flavors
The marinade for this dish is where the magic happens. It draws inspiration from classic Asian ingredients, with soy sauce providing the deep umami base, sesame oil adding richness and nuttiness, and brown sugar contributing a subtle sweetness. Rice vinegar brings a touch of acidity to balance the richness, while fresh ginger and garlic add warmth and depth. Together, these ingredients create a well-rounded flavor profile that complements the beef perfectly.
Short ribs, which are known for their marbled fat and rich flavor, are an ideal cut for slow roasting. The slow cooking process allows the fat to melt, infusing the meat with even more flavor while keeping it tender and juicy. The caramelized glaze that forms on the surface of the beef adds a glossy, sticky finish that enhances the overall eating experience.
Key Ingredients for Caramelized Slow Roast Asian Beef Short Ribs
The key ingredients for this dish are simple yet full of flavor. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe so special:
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Beef Short Ribs: The star of the dish. Beef short ribs are rich, flavorful, and perfect for slow cooking. The meat becomes tender and falls off the bone after a few hours in the oven, absorbing the flavors of the marinade.
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Soy Sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor and saltiness to the marinade, forming the base of the glaze.
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Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce and enhancing the caramelization process.
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Rice Vinegar: Provides acidity to the marinade, helping to balance the richness of the beef and other ingredients.
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Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, fragrant flavor that’s characteristic of many Asian dishes.
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Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics add warmth and depth to the flavor profile, making the dish fragrant and flavorful.
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Cornstarch and Water: Used to create a slurry that thickens the marinade into a rich, glossy glaze.
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Green Onions and Sesame Seeds (for garnish): These are used to add a fresh, crunchy, and slightly sharp contrast to the rich beef, making the dish more visually appealing and flavorful.
The Cooking Process: Searing, Roasting, and Glazing
The process of making Caramelized Slow Roast Asian Beef Short Ribs is straightforward but requires some time to allow the flavors to fully develop.
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Prepare the Marinade: The first step is to prepare the marinade. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, creating a flavorful liquid that will infuse the beef with savory-sweet goodness.
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Marinate the Ribs: Place the beef short ribs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let the ribs marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, marinate them overnight in the refrigerator. The longer the ribs marinate, the more flavorful they will become.
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Sear the Ribs: Heat a small amount of oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the short ribs and sear them on all sides until they’re browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps to lock in the juices and gives the ribs a nice crust.
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Slow Roast the Ribs: After searing, pour the marinade over the short ribs, cover the pot, and place it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). Roast the ribs for 3 hours, or until they’re tender and the meat is pulling away from the bone. The slow roasting ensures that the ribs absorb the flavors of the marinade and become incredibly tender.
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Make the Glaze: After the ribs have roasted, remove them from the oven. In a small bowl, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water. Add this mixture to the pot with the marinade, then simmer it for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened into a rich, glossy glaze.
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Glaze the Ribs: Brush the thickened glaze over the short ribs and place them under the broiler for 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze becomes caramelized and sticky. The broiling process adds a beautiful finish to the ribs, giving them a shiny, glossy appearance and enhancing their flavor.
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Rest the Ribs: Once the ribs are caramelized, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays tender and juicy.
Serving Suggestions for Caramelized Slow Roast Asian Beef Short Ribs
Caramelized Slow Roast Asian Beef Short Ribs are best served with simple sides that complement the rich flavors of the beef. Here are a few ideas:
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Steamed Rice or Jasmine Rice: A bed of steamed rice is perfect for soaking up the delicious glaze, balancing the richness of the short ribs.
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Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables, such as bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas, add freshness and crunch to the meal, balancing the richness of the beef.
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Pickled Vegetables: A side of pickled vegetables, such as pickled cucumbers or carrots, provides a tangy contrast to the savory-sweet beef and cuts through the richness of the dish.
For a more festive presentation, garnish the ribs with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. These fresh garnishes not only add visual appeal but also provide a refreshing crunch and sharpness to balance the savory depth of the beef.
Conclusion: A Memorable Dish for Special Occasions
Caramelized Slow Roast Asian Beef Short Ribs is a dish that brings together rich, savory, and sweet flavors, creating a memorable meal that’s perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners. The slow roasting ensures tender, flavorful beef, while the caramelized glaze adds a beautiful finish. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger creates a deep umami flavor that complements the richness of the short ribs, making this dish truly unforgettable. Whether served with rice, vegetables, or pickled sides, this dish is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.