Prepare to fall in love with every velvety, flavor-packed bite of this Asian-Inspired Creamy Braised Short Ribs Recipe. These short ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender, bathed in a luscious coconut and soy sauce-infused braising liquid that strikes the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and just a gentle whisper of heat. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a special dinner with friends, this dish delivers soulful satisfaction with an irresistible Asian twist, promising richness and depth that’s truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
At the heart of this Asian-Inspired Creamy Braised Short Ribs Recipe are simple but distinctly flavorful ingredients. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to add a unique taste, irresistible texture, or a pop of color, making this dish a true celebration of comfort and taste.
- Beef Short Ribs (3 pounds, bone-in): These are the star of the show, bringing succulent, juicy meat that becomes delightfully tender as it braises.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps brown the short ribs and builds layers of flavor from the very start.
- Yellow Onion (1, sliced): Adds subtle sweetness and deepens the umami notes of the sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic, punchy flavor that’s unmistakably inviting.
- Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Lends a fresh, spicy aroma that brightens the richness of the beef and sauce.
- Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): Delivers the classic salty-sweet foundation of Asian-inspired cooking.
- Hoisin Sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a signature blend of sweetness and complexity to the braising liquid.
- Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances out richness with a delicate tang.
- Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Imparts deep, toasted aroma that makes every bite irresistible.
- Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds just a hint of caramel sweetness, enhancing the sauce’s depth.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of spice to wake up your palate; add more if you like heat!
- Beef Broth (1 cup): Gives the braise body and ensures juicy, flavorful ribs.
- Canned Coconut Milk (1 cup, full fat): The secret to the dreamy, creamy sauce that sets this dish apart.
- Green Onions (2, sliced; for garnish): Pops of color and crunch for the perfect finishing touch.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon; for garnish): Sprinkle for extra nuttiness and visual appeal.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all flavors into vibrant balance.
How to Make Asian-Inspired Creamy Braised Short Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Short Ribs
Start by generously seasoning the short ribs with salt and black pepper on all sides. This foundational step is crucial, as it begins building layers of savory flavor even before the cooking starts. Don’t skimp — every granule of seasoning will help bring out the natural beefy taste that makes this Asian-Inspired Creamy Braised Short Ribs Recipe so irresistible.
Step 2: Sear the Ribs
Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Once hot, add the short ribs and sear them on every side until a deep, golden crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side. This caramelization adds depth and richness to the final dish, setting the stage for an unforgettable sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Remove the seared ribs and lower the heat to medium. In the same pot, add the sliced onion and cook until soft and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for another minute until fragrant. This combination creates a savory, aromatic foundation, infusing the braise with warmth and complexity.
Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir and scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the pot — pure flavor gold! Let everything mingle for about 2 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the aromas to bloom.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Nestle the Ribs
Gently pour in the beef broth and creamy coconut milk, stirring to combine. This is where the magic of the Asian-Inspired Creamy Braised Short Ribs Recipe unfolds — the coconut milk creates a silky, rich texture that transforms the sauce. Return the short ribs to the pot, making sure they’re at least partially submerged in the liquid.
Step 6: Braise to Tender Perfection
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, cover tightly, and transfer to a preheated 325°F oven. Let the ribs braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is completely tender and nearly falling off the bone. If using a slow cooker, this is when you can transfer everything and set on low for 7-8 hours.
Step 7: Skim and Serve
Once finished, remove the pot from the oven and carefully skim any excess fat off the top. Serve the short ribs hot, nestled in their creamy, flavorful sauce. Don’t forget that final shower of green onions and toasted sesame seeds!
How to Serve Asian-Inspired Creamy Braised Short Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
For ultimate flair and a pop of freshness, scatter thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the ribs right before serving. The green onions add a fresh crunch and burst of color, while the sesame seeds offer a subtle, nutty crunch that brings the whole plate to life.
Side Dishes
These ultra-tender ribs beg for a bed of something to soak up their creamy sauce. Spoon them over fluffy steamed jasmine rice for classic comfort, serve alongside pillowy mashed potatoes, or tangle them atop slippery noodles. Blanched bok choy or crisp stir-fried veggies make bright, beautiful accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, try serving the Asian-Inspired Creamy Braised Short Ribs Recipe in mini Dutch ovens or shallow bowls for an elegant touch. Top with extra sauce and fresh herbs like cilantro, or add chili oil for a bold hit of color and flavor. For a family-style dinner, present the short ribs on a large platter with heaps of rice and pass the garnishes around for everyone to finish their own plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you’ve wowed everyone, let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them (with sauce) into an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors often get even richer after some extra resting time!
Freezing
This Asian-Inspired Creamy Braised Short Ribs Recipe freezes like a dream. Place cooled ribs and sauce into freezer-safe containers, ensuring there’s a thin layer of sauce covering the meat to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, and simply thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer the ribs and sauce to a saucepan or Dutch oven. Heat gently over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or coconut milk if the sauce needs thinning. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, covered, until hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use boneless short ribs?
Absolutely! Boneless short ribs work well and will still give you that classic tender texture. Just keep a close eye on them during braising, as they might cook a bit faster than their bone-in counterparts.
Is there a substitute for coconut milk?
If you’d prefer not to use coconut milk, try swapping in heavy cream or a rich cashew cream for a similar, luxurious texture. The coconut adds subtle sweetness, so you may want to adjust the brown sugar to taste.
Can I make this Asian-Inspired Creamy Braised Short Ribs Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Once you’ve seared the meat and sautéed your aromatics, transfer everything to the slow cooker. Braise on low for 7-8 hours or until the ribs are meltingly tender.
What cut of beef works best if I can’t find short ribs?
Chuck roast or beef shank make excellent alternatives. Cut them into large chunks and follow the same braising steps, keeping in mind they might need slightly less cooking time.
How spicy is this Asian-Inspired Creamy Braised Short Ribs Recipe?
The heat level is quite gentle, thanks to just a bit of red pepper flakes. If you love spice, feel free to add extra chili or serve with a drizzle of chili oil. For a milder version, simply leave the flakes out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something spectacularly comforting yet just a tad exotic, you simply have to try this Asian-Inspired Creamy Braised Short Ribs Recipe. Every bite is a rich celebration of flavor, whether for Sunday supper or a cozy get-together with friends. Let yourself savor the creamy sauce, fork-tender beef, and the pure joy of homemade magic!
Print
Asian-Inspired Creamy Braised Short Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of these Asian-inspired creamy braised short ribs. Tender, fall-off-the-bone beef in a luscious coconut milk sauce, infused with soy sauce, hoisin, and a hint of spice. A comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a special dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Short Ribs:
- 3 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Liquid:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Season the Short Ribs: Generously season the short ribs with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Ribs: In a Dutch oven, sear the short ribs on all sides until browned. Set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. Add soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Add Liquids: Pour in beef broth and coconut milk. Return short ribs to pot.
- Braise: Simmer, cover, and braise in the oven at 325°F for 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Finish and Serve: Skim excess fat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over rice, potatoes, or noodles.
- Adjust spice level with red pepper flakes or chili oil.
- Slow cooker adaptation available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
