These garlic ginger braised beef short ribs are perfect for a comforting, tender meal that will have the meat falling off the bone. Braising the short ribs in a flavorful soy sauce-infused broth with garlic and ginger creates a delicious Asian-inspired dish. You can adjust the spice level to suit your preference, whether mild or spicy. This dish makes an excellent option for a Sunday family dinner or when entertaining guests.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 large ginger root, palm-sized, washed, patted dry, and halved vertically
- 1 head garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or another preferred oil)
- 2 ½ to 3 pounds bone-in short ribs
- 1 shallot, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon gochujang paste (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock (stock recommended for richer texture)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Sliced green onions or scallions (optional for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
- Lime slices or wedges (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Slice the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves and halve the ginger lengthwise.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, adding oil. Pat the short ribs dry, season with salt, and brown them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
- Add the ginger to the pot and fry for 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside with the short ribs.
- Add the sliced shallot to the pot and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the gochujang paste (if using) and toast for 1 minute.
- Deglaze the pot with Shaoxing wine, scraping up any browned bits, and stir in dark soy sauce and rice vinegar.
- Return the short ribs and ginger to the pot, add chicken stock, and nestle the garlic head into the liquid.
- Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook for 3 to 3 ½ hours, turning the short ribs once halfway through.
- Once the meat is fork-tender, transfer the short ribs to a serving dish. Strain the cooking liquid to remove solids and reserve the sauce.
- Taste the sauce and adjust with salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. Drizzle the sauce over the short ribs and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime slices if desired.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Sodium: 473mg
- Potassium: 852mg
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 3 IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 23mg
- Iron: 5mg
Why Garlic Ginger Braised Beef Short Ribs Are So Delicious
The key to this dish’s irresistible flavor is the braising liquid. The combination of garlic, ginger, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and rice vinegar creates a balanced sauce that is rich, savory, and slightly tangy. The addition of gochujang paste (a fermented chili paste) brings just the right amount of heat, which can be adjusted based on your spice preference. As the short ribs braise in this aromatic broth, they become tender and infused with all the flavors, making each bite a perfect blend of umami and spice.
The result is a hearty and flavorful dish that is not only filling but also packs a punch of flavor with each bite. The braised short ribs have a deep, savory taste that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or roasted vegetables. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s ideal for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner.
How to Make Garlic Ginger Braised Beef Short Ribs
Making Garlic Ginger Braised Beef Short Ribs is surprisingly simple, and the results are absolutely worth the time. Here’s how to prepare this flavorful dish:
- Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C), which is the perfect temperature for slow-braising the short ribs.
- Prepare the Ingredients
Slice the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Halve the ginger vertically to ensure it releases its flavor during cooking.
- Brown the Short Ribs
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels, season them with salt, and brown them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Once the short ribs are browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside.
- Fry the Ginger
Add the halved ginger to the pot and fry it for 2 minutes per side to release its aromatic oils. Remove the ginger from the pot and set it aside with the short ribs.
- Sauté the Shallots
Add the sliced shallots to the pot and sauté for 2 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. If you’re using gochujang paste for some heat, add it now and toast for 1 minute, allowing the paste to infuse the oil and enhance its flavor.
- Deglaze the Pot
Pour in ½ cup of Shaoxing wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits left from the short ribs and ginger. Stir in 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. These ingredients add depth and balance to the broth.
- Add the Short Ribs and Stock
Return the browned short ribs and ginger to the pot, then add 1 ½ cups of chicken stock. Nestle the garlic head into the liquid, allowing it to infuse its flavor as the ribs cook.
- Braise the Short Ribs
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the oven. Braise the short ribs for 3 to 3 ½ hours, turning the short ribs halfway through, until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Prepare the Sauce
Once the short ribs are done, remove them from the pot and place them on a serving dish. Strain the cooking liquid to remove any solids and reserve the flavorful sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt, pepper, or a pinch of granulated sugar if needed to balance the acidity.
- Serve
Drizzle the sauce over the short ribs and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges for an added burst of freshness and flavor.
Why These Garlic Ginger Braised Beef Short Ribs Are a Crowd-Pleaser
These short ribs are a showstopper due to the depth of flavor they offer. The braising process infuses the meat with the perfect combination of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes. The tender, juicy meat falls off the bone, while the sauce brings a rich, umami-packed flavor that perfectly complements the beef.
The dish also has an elegant yet comforting feel, making it perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a special family meal. The addition of green onions, sesame seeds, and lime slices gives the dish a fresh and vibrant finish, making it visually appealing as well.
Nutritional Information for Garlic Ginger Braised Beef Short Ribs
Each serving of Garlic Ginger Braised Beef Short Ribs contains approximately 470 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying main course. The dish offers 42 grams of protein, which helps build and repair tissues and supports immune function. The 26 grams of fat, including 10 grams of saturated fat, come from the beef and oil, which provide rich flavor and texture to the dish.
With 6 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber, it’s a relatively low-carb option, making it suitable for various dietary preferences, including low-carb or keto diets. The dish also provides essential vitamins and minerals, including 3 IU of vitamin A, 1 milligram of vitamin C, 23 milligrams of calcium, and 5 milligrams of iron.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Ginger Braised Beef Short Ribs
Garlic Ginger Braised Beef Short Ribs are a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for serving:
- With Steamed Rice: The rich sauce from the braised short ribs is perfect for drizzling over a bowl of steamed jasmine or brown rice, making for a complete and satisfying meal.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve the short ribs with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes for a well-rounded, hearty meal.
- With Noodles: For an Asian-inspired twist, serve the short ribs alongside soba noodles or rice noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- With a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the short ribs and add a refreshing contrast.
Conclusion
Garlic Ginger Braised Beef Short Ribs are a comforting, flavorful, and impressive dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or family dinner. The combination of tender, juicy short ribs and a savory, aromatic broth creates a meal that is sure to please. The slow-braising process infuses the beef with rich flavors from the garlic, ginger, and soy-based sauce, making each bite irresistible. Whether served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish is a guaranteed hit for any gathering!