This Vietnamese Short Ribs – Sườn Bò Nướng recipe combines tender, marinated beef ribs with a flavorful mix of spices, lemongrass, and garlic. The beef is marinated for hours in a zesty marinade, then grilled or air-fried to perfection. Topped with a sticky honey sauce, this dish offers a rich combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that make it an unforgettable addition to your dinner table. It’s great on its own or served in a vermicelli noodle bowl.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• 2 tablespoons minced lemongrass (white part)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 long Italian red chili pepper (about 2 teaspoons)

• 1 dried red pepper

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 2 tablespoons Maggi seasoning

• 2 teaspoons fresh cracked pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon 5-spice powder

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the Marinade Sauce

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Sticky Rib Sauce

• 1/4 teaspoon 5-spice powder

• 2 teaspoons brown sugar

• 3/4 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce

• 1 teaspoon ketchup

• 1 teaspoon Maggi seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 long Italian red chili pepper (seeds removed)

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade:

   • Mince lemongrass, red pepper, dried red pepper, and garlic in a food processor. Combine with the rest of the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix until well incorporated.

2. Marinate the Ribs:

   • Place the beef ribs in a deep baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Use your hands to rub the marinade well into the meat. Let marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight in a plastic bag with the marinade.

3. Prepare the Marinade Sauce:

   • In a small saucepan, mix 2 tablespoons of water with cornstarch. Add the leftover marinade and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

4. Make the Sticky Rib Sauce:

   • In another small saucepan, combine all sticky rib sauce ingredients. Simmer until it thickens and bubbles, then remove from heat.

5. Grill or Air Fry the Ribs:

   • Air Fryer Instructions: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 7 minutes. Brush the ribs with sticky rib sauce, reduce the temperature to 300°F (150°C), and cook for another 7-12 minutes until cooked through.

   • Grilling Instructions: Preheat the grill to 500°F (260°C). Place ribs on indirect heat and cook for 1-2 hours, flipping occasionally. Brush with sticky rib sauce during grilling.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the ribs hot with your favorite side or in a vermicelli noodle bowl.

Nutrients (per serving)

Estimated per serving of 2 ribs

• Calories: 300–350 kcal

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 20g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

• Carbohydrates: 12g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 9g

• Cholesterol: 70mg

• Sodium: 600mg

• Potassium: 400mg

This dish delivers a savory, slightly sweet flavor from the honey and fish sauce while adding depth with the spices and herbs. It’s perfect for grilling season and pairs well with steamed rice or fresh vegetables.

The Key Ingredients: Lemongrass, Spices, and Beef Ribs

Lemongrass: Fragrant and Citrusy

Lemongrass plays a central role in the marinade, giving the ribs a fresh, citrusy, and slightly floral aroma. This herb is a staple in Southeast Asian cooking and adds a bright, vibrant flavor that helps balance the richness of the beef. Minced lemongrass in the marinade infuses the meat with its distinctive fragrance, making each bite aromatic and refreshing.

Fish Sauce and Maggi Seasoning: Umami and Depth

Fish sauce adds the quintessential savory umami to the marinade, contributing to the depth of flavor. It’s an essential ingredient in Vietnamese cooking, bringing a salty, slightly briny taste that complements the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar in the marinade. Maggi seasoning enhances the umami profile of the dish, rounding out the flavors and making the meat incredibly flavorful.

Beef Ribs: Tender and Juicy

The beef ribs are the star of the dish, and the marinade and sticky rib sauce transform them into a succulent and tender delicacy. When cooked properly, the ribs become tender and juicy, with a smoky and crispy exterior from grilling or air-frying. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to permeate the meat, creating a delicious, rich base for the sauce.

Spices: Bold and Flavorful

The marinade and sticky rib sauce both incorporate bold spices like 5-spice powder, garlic, and chili peppers. These ingredients add layers of complexity to the dish, with the 5-spice powder contributing a slightly sweet, aromatic flavor. The chili peppers, both fresh and dried, bring just the right amount of heat, while the garlic adds depth and richness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vietnamese Short Ribs – Sườn Bò Nướng

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

To start, mince the lemongrass, red pepper, dried red pepper, and garlic in a food processor. Combine these ingredients with the rest of the marinade ingredients—brown sugar, honey, fish sauce, Maggi seasoning, black pepper, salt, sesame oil, and 5-spice powder—in a bowl. Mix everything together until the marinade is well incorporated.

Step 2: Marinate the Ribs

Place the beef ribs in a deep baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Use your hands to rub the marinade into the meat, ensuring the ribs are well coated. For maximum flavor, let the ribs marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, or overnight in a plastic bag with the marinade.

Step 3: Prepare the Marinade Sauce

In a small saucepan, mix 2 tablespoons of water with cornstarch. Add the leftover marinade and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens, then set it aside to use later for basting or drizzling over the cooked ribs.

Step 4: Make the Sticky Rib Sauce

In another small saucepan, combine all the sticky rib sauce ingredients—5-spice powder, brown sugar, honey, oyster sauce, ketchup, Maggi seasoning, black pepper, and the fresh red chili pepper. Simmer the sauce until it thickens and bubbles, then remove it from the heat. This sauce will add a sweet, savory, and spicy glaze to the ribs once they’re cooked.

Step 5: Grill or Air Fry the Ribs

Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the ribs in the air fryer and cook for 7 minutes. After 7 minutes, brush the ribs with the sticky rib sauce, reduce the air fryer temperature to 300°F (150°C), and cook for an additional 7-12 minutes, or until the ribs are cooked through and crispy on the outside.

Grilling Instructions: Preheat the grill to 500°F (260°C). Place the ribs on indirect heat and cook for 1-2 hours, flipping them occasionally. Brush the ribs with the sticky rib sauce during grilling to add flavor and a caramelized finish.

Step 6: Serve the Ribs

Once the ribs are cooked, serve them hot with your favorite side dishes. You can also serve the ribs in a vermicelli noodle bowl for a complete meal, or with steamed rice and fresh vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Vietnamese Short Ribs – Sườn Bò Nướng are perfect on their own or served in a variety of ways:

• Vermicelli Noodle Bowl: Serve the ribs over a bed of vermicelli noodles, topped with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint. Add some shredded carrots, cucumber, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing contrast.

• Steamed Rice: Pair the ribs with a simple serving of steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious sticky sauce.

• Fresh Vegetables: Serve with grilled or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, or bell peppers to balance out the richness of the ribs.

Why Vietnamese Short Ribs – Sườn Bò Nướng is Perfect for Any Occasion

Vietnamese Short Ribs are perfect for grilling season, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. The combination of tender, marinated beef ribs with a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze makes this dish an instant favorite. Whether you grill or air fry the ribs, you’ll be treated to a rich, succulent meal that’s bursting with authentic Vietnamese flavors.

This dish is versatile and can be served in many different ways, from a simple grilled plate to a more elaborate noodle bowl. It’s ideal for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions, adding a unique and flavorful twist to your dinner table.

Conclusion: A Flavorful Vietnamese Feast

Vietnamese Short Ribs – Sườn Bò Nướng offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The marinated beef, combined with the rich sticky rib sauce, creates a dish that’s full of depth and complexity. Whether grilled or air-fried, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings for something bold and delicious. Serve it with vermicelli noodles, rice, or fresh vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with every bite!