Name: Slow Cooker Asian Short Ribs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h 30 min
Total time: 8 h 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce; ½ cup beef broth; ¼ cup brown sugar, packed; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 4 pounds beef short ribs; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 84 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that practically melts in your mouth and bursts with rich, savory flavors, you have to try this Slow Cooker Asian Short Ribs Recipe. It’s one of those magical dishes that takes just a few simple ingredients and slow simmering time to transform tough cuts of beef into fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend feast, this recipe delivers comforting warmth with a deliciously sticky, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced Asian-inspired sauce that your whole family will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white oval plate at the bottom left holds six thick pieces of raw beef short ribs, light pink with white fat marbling and firm texture. Around the plate and in the upper area, there are seven clear glass bowls each with a different ingredient: a large bowl with dark brown soy sauce on the left, a medium bowl of light yellow minced ginger and three whole white garlic cloves at the top, another medium bowl on the top right with amber liquid, a medium bowl in the center with light brown sesame seeds, a small bowl below it with red chili flakes with scattered flakes around, a small bowl with white salt on the right, and a large bowl with dark brown liquid at the bottom right. Fresh green parsley sprigs are placed on the left side. All items rest on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and for this Slow Cooker Asian Short Ribs Recipe, simplicity is key. Each element plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and creating that irresistible texture you’ll want to savor.

½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami backbone essential for authentic Asian flavor without overwhelming the dish.
½ cup beef broth: Adds rich depth and helps keep the ribs moist as they slow cook.
¼ cup brown sugar, packed: Balances the salty soy sauce with a luscious sweetness and contributes to a caramelized finish.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Injects a pungent aroma and savory bite that complements tender beef perfectly.
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Brightens the dish with a peppery, slightly citrusy zing that wakes up the palate.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: Brings a toasty, nutty richness that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional: Adds a gentle heat to the recipe, letting you customize the spice level to taste.
4 pounds beef short ribs: The star of the show, these meaty ribs slow cook to tender perfection and soak up all the flavors.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce at the end, turning the cooking juices into a luscious glaze.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves: Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness as garnish.
1 teaspoon sesame seeds: Provide a subtle crunch and an additional layer of nutty flavor for finishing touches.

How to Make Slow Cooker Asian Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Flavor Base

Start by combining your soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you fancy a little heat). This whisked mixture is where the magic begins, blending sweet, salty, and spicy notes that will soak into each rib during the slow cook.

Step 2: Arrange the Short Ribs and Add Sauce

Place your beef short ribs into a spacious 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the ribs, then gently stir to make sure all the pieces are bathed evenly in that savory liquid. This step helps infuse each rib with flavor while it cooks low and slow.

Step 3: Slow Cook for Tender Perfection

Cover your slow cooker with the lid and cook the ribs on low heat for 7 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. Patience truly pays off here, as the ribs gradually absorb the rich flavors and become unbelievably tender, literally falling off the bone.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with ¼ cup of water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, then cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes. This thickening step transforms the cooking liquid into a glossy, sticky sauce that perfectly clings to the ribs.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once the sauce is beautifully thickened, your Slow Cooker Asian Short Ribs Recipe is ready to dazzle. Carefully plate the ribs and sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds for a fresh, aromatic finish.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Asian Short Ribs Recipe

A black oval dish holds several pieces of dark brown cooked meat with visible grill marks, each piece covered in a shiny glaze that reflects light. The meat pieces are thick and arranged close together in the dish, which has a glossy surface. Scattered over the meat are small white sesame seeds and finely chopped green herbs that add pops of color and texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like chopped parsley and sesame seeds not only livens up the appearance but adds subtle bursts of freshness and texture that contrast wonderfully with the rich, tender meat. Feel free to add thin slices of scallions or even a sprinkle of toasted peanuts for extra flair!

Side Dishes

These ribs pair beautifully with simple sides that soak up that luscious sauce. Think steamed jasmine rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a crisp Asian slaw to provide crunch and balance. For a low-carb option, sautéed greens or cauliflower rice make excellent accompaniments as well.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate this for a special occasion, consider serving the ribs over a bed of garlic fried rice topped with a fried egg, or even as sliders on soft buns drizzled with extra sauce and crunchy pickled vegetables. The versatility of the Slow Cooker Asian Short Ribs Recipe means it shines equally on a cozy family dinner or an impressive dinner party plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover ribs will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making them even more delectable the next day — perfect for quick lunches or reheated dinners.

Freezing

This dish freezes exceptionally well. Just cool the ribs completely, then transfer them with some sauce into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. They will stay delicious for up to 3 months in the freezer, so you can always have a comforting meal ready to thaw and heat on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, slowly warm the ribs in a saucepan over medium-low heat to keep the meat tender and prevent the sauce from drying out. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, or reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?

While beef short ribs are ideal for their marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can try chuck roast or beef brisket for a similar effect, though cooking times and results may vary.

Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Simply increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of chili garlic sauce to the soy sauce mixture. Adjust gradually to keep it balanced with the sweetness.

Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use an Instant Pot by using the pressure cook function for about 45 minutes, then using the sauté mode to thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry at the end.

What can I substitute for sesame oil if I don’t have any on hand?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use a mild toasted oil like walnut or peanut oil, but keep in mind that the unique nutty flavor of sesame oil adds an important layer of authenticity to the dish.

Can I omit the brown sugar for a less sweet version?

You can reduce the brown sugar slightly, but keep in mind it helps balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and contributes to that caramelized glaze. Consider replacing some sugar with a little honey or maple syrup if you want an alternative sweetness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a set-and-forget meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or tenderness, this Slow Cooker Asian Short Ribs Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s comforting, deeply satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your slow-cooker rotation!