Asian-inspired beef ribs are the ultimate comfort food—tender, fall-off-the-bone meat coated in glossy, umami-packed sauces that balance sweet, salty, garlicky, and spicy notes. Whether you’re craving sticky Asian garlic beef ribs, honey garlic beef ribs, sweet Asian chili beef ribs, or teriyaki beef ribs, these recipes deliver restaurant-quality results at home.
Beef short ribs (English-cut or flanken-style) shine in low-and-slow cooking methods like oven braising or slow cooking, allowing the rich connective tissue to break down into juicy, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. These dishes pair beautifully with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or a simple cucumber salad.
Below are four standout recipes, each serving 4 people. Prep times are around 15-20 minutes, with cooking times of 2.5–3.5 hours for oven methods (or use a slow cooker for hands-off ease).
1. Sticky Asian Garlic Beef Ribs
These sticky Asian garlic beef ribs feature an intense garlic-soy glaze with hints of sesame and chili for a bold, addictive flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in, English-cut preferred)
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust for heat)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing)
- Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Pat ribs dry and season lightly with salt/pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Sear ribs on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, honey/brown sugar, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and chili flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Return ribs to the pot, coating them in sauce. Add enough water (about 1/2 cup) to partially cover. Cover and braise in oven for 2.5–3 hours, until meat is fork-tender.
- For extra stickiness: Remove ribs, strain sauce, and reduce on stovetop until thickened. Brush over ribs and broil 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve hot.
Tips: For slow cooker, cook on low 6-8 hours. This recipe’s garlic-forward profile makes it perfect for garlic lovers!
2. Honey Garlic Beef Ribs
Sweet, savory, and glossy—these honey garlic beef ribs are a crowd-pleaser with a caramelized honey glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef short ribs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp oil (for searing)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- Slurry: 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Season ribs with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a Dutch oven and sear ribs until golden. Remove.
- Sauté garlic 1 minute, then add honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, oyster sauce, and water. Stir to combine.
- Return ribs, cover, and braise at 325°F for 2.5–3 hours.
- Transfer ribs to a baking sheet. Reduce sauce on stovetop, add cornstarch slurry to thicken into a glaze.
- Brush glaze over ribs and broil 3-5 minutes until caramelized.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Tips: Honey caramelizes beautifully—watch closely under the broiler to avoid burning.
3. Sweet Asian Chili Beef Ribs
For heat lovers, these sweet Asian chili beef ribs offer a perfect sweet-spicy balance with chili flakes and sweet chili elements.
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs beef short ribs (baby back or short ribs)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Chili flakes to taste
Instructions
- Season ribs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and five-spice. Let sit 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Sear ribs in oil if desired, then place in a baking dish.
- Whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, hoisin, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Pour over ribs.
- Cover and bake 2.5–3.5 hours until tender.
- Optional: Uncover last 20 minutes to thicken sauce and crisp edges.
- Serve with extra sauce drizzled on top.
Tips: Adjust chili flakes for mild or fiery versions. This pairs great with cooling sides like cucumber salad.
4. Teriyaki Beef Ribs
Classic teriyaki flavors shine in these teriyaki beef ribs, with ginger, mirin-like sweetness, and a glossy finish.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef short ribs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp oil (for searing)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1-inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp mirin (or rice vinegar + sugar substitute)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- Slurry: 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Season and sear ribs as above.
- Sauté garlic and ginger, then add soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, water, and oyster sauce.
- Braise covered at 325°F for 2.5–3 hours.
- Remove ribs, thicken sauce with slurry, and glaze ribs under broiler.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Tips: Mirin adds authentic depth—substitute with dry sherry if unavailable.
General Cooking Tips for Perfect Asian-Style Beef Ribs
- Best cut: Bone-in short ribs for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Low and slow: Oven at 325°F or slow cooker on low ensures fall-apart texture.
- Make-ahead: Braise a day early; reheat and glaze for better flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
These recipes transform simple beef ribs into show-stopping meals with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What beef cut works best for these Asian ribs recipes?
Bone-in short ribs (English-cut) are ideal for braising, as the bone adds richness and the meat becomes incredibly tender.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Finish with a quick broil for caramelization.
How do I make the sauce thicker and stickier?
Reduce on the stovetop or add a cornstarch slurry. Broiling glazed ribs helps create that glossy finish.
Are these recipes spicy?
The garlic and teriyaki versions are mild; chili ribs can be adjusted by reducing flakes.
Can I grill these ribs?
After braising, finish on a hot grill for smoky char—brush with glaze during the last few minutes.
How long do beef ribs take to become tender?
2.5–3.5 hours in the oven at low heat, or longer in a slow cooker.
Conclusion
These four Asian-style beef ribs recipes—Sticky Asian Garlic, Honey Garlic, Sweet Asian Chili, and Teriyaki—prove that bold flavors and tender meat don’t require complicated techniques. Whether hosting a dinner party or craving cozy comfort food, you’ll love the glossy sauces and melt-in-your-mouth results.
Try one (or all!) this weekend, and experiment with spice levels or sides. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and your family will thank you. Which flavor are you making first? Share in the comments below!