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Honey garlic beef short ribs are the ultimate fusion of sweet, savory, and umami. These tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey, then slow-cooked or grilled to perfection. The sticky glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating an irresistible flavor that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that brings bold Asian-inspired flavors to your dinner table.
Choosing the Right Beef Short Ribs
When buying beef short ribs, look for well-marbled, bone-in English-cut short ribs for the most flavor and tenderness. These are cut parallel to the bone and offer thick, meaty portions that are ideal for slow braising or grilling. Look for ribs with a good ratio of fat to meat—marbling is key to keeping them juicy during cooking. Avoid ribs that look too lean or have excessive surface fat. Ask your butcher for prime or choice grade for better quality, and make sure the ribs are cut evenly for consistent cooking.
Important Ingredients
- Beef short ribs – preferably bone-in, well-marbled English cut
- Soy sauce – for deep, salty umami flavor
- Garlic – minced for bold, aromatic intensity
- Honey – natural sweetness to balance savory elements
- Brown sugar – adds depth and enhances caramelization
- Rice vinegar or mirin – provides acidity and balance
- Cornstarch slurry – thickens the sauce into a sticky glaze
- Green onions – sliced for freshness and garnish
The Origins of Honey Garlic Beef Short Ribs
Honey garlic beef short ribs draw inspiration from a blend of Korean and Chinese culinary traditions, both of which emphasize bold flavors. Korean galbi—marinated beef short ribs often grilled or braised—is a close relative, known for its soy-based marinades enriched with garlic, sugar, and sesame oil. Chinese-style braised ribs also feature similar ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and aromatics, often cooked low and slow to enhance flavor and tenderness. The addition of honey to this fusion elevates the dish with a rich sweetness that balances the savory elements. Over time, this East Asian-inspired dish has gained popularity in Western kitchens, evolving into the sticky, flavorful honey garlic ribs we know today—celebrated for their deep umami, tender texture, and irresistible glaze.
Honey Garlic Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients
Beef
- 650 g beef short ribs, (sliced)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1½ tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
Sauce
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced peppers
- 3 tbsp brown sugar or low calorie sweetner
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1½ tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp water
- 1½ tbsp corn starch
- 5 cloves garlic, (fine diced)
Instructions
- Into a bowl rinse your short ribs in cold water. Pat dry with paper towel.650 g beef short ribs
- Cut your short ribs into smaller pieces.
- Season with the remaining beef ingredients, set aside 30 minutes.1 tbsp garlic powder, 1½ tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp baking soda
- Air fry in batches at 450F or the highest heat for 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
- Chop your onions and bell peppers and set aside.½ cup diced onion, ½ cup diced peppers
- Into a separate bowl mix together remaining sauce ingredients.3 tbsp brown sugar or low calorie sweetner, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1½ tbsp rice vinegar, 3 tbsp water, 1½ tbsp corn starch, 5 cloves garlic
- Heat up a wok on high heat, add your onions and peppers, cook 2 minutes.
- Add you premixed sauce into the wok, cook for 1 minute until it begins to thicken.
- Add your short ribs into the wok and mix until the sauce evenly coats the beef.
- Top with green onions and serve.
