The Best Sweet and Sticky Braised Short Ribs Recipe

Let me just say it upfront: this sweet and sticky braised short ribs recipe might just be the best thing to ever come out of your oven. I remember the first time I made this dish, it was a chilly Sunday, and I was craving something rich, cozy, and full of flavor. These short ribs came out so tender they practically collapsed at the touch of a fork, glazed in a glossy, sticky sauce that made everyone at the table fall silent, in the best way.

This dish fits right in for weekend entertaining, date night dinners, or even a holiday spread. It’s indulgent without being fussy, and the slow braise fills your home with the kind of aromas that make guests feel like they’ve walked into a warm hug. Best of all, the ingredients are pantry-friendly, and the results? Absolutely restaurant-worthy.

Whether you’re cooking to impress or just want to treat yourself, this sweet and sticky braised short ribs recipe will hit all the right notes.

Why this Best Sweet and Sticky Braised Short Ribs Recipe Works

There are a lot of braised short rib recipes out there, but what makes this one stand out is its balance of bold flavors and simple technique. The ribs are first seared to lock in flavor, then slow-cooked in a sauce that’s sweet, tangy, savory, and just a touch spicy. Think soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and a splash of rice vinegar, all working together to create that perfect umami-packed glaze.

What really makes this the best sweet and sticky braised short ribs recipe is how the sauce reduces into a sticky, lacquered finish that clings to every bite of meat. It’s not just tender, it’s deeply flavorful, the kind of meal where you’ll be tempted to lick the plate.

This recipe is incredibly forgiving too. You can make it in a Dutch oven, a slow cooker, or even adapt it for the Instant Pot if you’re short on time. And while beef short ribs are the star, this method works beautifully with pork ribs or even thick-cut oxtails.

Want to keep it gluten-free? Swap out soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Watching sugar? Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar and still enjoy that rich caramelization.

Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a bed of steamed rice, these short ribs are guaranteed to wow, every single time.

Recipe Card

Best Sweet and Sticky Braised Short Ribs Recipe

Recipe by Soukayna

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: FusionDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

2

hours 

30

minutes

Calories

550

kcal

A sweet and sticky braised short ribs recipe with a unique glaze. Perfect for elevating your dinner ideas with a flavorful twist.

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Ingredients

• For the Short Ribs

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef short ribs

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)

• 1/3 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp honey

• For the Garnish

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

• Step 1: Prepare the Short Ribs
• Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
• Sear the ribs on all sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
• Step 2: Create the Braising Liquid
• In the same pot, sauté the onions until translucent.
• Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Deglaze the pot with red wine (if using) or a splash of beef broth.
• Step 3: Braise the Short Ribs
• Return the short ribs to the pot. Add beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey. Stir well.
• Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, turning occasionally.
• Step 5: Serve and Garnish
• Serve the short ribs hot, topped with chopped parsley and sesame seeds. Pair with mashed potatoes or rice.

Notes

• Leftovers taste even better the next day!

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Little Chef Secrets: Pro Tips for Sweet and Sticky Braised Short Ribs Success

• Sear for flavor: Don’t rush the browning step. Getting a deep, golden crust on each side of the ribs locks in flavor and builds the base for your sauce. A hot pan and patience are key.
• Deglaze like a pro: After searing, use a splash of broth or wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up those golden bits (called fond) because that’s where flavor lives.
• Go low and slow: Braising is all about giving the meat time to break down. Keep your oven between 300 to 325°F and let it do its magic for at least 2.5 to 3 hours. If using a slow cooker, go for 6 to 8 hours on low.
• Skim the fat: After braising, let the ribs rest. Then skim off excess fat from the top of the sauce before reducing it. This gives you a clean, rich glaze without any greasiness.
• Finish strong: Once reduced, spoon the thickened sauce over the ribs and let it broil for a couple of minutes. This caramelizes the sugars into a sticky, crave-worthy finish.

Delicious Variants of Sweet and Sticky Braised Short Ribs

1. Asian-Inspired Sweet Soy Short Ribs

Swap the brown sugar glaze for a mixture of low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey. Add star anise and a cinnamon stick to the braising liquid for aromatic depth. Serve with jasmine rice and steamed bok choy for a cozy, umami-packed dinner.

2. Balsamic and Maple Glazed Short Ribs

For a tangy-sweet balance, use balsamic vinegar and pure maple syrup in your glaze. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme while braising. This variant is incredible served over creamy polenta or garlic mashed potatoes.

3. Spicy Chipotle BBQ Ribs

Craving some heat? Blend chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with a splash of apple cider vinegar and molasses to make a smoky, spicy glaze. Serve with cornbread and coleslaw to keep the Southern BBQ vibes alive.

4. Coconut Tamarind Short Ribs

A tropical twist that’s bold and beautiful. Use coconut milk, tamarind paste, brown sugar, and lime juice for a sticky-sweet-and-sour sauce. Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro for contrast and crunch.

FAQs

A Short Rib Recipe That Never Fails

These sweet and sticky braised short ribs are the kind of dish that always delivers, whether you’re cooking for Sunday dinner, impressing guests, or just want something deeply satisfying on a cozy night in. The braising method ensures rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the sweet-savory glaze takes it over the top.

Once you try this version, it may just become your go-to short rib recipe. Plus, with all the variations, you’ll never get bored. Try the red wine version for a romantic dinner or spice things up with chipotle and serve at your next gathering.

Craving more unique dinner ideas? Try our BBQ Meatloaf Recipe for a hearty and flavorful twist on a classic dish!