Chinese Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe Made Easy

If you’re craving a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender meat with the deep, aromatic spices of Chinese cuisine, look no further than this Chinese Braised Beef Short Ribs recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, these ribs melt in your mouth and boast a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors thanks to the traditional soy sauce-based braising liquid.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests at a special occasion, this recipe offers a comforting yet elegant meal that will surely satisfy any meat lover.

The secret lies in the slow braising process, which infuses every bite with layers of taste and results in fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Pair it with steamed rice or sautéed greens, and you have yourself a classic Chinese meal that’s both hearty and wholesome.

Plus, the ingredients are easy to find and the method straightforward, making it an excellent recipe for both novice and experienced cooks alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese Braised Beef Short Ribs recipe is a game-changer for anyone who enjoys bold, comforting flavors.

• Deeply Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, star anise, and ginger creates a rich, aromatic braising sauce that penetrates the meat.
• Succulent & Tender: Slow braising ensures the short ribs become incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and a handful of fresh aromatics.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables.
• Impressively Elegant: Despite its simplicity, this dish looks and tastes gourmet – ideal for dinner parties or family meals.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs beef short ribs, bone-in
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably dark soy sauce)
• 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 star anise pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups beef broth or water
• 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• Salt, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (at least 5-quart capacity)
• Sharp knife for trimming ribs and chopping aromatics
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large plate or tray for browning ribs
• Lid for pot or aluminum foil to cover while braising
• Tongs for turning ribs
• Serving dish

Instructions

1. Prepare the ribs: Trim off excess fat from the beef short ribs. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure even browning.
2. Brown the short ribs: Heat the vegetable oil in your Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, brown the ribs on all sides until a deep golden crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove ribs and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and sliced ginger. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and softened.
4. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sprinkle brown sugar over the aromatics. Stir to combine and let the sugar dissolve slightly, about 2 minutes.
5. Return ribs and add spices: Nestle the browned short ribs back into the pot. Add star anise, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, and green onions.
6. Add broth: Pour in the beef broth (or water) until the ribs are nearly submerged but not completely covered. This will allow some evaporation and concentration of flavors.
7. Braise the ribs: Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the ribs simmer gently for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. Check occasionally to make sure the liquid hasn’t evaporated too much — add a splash of water if needed.
8. Adjust seasoning: Once cooked, taste the braising liquid and add salt if necessary. Remove the star anise, cinnamon stick, and green onions before serving.
9. Serve: Transfer ribs to a serving plate, spoon some of the braising sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions.

Tips & Variations

For the most tender ribs, avoid boiling the liquid vigorously; a gentle simmer is key to slow braising.

• Make it spicy: Add a few dried red chili peppers or a teaspoon of chili paste to the braising liquid for a fiery kick.
• Vegetable additions: Toss in chunks of daikon radish, carrots, or shiitake mushrooms halfway through the braising process for extra texture and flavor.
• Slow cooker option: After browning the ribs and sautéing aromatics on the stove, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove ribs after cooking and reduce the braising liquid over medium-high heat until it coats the back of a spoon.
• Substitutions: If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or mirin works as a substitute.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its bold flavors. Serving the braised short ribs over steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic approach, allowing the savory sauce to soak into every grain.

For a lighter option, serve alongside sautéed bok choy, garlic Chinese broccoli (gai lan), or stir-fried snow peas.

For a more filling meal, add a side of Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or a fresh Asian-style cucumber salad. To explore more comforting soups that go well as a starter, check out the Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide.

Conclusion

Chinese Braised Beef Short Ribs are a beautiful celebration of flavor and texture that truly showcase the magic of slow cooking. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dish bursting with warmth and depth, perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.

The balance of savory soy, fragrant spices, and tender meat will make this a favorite in your recipe collection.

Whether you’re new to Chinese cooking or a seasoned foodie, this dish offers the perfect combination of elegance and heartiness. Don’t forget to explore other related recipes like the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious for a complementary meal experience.

Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chinese Braised Beef Short Ribs”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Tender beef short ribs braised in a savory soy-based sauce with aromatic spices. A rich and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT2H30M”, “totalTime”: “PT2H50M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“3 lbs beef short ribs”, “2 tablespoons vegetable oil”, “4 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 inch piece ginger, sliced”, “1/4 cup soy sauce”, “1/4 cup dark soy sauce”, “1/4 cup Shaoxing wine or dry sherry”, “2 tablespoons brown sugar”, “2 star anise”, “1 cinnamon stick”, “2 cups beef broth”, “3 green onions, chopped”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brown the beef short ribs on all sides, then remove and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and ginger to the pot and saut\u00e9 until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, and brown sugar.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Return ribs to the pot and add star anise, cinnamon stick, and beef broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours until ribs are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “450 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “35 g”, “fatContent”: “30 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “8 g”}}