Honey Garlic Beef Short Ribs With Sesame Lime Drizzle

Get ready for a culinary experience that will redefine your definition of comfort food! These Honey Garlic Beef Short Ribs are unbelievably tender, boasting a rich, savory-sweet flavor profile that’s perfectly balanced with a zesty Sesame Lime Drizzle. Slow-braised to fall-off-the-bone perfection, these ribs are ideal for a special occasion or a cozy weekend dinner. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a deeply satisfying glaze, while the sesame lime drizzle adds a bright, refreshing finish. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and we’re here to guide you through every step of creating this masterpiece.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Rundown

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) Beef Short Ribs (bone-in): We’re using bone-in short ribs for maximum flavor and tenderness. The bone adds richness to the braising liquid and helps keep the meat moist. Look for ribs with good marbling – the flecks of fat within the meat – as this will render down during cooking, resulting in a more succulent final product.
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Vegetable Oil: A neutral-flavored oil like vegetable oil is perfect for searing the ribs. It has a high smoke point, which is important for achieving a good, deep brown crust without burning. Canola or grapeseed oil are also suitable alternatives.
• 4 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that classic aromatic flavor. Don’t use pre-minced garlic, as it lacks the same potency. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the sauce.
• 2 Tbsp (30 g) Fresh Ginger, Grated: Fresh ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the sweetness of the honey and the savory flavors of the soy sauce. Grate the ginger using a microplane or fine grater to extract the most flavor.
• 120 ml (½ cup) Honey: Honey provides the sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze. We recommend using a good quality honey with a flavor you enjoy. Clover or wildflower honey work particularly well.
• 60 ml (¼ cup) Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (halal certified): Soy sauce adds umami and saltiness to the marinade and glaze. Using low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. Ensure it is halal certified if needed.
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar provides a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the beef. It also helps tenderize the meat.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Toasted Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty, fragrant aroma and flavor. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
• Zest of 1 Lime + 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Lime Juice: Lime zest and juice brighten the flavors and add a refreshing citrusy note. Use a microplane to zest the lime, avoiding the white pith underneath, which can be bitter.
• 1 Tbsp (15 g) Toasted Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) Chili Flakes (optional): Chili flakes add a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your preference, or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to Taste: Seasoning is key! Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Fresh Cilantro Leaves for Garnish: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous flavor and a pop of color.
• Lime Zest Curls for Garnish: Lime zest curls provide a beautiful visual element and enhance the citrusy aroma.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions you can make:

• Beef Short Ribs: While short ribs are ideal, you could substitute with beef chuck roast, though the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
• Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for rice vinegar, but use slightly less as they are more acidic.
• Honey: Maple syrup can be used in place of honey, but it will impart a slightly different flavor.

Detailed Instructions for Perfect Honey Garlic Beef Short Ribs

1. Prepare the Short Ribs: Begin by patting the beef short ribs completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – short ribs can handle a good amount of flavor.
2. Sear the Short Ribs: Heat the vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the short ribs in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the ribs on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side, until they develop a deep, rich brown color. This searing process creates a flavorful crust and locks in the juices. Remove the seared ribs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Create the Honey Garlic Glaze: Pour in the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, lime zest, and lime juice into the skillet. Add the chili flakes if you desire a touch of heat. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. This glaze is the heart of the dish, providing a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
5. Braise the Short Ribs: Return the seared short ribs to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer as much as possible. Turn the ribs to coat them evenly with the honey garlic glaze. Cover the skillet tightly with a double layer of aluminum foil to trap the steam and ensure the ribs become incredibly tender.
6. Slow Bake to Perfection: Transfer the covered skillet to the preheated oven at 150°C (300°F). Bake for 2 ½ – 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender. The long, slow braising process breaks down the tough connective tissues in the short ribs, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat.
7. Caramelize and Glaze: Remove the foil from the skillet. Increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F). Brush the ribs with any remaining glaze in the skillet, ensuring they are well coated. Return the skillet to the oven and roast uncovered for 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the surface is beautifully caramelized and sticky.
8. Prepare the Sesame-Lime Drizzle: While the ribs are finishing in the oven, prepare the sesame-lime drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together any leftover glaze from the skillet with an extra splash of lime juice and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. This drizzle adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
9. Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked short ribs to a cutting board and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Slice between the bones into individual portions.
10. Plate and Garnish: Plate the sliced short ribs on a dark slate board or matte black plate to create a visually appealing presentation. Drizzle generously with the sesame-lime sauce. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and scatter fresh cilantro leaves and lime-zest curls for a pop of color and freshness.

Why Braising Makes All the Difference

Braising is a cooking technique that’s perfect for tougher cuts of meat like beef short ribs. It involves searing the meat first to develop flavor, then slowly cooking it in a liquid (in this case, our honey garlic glaze) in a covered pot. This low and slow cooking process breaks down the collagen in the meat, transforming it into incredibly tender and succulent perfection. The result is a dish that’s far more flavorful and satisfying than you could achieve with quicker cooking methods.

Selecting the Best Beef Short Ribs

When choosing beef short ribs, look for ribs that are well-marbled with fat. The fat will render during cooking, adding flavor and moisture to the meat. Bone-in short ribs are preferred, as the bone adds flavor and helps to keep the meat moist. You can find English-cut or flanken-cut short ribs; English-cut are generally better for braising as they have a larger meat-to-bone ratio.

The Magic of the Sesame-Lime Drizzle

The sesame-lime drizzle isn’t just a garnish; it’s a crucial element that elevates the entire dish. The bright acidity of the lime juice cuts through the richness of the honey garlic glaze, creating a balanced and harmonious flavor profile. The toasted sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and depth of flavor, while the sesame seeds provide a delightful textural contrast.

Tips for a Sticky, Caramelized Glaze

Achieving that beautiful, sticky, caramelized glaze is all about patience and heat. Make sure your oven is properly preheated before increasing the temperature for the final roasting step. Basting the ribs with the glaze several times during the roasting process will help to build up layers of flavor and create a glossy finish. Don’t be afraid to let the glaze get slightly browned and bubbly – that’s where the magic happens!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The short ribs can be braised a day or two in advance. Store them in the braising liquid in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before caramelizing and serving.

Can I use a different type of soy sauce?

While low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the saltiness, you can use regular soy sauce. Just be mindful of the salt content and adjust accordingly.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in a pinch, but rice vinegar provides a more delicate and authentic flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Honey Garlic Beef Short Ribs with Sesame Lime Drizzle are a show-stopping dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of tender, flavorful ribs, a sweet and savory glaze, and a bright, zesty drizzle is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can easily make it again and again!

recipe sticky honey garlic ribs

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• Author: Sarah Williams
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

These Honey Garlic Beef Short Ribs are incredibly tender and flavorful, slow-braised to perfection with a rich, sweet, and savory glaze. A bright Sesame Lime Drizzle adds a refreshing finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 kg beef short ribs, bone-in
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp grated ginger
• 120 ml honey
• 60 ml low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• Zest of 1 lime + 2 Tbsp lime juice
• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• Lime zest curls for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare Ribs: Pat ribs dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Sear Ribs: Sear ribs in hot oil until browned on all sides.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
4. Make Glaze: Combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, lime zest, and chili flakes. Simmer briefly.
5. Braise Ribs: Return ribs to skillet, coat with glaze, and cover tightly.
6. Slow Bake: Bake at 150°C (300°F) for 2.5-3 hours until tender.
7. Caramelize: Increase oven to 220°C (425°F) and roast uncovered for 10-15 minutes.
8. Make Drizzle: Whisk leftover glaze with lime juice and sesame oil.
9. Rest & Slice: Rest ribs 10 minutes before slicing.
10. Plate & Garnish: Plate, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.

Notes

For optimal tenderness, ensure the ribs are fully submerged in the glaze during braising. Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: beef,short ribs,honey garlic,braised,sesame lime,comfort food,dinner,asian inspired