Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef: Tender & Flavorful Short Ribs Recipe

If you’re looking for a tender, flavorful beef dish that’s both comforting and simple to prepare, this Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef is a must-try! With melt-in-your-mouth short ribs slow-cooked in a savory, aromatic sauce, it’s packed with rich flavors from tamari, fresh ginger, garlic, and warming spices. Serve this dish over rice or noodles for the perfect hearty meal.

Why This Braised Beef Stands Out

This Asian-inspired braised beef is infused with a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Star anise, cinnamon, and citrus give the beef a unique, aromatic depth, while tamari and sweet soy sauce add umami and subtle sweetness. Slow-cooking makes the short ribs fall-apart tender, soaking up all those delicious flavors.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 lbs. (1.3kg) beef short ribs, cut into chunks
• 2 red onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 star anise
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• Zest and juice of 2 oranges
• ¾ cup (180ml) tamari sauce
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) beef broth
• 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce

How to Make Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 320°F (160°C). You can also use a slow cooker set to low for the entire cooking process.

2. Sear the Short Ribs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs for 2-3 minutes on each side in batches, ensuring they develop a nice crust. Set the browned ribs aside on a plate.

3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced red onions and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Then add the ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon sticks, orange zest, and juice, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

4. Create the Sauce: Add the tamari sauce, beef broth, and sweet soy sauce to the skillet and bring to a boil. This flavorful sauce will be the base for the slow-cooked beef.

5. Combine and Cook: If you’re using a slow cooker, place the seared ribs and sauce into the slow cooker, making sure the meat is completely submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender. For oven braising, transfer everything to a deep baking dish and cook for 5-6 hours.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the beef is tender, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Pair this braised beef with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables to complete your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This Asian Braised Beef is perfect for a slow-cooked meal with complex, warming flavors. The combination of spices and citrus, paired with tamari and sweet soy, creates a beautifully rich sauce that infuses into every tender bite of beef. Star anise and cinnamon add warmth and depth, while orange juice and zest give a hint of brightness.

Storage Tip: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the beef tender.

This Slow Cooker Asian Braised Beef is a fantastic choice for cozy dinners or special occasions. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser that fills your home with incredible aromas!