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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Beef Ribs Recipe

5 from 240 reviews

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Beef Ribs are succulent and tender, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. This recipe infuses the ribs with bold flavors, enhanced by ginger and garlic, then slow-cooked until the meat falls off the bone effortlessly. Ideal for an easy, comforting meal served with rice or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Ribs:

  • 34 pounds beef ribs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for searing)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ribs: Pat the beef ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance flavor and help create a nice crust during searing.
  2. Sear the Ribs (Optional): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned, locking in juices and adding depth to the flavor.
  3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined.
  4. Slow Cook the Ribs: Place the seared or raw beef ribs in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over them, ensuring each rib is coated. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until ribs are tender and meat easily pulls away from the bone.
  5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): Remove ribs from slow cooker and transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir in the cornstarch and water mixture. Cook for a few minutes until sauce thickens to desired consistency.
  6. Serve: Return the ribs to the thickened sauce to coat. Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Ideal with sides like rice or mashed potatoes for a fulfilling meal.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, searing the ribs before slow cooking is recommended but optional.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
  • Thickening the sauce is optional; the cooking liquid can also be served as is for a thinner glaze.
  • Cook times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker’s heat settings.

Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Ribs, Honey Garlic Ribs, Slow Cooked Beef, Tender Beef Ribs, Easy Dinner Recipe, Comfort Food