Escape to the islands without leaving your kitchen with this incredibly flavorful Hawaiian Beef Short Ribs recipe! Tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs simmered in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce – it's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in or a delicious centerpiece for a special occasion. This easy recipe is surprisingly quick to prepare, making it an ideal addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12 oz) bottle of Hawaiian sweet chili sauce (Maui Gold is a great option)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Short Ribs
Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the short ribs from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Creating the Sauce
Pour in the Hawaiian sweet chili sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the brown sugar.
Step 4: Braising the Short Ribs
Return the short ribs to the pot. Ensure the short ribs are mostly submerged in the sauce. If needed, add a little more beef broth. Bring the liquid back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 2-3 hours, or until the short ribs are incredibly tender and easily fall off the bone.
Step 5: Serving
Once the short ribs are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them rest for a few minutes. Skim off any excess fat from the sauce. You can thicken the sauce by simmering it uncovered for a few more minutes. Serve the short ribs over cooked rice, generously drizzled with the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Cooking Tips for Delicious Dishes:
- For even more tender short ribs, consider searing them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce to your liking. Add more brown sugar for extra sweetness or more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- If you don't have pineapple juice, you can substitute with an equal amount of apple juice or orange juice.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also reheat beautifully!
Variations:
- Spicy Hawaiian Short Ribs: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
- Garlic Lovers Version: Add extra minced garlic to both the sautéed aromatics and the sauce for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Ginger Zing: Increase the amount of ginger for a bolder ginger flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This Hawaiian Beef Short Ribs recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors is simply irresistible. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion. This is one of the best recipes you'll find for incredibly tender and flavorful short ribs. It is a healthy meal idea and a great addition to your collection of easy recipes and food recipes.