Honey Garlic Crockpot Short Ribs Recipe

There are few things that feel as comforting as coming home to a pot of tender, fall-off-the-bone Honey Garlic Crockpot Short Ribs perfuming the whole house. This dish delivers meltingly soft beef in a sticky-sweet, garlicky glaze that strikes the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Whether you’re looking for a cozy Sunday dinner or a trusty make-ahead meal for busy nights, these short ribs will quickly become your go-to recipe for both flavor and ease. Treat yourself, your family, and your friends to this little bit of magic—you’ll be amazed how simple ingredients can bring so much joy to the table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Honey Garlic Crockpot Short Ribs lies in the simplicity of its ingredients—each one plays a unique role in building big flavors with very little effort. Let’s break down what makes each component shine, creating a rich, balanced sauce and beautifully tender beef.

• Beef Short Ribs (3 lbs): The star of the show, these marbled cuts become incredibly tender when slow-cooked, soaking up all the flavors from the honey garlic sauce.
• Honey (1/2 cup): Adds a natural sweetness and helps create that irresistible sticky glaze everyone loves.
• Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): Brings deep umami flavor and a touch of saltiness that balances out the sweetness.
• Ketchup (1/4 cup): Offers tang and body—the secret ingredient for a glossy, rich coat that clings to every bite.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and subtle acidity that cuts through the richness of the ribs.
• Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Freshly minced garlic is essential for that robust, aromatic, garlicky punch.
• Ground Ginger (1 teaspoon): Gives the sauce a gentle warmth and depth—fresh ginger adds an extra zesty kick if you have it!
• Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A dash brings balance, highlighting all the other flavors.
• Cornstarch (2 teaspoons) & Water (2 tablespoons): For thickening the sauce at the end—so it clings luxuriously to the ribs.
• Sesame Seeds & Chopped Green Onions (optional): These make the final dish look stunning and add a little extra pop of flavor and texture.

How to Make Honey Garlic Crockpot Short Ribs

Step 1: Prep the Short Ribs

Start by patting your short ribs dry with paper towels; this helps get a beautiful sear if you choose to brown them first. Searing is optional, but if you’re after that deep, savory flavor, take just a few extra minutes to brown the ribs in a hot skillet—about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This caramelizes the surface and locks in incredible flavor, setting the stage for even more delicious slow cooking.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Grab a small bowl and whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. This easy sauce is where the Honey Garlic Crockpot Short Ribs truly come to life—salty, sweet, tangy, and totally craveable, it’s magic in the making!

Step 3: Assemble in Crockpot

Lay the short ribs in the bottom of your crockpot, then pour the luscious sauce right over the top. Wiggle the ribs a bit to make sure every nook and cranny gets coated in that delicious honey garlic mixture. This step couldn’t be easier, but it pays off in every bite!

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and let the crockpot work its magic—cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. The slow cooking breaks down the beef until it’s meltingly tender, bathing every bite in layers of garlicky, sweet-savory flavor. There’s really nothing quite like the anticipation of this aroma filling your home!

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

When the ribs are fork-tender, gently transfer them to a plate. Stir together the cornstarch and water to make a quick slurry, then whisk it into the sauce left in the crockpot. Turn the heat to HIGH and let that sauce bubble and thicken for 10 to 15 minutes—it’ll turn from thin and runny to rich, glossy, and absolutely perfect for coating the short ribs.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Slide the short ribs back into the thickened sauce, turning them gently to coat every piece with that divine glaze. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Spoon extra sauce over rice and veggies—you’ll want every last drop!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Crockpot Short Ribs

Garnishes

Never underestimate the magic of a pretty garnish! A generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds both crunch and nutty flavor, while a handful of bright green onions breathes fresh life into the dish. A little garnish goes a long way to make these Honey Garlic Crockpot Short Ribs look as mouthwatering as they taste.

Side Dishes

Steamy white or jasmine rice is classic with these short ribs, soaking up every drop of sauce. For something different, try a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or crisp-tender green beans. The rich, sweet-savory ribs pair beautifully with just about anything you love.

Creative Ways to Present

For a weeknight twist, shred the short ribs and pile them onto warm bao buns or slider rolls, drizzling with extra honey garlic sauce and a sprinkle of slaw. Or serve the ribs over a bed of garlicky stir-fried noodles for an extra-special presentation that will wow your family or guests. Whatever you choose, these Honey Garlic Crockpot Short Ribs turn every meal into something memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Simply store any remaining ribs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s meal even better—just reheat and enjoy.

Freezing

To freeze, let the ribs and sauce cool completely, then pack them into a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months. Don’t forget to label your container with the date so you know just when you tucked them away.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the ribs in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm them gently on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave, until piping hot. If the sauce is thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless short ribs work just as well and can be even easier to serve. Just keep an eye on the cook time—they may cook a bit faster, so test for tenderness as you go.

Is it necessary to sear the ribs before slow cooking?

Searing is optional, but highly recommended. Taking a few extra minutes to brown the ribs adds deeper flavor through caramelization. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step and still end up with delicious Honey Garlic Crockpot Short Ribs.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

If you love heat, stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes when mixing the sauce. Feel free to adjust to your preferred spice level!

Can I use pork ribs instead of beef?

Definitely! Pork ribs also result in a mouthwateringly tender final dish. Just follow the same instructions and keep an eye on cooking times, as pork may become tender a little more quickly than beef.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if I don’t have cornstarch?

If you’re out of cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or a slurry made from all-purpose flour and cold water as a substitute. Just add gradually and stir until you achieve your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dinner, these Honey Garlic Crockpot Short Ribs are about to become your new favorite. Once you taste that perfect blend of sweetness, salt, and savory garlic, I promise you’ll be hooked. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a meal that brings everyone running to the table—you’ll be glad you did!

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