Slow Cooker Teriyaki Short Ribs: Tender and Easy Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor profile, you can sear the short ribs in a hot pan before placing them in the slow cooker, although this is optional. If you choose to do so, ensure the pan is very hot to get a good crust on the beef, which adds a layer of complexity to the final sauce. This extra step helps to build a richer base for the teriyaki glaze as it cooks.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking process, you can carefully remove the ribs and simmer the remaining liquid in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency.

This creates a more concentrated glaze that clings better to the meat. Always be cautious when handling hot liquid and ensure the meat is kept warm while you reduce the sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki Ribs: Add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking to introduce a welcome heat that pairs perfectly with the sweet teriyaki glaze.
• Garlic-Infused Ribs: Incorporate four cloves of freshly minced garlic along with the ginger to provide a more robust aromatic base that enhances the savory notes of the beef.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe dish until piping hot throughout.

Store any leftover short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the meat is cooled down to room temperature within two hours of cooking before placing it into the fridge.

Properly stored, the beef will maintain its quality for up to three days. When reheating, ensure the meat is heated thoroughly until it is steaming hot throughout to maintain food safety standards.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator for a day. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the ribs gently on the stovetop or in the oven. This makes it a perfect option for planning ahead for busy work weeks or upcoming dinner events.

Serving ideas

Serve the teriyaki short ribs alongside a bed of steamed white rice or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious, savory sauce. The neutral flavor of the rice provides a perfect balance to the rich, umami-packed beef.

You can also pair the ribs with steamed vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas to add a fresh, crunchy element that complements the tender texture of the slow-cooked meat.

For a more complete meal, consider adding a side of sesame-dressed cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to brighten the plate. The acidity from the pickles or the crispness of the cucumbers cuts through the richness of the teriyaki glaze.

Plate the ribs individually, spooning a generous amount of the sauce from the slow cooker over each portion to ensure every bite is packed with the savory, ginger-infused flavor.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Short Ribs: Tender and Easy

Prep 5 minCook 8 hRest 5 minTotal 8 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 3 lb beef short ribs
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw beef short ribs into the bowl of the slow cooker. Ensure they are arranged in an even layer so they cook consistently throughout the long process.
2. Scatter the sliced green onions evenly over the top of the beef. Sprinkle the ground ginger over the meat and onions to ensure the flavor is distributed throughout the pot.
3. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the beef and aromatics. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat for 8 hours, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes.
4. Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and transfer them to a plate for serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness before you enjoy the meal.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

30 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

15 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.