Juicy, tender, flavorful and easy. That's everything these Slow Cooker Hawaiian Short Ribs are and then some! Put the short ribs and seasonings in the crockpot early in the day and come home to a delicious dinner and a house that smells mouthwatering.
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Easy Crockpot Meals with Beef
Crock pot cooking is a lifesaver for busy families that want delicious meals with minimal fuss, and beef dishes are no exception. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender, infusing the meal with rich, savory flavors.
One of the most delicious and least costly crockpot meals with beef is the classic Crock Pot Cube Steak. Simply toss the beef with flour and brown then place it in the crockpot and let it simmer on low heat for 5-6 hours.
Another option for busy weeknights or even company is a Crockpot Eye of Round Roast. The long, slow cook melds the flavors together, creating a robust and comforting dish that's perfect for a chilly evening. Or try Crockpot Ropa Vieja for a little Cuban flavor. Whatever you choose, you'll come home to a hearty, tender, and flavorful meal that's ready when you are.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs Recipe
Easy Dump and Go - There's no need to marinate or sear the meat. Just put everything in the crockpot, turn it on, and let it slowly cook the ribs until they're done.
Great for a special weeknight meal.
Braised short ribs are fall-apart tender and infused with the flavors from the cooking sauce and seasonings.
Some cuisines, such as Asian, just don't work as well in a slow cooker and it's better to stir fry anyway. However, this recipe for boneless short ribs is melt-in-your-mouth delicious and just the right type of dish for a slow cooker. Slow cooking tenderizes the meat and gives it incredible flavor.
Ingredients
Here's what you need to make Hawaiian braised short ribs:
- Boneless beef short ribs - it can be one large short rib (I bought mine from a butcher) or 4 separate short ribs (see notes for how to cook with bone-in)
- Soy sauce
- Light brown sugar
- Honey
- Chinese 5-Spice powder
- Fresh garlic
How to Make Hawaiian Short Ribs in a Slow Cooker
- Place short ribs into a crock pot.
- Mix the remaining ingredients and pour over the beef ribs.
- Slow cook for 6 hours on low.
- Flip over halfway through cooking time.
The short ribs are done when they fall apart when you lift them out of the slow cooker. Just look at that tender meat! (drool)
I like to serve my Hawaiian short ribs over cheesy polenta or with pineapple rice and green beans. See options for other sides below.
Recipe Variations
- Crispy - Place the ribs on a sheet pan and broil them for about 5 minutes after cooking to give them a crispy touch.
- Ribs - Use pork baby back ribs or spare ribs instead of beef short ribs. If using pork ribs, be sure to pull the silver membrane off the back before placing the ribs in the slow cooker.
- Spicy - Add 2 tablespoons of sriracha.
- With Pineapple - Add 1 to 2 cups of chopped fresh pineapple in the last hour of cooking.
What to Serve with Hawaiian Beef Short Ribs
- Pasta - Fettuccine, Pappardelle, Bucatini or Orzo. These 3-Ingredient Egg Noodles also work well.
- Potatoes - Roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Polenta - Plain or Smoked Gouda Polenta
- Quinoa - Plain or butternut squash quinoa.
- Rice - White, jasmine, pineapple, or brown rice.
- Salad - Simple green or Caesar salad.
- Vegetables - Air Fryer Green Beans, Roasted Broccoli, or Yellow Squash Casserole.
More Crockpot Dinner Recipes for Busy Days
- Slow Cooker Beer Braised Short Ribs
- Crockpot Italian Meatloaf
- Crockpot French Dip
- Crockpot Lemon Pepper Chicken
Find lots of easy slow cooker recipes right here on 2CM!
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Slow Cooker Hawaiian Short Ribs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless beef short ribs
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (use Tamari for gluten-free diet)
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Chinese 5-Spice powder
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
Instructions
- Place the short ribs in the slow cooker.
- Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and stir well.
- Pour the sauce over the short ribs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for about 4 hours. Flip the short ribs half way through cooking time and right before serving to coat with sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with new photos, step-by-step directions, and more helpful information. It was first posted March 9, 2014.
