Sake-Braised Short Ribs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A Japanese comfort dish with fall-off-the-bone short ribs simmered in a rich, umami-packed sake-based sauce. This japanese-inspired asian ready in about 110 minutes pairs Beef short ribs, Sake, Soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sake in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic. Stir in 1 tbsp grated ginger and 1 tsp brown sugar, cooking for 1 minute until caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Add beef short ribs and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Pour in 1/4 cup sake, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp mirin. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 hours, or until ribs are tender. Serve with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sake-Braised Short Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sake-Braised Short Ribs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef short ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sake-Braised Short Ribs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sake-Braised Short Ribs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sake-Braised Short Ribs?

Japanese asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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