Soy-Braised Short Ribs with Star Anise and Ginger

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

Fork-tender beef short ribs slow-braised in a fragrant soy and ginger broth accented with star anise and scallions. This Asian Fusion-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 165 minutes, pairs beef short ribs, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Asian Fusion cuisine 520 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 3 lbs beef short ribs with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Brown short ribs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, until deep mahogany color develops. Remove ribs and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp sliced fresh ginger and 4 smashed garlic cloves, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 star anise pods, 3/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 cups beef broth. Bring mixture to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Return short ribs to pot, cover tightly, reduce heat to low and braise for 2 1/2 hours until meat is tender and falling off the bone.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped scallions before serving with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Braised Short Ribs with Star Anise and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 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 Soy-Braised Short Ribs with Star Anise and Ginger?

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 Soy-Braised Short Ribs with Star Anise and Ginger?

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 Soy-Braised Short Ribs with Star Anise and Ginger for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Soy-Braised Short Ribs with Star Anise and Ginger?

Asian Fusion beef 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.

Related recipes