Imagine tender, fall-apart beef so succulent that it literally melts in your mouth, glazed with a perfect balance of sweet maple and tangy soy sauce. These Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Short Ribs are not just a meal - they're a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs short ribs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the short ribs by patting them dry with paper towels and generously seasoning with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic to create a uniform glaze.
- Place the seasoned short ribs into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
- Pour the maple glaze mixture evenly over the short ribs, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting, cooking for 8 hours until the meat becomes extremely tender and easily falls apart.
- After cooking, carefully remove the short ribs from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter.
- Optional: If desired, reduce the remaining liquid in a saucepan over medium-high heat to create a thicker, more concentrated glaze.
- Spoon the reduced glaze over the short ribs before serving, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if preferred.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Look for well-marbled short ribs with good fat content, which ensures maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Searing: Always pat your short ribs completely dry before seasoning to help develop a beautiful, rich exterior.
- Low and Slow is the Key: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. Eight hours on low heat breaks down tough connective tissues, creating incredibly tender meat.
- Glaze Reduction Trick: If you want an extra-concentrated sauce, reduce the cooking liquid in a saucepan after cooking for a more intense flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or cauliflower puree to soak up the delicious maple glaze.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These short ribs actually taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare them in advance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
