Name: Chinese Beef Short Ribs (Instant Pot, Crock Pot, Paleo, Keto, GAPS) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 4-4.5 pounds beef short ribs, cut in 4″-6″ lengths; 1 cup bone broth; ⅓ cup soy sauce (real long-fermented) or ⅔ cup coconut aminos for Paleo and GAPS; 20 drops monk fruit liquid sweetener (for Keto and Low Carb) or ⅓ cup honey for Paleo and GAPS (or preferred liquid low carb sweetener); 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; ¼ cup fresh ginger, freshly grated or minced; 10 cloves garlic, minced or crushed; 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder

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Introduction

Chinese Beef Short Ribs are a flavorful and comforting dish that only takes 10 minutes of prep and can be made easily in a crock pot or Instant Pot. This recipe is perfect for Paleo, Keto, Low Carb, and GAPS diets, delivering tender, savory ribs with a rich, aromatic sauce.

A white bowl holds a dish with three large pieces of meat covered in a thick, dark brown sauce, resting on a creamy, pale yellow mashed base with a smooth texture. To the left side of the bowl, there are several bright green beans, cooked but still firm, arranged neatly. The sauce on the meat is glossy and rich, slightly dripping onto the mashed layer below. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is holding a spoon nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4-4.5 pounds beef short ribs, cut in 4″-6″ lengths
1 cup bone broth
⅓ cup soy sauce (real long-fermented) or ⅔ cup coconut amino acids for Paleo and GAPS
20 drops monk fruit liquid, or more to taste, for Keto and Low Carb OR ⅓ cup honey for Paleo and GAPS (or preferred liquid low carb sweetener)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
¼ cup fresh ginger, freshly grated or minced
10 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
2 teaspoons Chinese five spice powder

Instructions

Step 1: Place the short ribs into the crock pot.
Step 2: Add all the remaining ingredients on top of the ribs.
Step 3: Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the ribs are tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Serve ribs over mashed or puréed winter squash or cauliflower, and add a side of sautéed or roasted greens for a complete meal.

Instant Pot Instructions

Step 1: Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot insert and secure the lid.
Step 2: Set the Instant Pot to the “Stew/Meat” setting, which will cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
Step 3: Ensure the steam valve is closed, then allow the pressure to release naturally for about 45 minutes after cooking.
Step 4: Carefully open the steam valve and then the lid. Serve ribs as desired, or purée some of the sauce with cooked winter squash or cauliflower for a tasty side.

Tips & Variations

Use coconut amino acids instead of soy sauce to keep this recipe Paleo and GAPS compliant.
For a low carb and Keto-friendly sweetener, monk fruit liquid works well, but honey is a great option if you are following Paleo or GAPS.
Try serving the ribs over mashed kabocha squash or puréed cauliflower for a healthy and comforting side.
Add quick sautéed or roasted greens like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, or collard greens to round out the meal.

Storage

Store leftover ribs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. The ribs can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The dish shows two pieces of brown cooked meat with a shiny glaze placed on top of a white creamy mashed potato layer that surrounds the meat like a thick border. Around the meat, there are small chunks of orange carrots and dark brown mushrooms mixed with a dark brown gravy sauce. Green fresh herbs are sprinkled on top of the meat, adding a pop of color. The meal is served in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of coconut aminos?

Yes, regular soy sauce works well but if you are avoiding soy or gluten, opt for coconut aminos for a healthier alternative.

How tender will the short ribs be after cooking?

Cooking the ribs low and slow in the crock pot or under high pressure in the Instant Pot ensures they become very tender and easy to pull apart.