There’s nothing quite like a plate of tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs to bring comfort and warmth to a meal. If you love deep, rich flavours and a dish that feels like a hug on a plate, this halal beef short rib recipe is for you.

With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have incredibly juicy, slow-cooked ribs in a thick, flavourful sauce. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just craving something hearty, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

What Makes Beef Short Ribs So Special?

If you’ve never cooked beef short-ribs before, you’re in for a treat. They come from the lower part of the ribcage and have just the right balance of meat, fat, and connective tissue. This means when they’re cooked low and slow, they become unbelievably tender, with a deep, meaty flavour that’s hard to beat.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Short Ribs Recipe?

 Halal-Friendly – No alcohol, no questionable ingredients—just pure, wholesome goodness.
Rich & Flavourful – Slow cooking brings out deep, mouth watering flavours.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and the oven does most of the work!
Perfect for Any Occasion – Fancy enough for guests, cosy enough for a weeknight dinner.

What You’ll Need

For the Beef Short Ribs:

• 4 lbs beef short-ribs (bone-in, halal)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups halal beef broth
• 1 cup tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp cinnamon (adds a warm depth of flavour)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 fresh sprigs)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp halal Worcestershire sauce / BBQ Sauce 
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

For Serving:

• Mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make the Best Halal Beef Short Ribs?

1. Sear the Ribs for Maximum Flavour

This is where the magic starts!

• Pat the beef short-ribs dry with a paper towel and season with salt and black pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Sear the ribs on each side for 3-4 minutes until beautifully browned. (This locks in all the juices!)
• Remove the ribs and set them aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pot, toss in the onions, carrots, and garlic. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Stir in the tomato paste and smoked paprika. Let them cook for a minute to deepen their flavours.

3. Build the Sauce

• Pour in the pot. Make sure they’re nestled in the sauce but not fully submerged.

4. Slow Cook to Perfection

There are a few ways to do this, depending on your time and equipment:

🔹 Stovetop: Cover and let it simmer on low for about 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
🔹 Oven: Preheat to 325°F (165°C) and braise for 3 hours in a covered Dutch oven.
🔹 Slow Cooker: Set it on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours.

The longer they cook, the more tender they become. By the end, the ribs should be fall-apart tender, and the sauce should be thick and rich.

5. Serve & Enjoy

• Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
• Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Tips for the Best Beef Short Ribs

Don’t Skip the Sear – This step locks in flavour and gives the ribs a gorgeous crust.
Low & Slow is Key – The longer they cook, the more tender they get.
Use a Dutch Oven if Possible – It distributes heat evenly and makes the perfect braising pot.
Make It Ahead – These ribs taste even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to prepare meals!

FAQs About Beef Short Rib Recipe

Can I Make This in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sear the ribs using the sauté function, then pressure cook on high for 45 minutes with a natural release.

What Can I Use Instead of Worcestershire Sauce?

If you don’t have halal Worcestershire sauce, mix soy sauce + lemon juice for a similar umami kick.

What Should I Serve with Beef Short Ribs?

• Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate comfort pairing.
• Steamed Rice – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Roasted Veggies – A fresh contrast to the rich flavours.

Final Thoughts

This halal beef short rib recipe is pure comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or just craving a slow-cooked, flavourful dish, you’ll love how tender and rich these ribs turn out.

Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out in the comments.