🥩🔥 Sticky Beef Short Ribs

Fall-off-the-bone tender short ribs simmered in a rich, buttery caramel glaze.

These Sticky Beef Short Ribs are the definition of comfort food. The ribs are browned in a homemade caramel roux made from butter and sugar, then slowly simmered with vegetables until they're tender, glazed, and packed with flavor. Finished with BBQ sauce and fresh parsley, this recipe creates rich, sticky short ribs that taste like they cooked all day.

Perfect served over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite vegetables.

⏱ Recipe Snapshot

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes

Servings: 6–8

🛒 Ingredients

Meat

• 3–4 lbs beef short ribs

Seasonings

• Creole seasoning

• Fire & Smoke Honey Garlic BBQ Seasoning

Caramel Glaze Base

• 2 sticks butter

• 1 cup white sugar

Vegetables

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

Liquid

• 2–4 cups water (enough to mostly cover the ribs)

Finish

• 2 tbsp BBQ sauce

• Fresh parsley, chopped

👩🏽🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Season the Ribs

Generously season the short ribs with Creole seasoning and Honey Garlic BBQ seasoning.

2️⃣ Make the Caramel Roux

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat:

Melt the butter and add the sugar.

Stir continuously until the mixture turns a deep caramel color.

3️⃣ Brown the Meat

Add the seasoned short ribs to the caramel mixture.

Brown on all sides until coated and lightly caramelized.

4️⃣ Add Vegetables & Simmer

Add:

• Onion

• Bell pepper

• Celery

Pour in enough water to mostly cover the meat.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.

5️⃣ Finish the Glaze

Once the ribs are tender and the liquid has reduced:

Stir in BBQ sauce.

Allow the sauce to cook down for another 5–10 minutes until thick, glossy, and sticky.

6️⃣ Garnish & Serve

Top with fresh parsley and serve hot.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Mashed potatoes

• White rice

• Garlic butter rice

• Roasted vegetables

• Mac and cheese

🔥 Flavor Tip

The key is letting the butter and sugar develop into a deep caramel color before adding the meat. This creates the rich, sticky glaze that makes these ribs unforgettable.

💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔ Fall-apart tender beef

✔ Sweet and savory glaze

✔ Rich comfort food flavor

✔ Perfect for Sunday dinner