Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Miso & Honey Glaze

Updated February 19, 2025

These slow cooker short ribs are rich in umami flavors that will have you craving them regularly. They are incredibly tender and fall off the bone.

These slow cooker short ribs are tender, juicy, and enriched with Asian flavors.

Short ribs are a delicious cut of beef that needs to be cooked low and slow. This cut comes from the midsection of the cow and it works hard, which makes the short ribs tough when cooked incorrectly.

That’s where the slow cooker comes in! It allows the short ribs to cook in a controlled environment at low heat over many hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.

This recipe highlights the rich flavor of the short ribs with a sauce that has the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami.

The white miso, honey, mirin, and sesame oil create an intense, deep flavor that is so moreish.

Why you will love this Slow Cooker Short Ribs recipe…

Hands-off cooking- The prep is simple and the long cooking time is completely managed by the slow cooker.
Incredibly tender- Cooking them low and slow makes the meat melt in your mouth.
Deep umami flavor- The miso, honey, and mirin combination comes together seamlessly.
Interesting ingredients- This is a good recipe to try out ingredients like white miso and mirin that you might not have used before.
Impress your guests- This dish is sure to be a showstopper when entertaining.

Serving Suggestions

These delectable slow-cooked short ribs can be served alone as an appetizer or as part of a finger food spread. They are also delicious served as a main over Jasmine rice or mashed potatoes. Try it with our Louisiana Dirty Rice.

Expert Tips 🧑‍🍳

Don’t skip the sear. This creates a caramelized exterior that adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
Extra umami. Try adding a splash of fish sauce.
Make it in advance. This will save you time and the short ribs are just as good the next day.
Resist opening the slow cooker. This will let the heat escape and interfere with the cooking time.

Storage Suggestions

To store- Allow the short ribs to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat- Place in a baking dish and heat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
To freeze- Place the short ribs into a freezer-safe container and label them with the date. Freeze for up to 6 months.

Slow Cooker Short Ribs FAQs

Can you overcook short ribs in a slow cooker?

In theory, it is possible to overcook short ribs in a slow cooker but it is very unlikely. The more you cook them, the more tender they will be but you do not want the meat to become mushy or for the sauce to thicken too much.

Should ribs be covered in liquid in a slow cooker?

Yes, ideally the short ribs should be covered in sauce to prevent the exposed area from drying out.

Why are my slow-cooker ribs tough?

This will happen if you fail to remove the sinew from the ribs. But, most likely they are tough because you haven’t cooked them for long enough.