Lemongrass & Coconut Braised Beef Ribs with Tamarind Glaze
Tender beef short ribs are slow-cooked in a fragrant broth of lemongrass, coconut milk, and Thai spices until fork-tender. A sweet and tangy tamarind glaze is brushed on during the final stages, creating a sticky, caramelized finish.

Prep Time
240 min
Difficulty
Medium
Servings
4
Calories
750 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Pat the beef short ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
~5 min - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, sear the beef ribs over medium-high heat on all sides until deeply browned. Remove ribs from the pot and set aside.
~10 min - 3
Add the chopped lemongrass, sliced galangal, kaffir lime leaves, smashed garlic, and quartered shallots to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
~3 min - 4
Pour in the coconut milk and beef broth. Stir to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
~2 min - 5
Return the seared beef ribs to the pot. Add fish sauce and palm sugar. Bring to a simmer.
~2 min - 6
Cover the pot tightly with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender and falling off the bone. Alternatively, you can braise in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C).
~180 min - 7
While the ribs are braising, prepare the tamarind glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the tamarind paste, soy sauce, and a tablespoon of water until smooth.
~5 min - 8
Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the braising liquid. Strain the braising liquid through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids. Return the braising liquid to the pot and simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has reduced slightly and thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
~15 min - 9
Brush the tamarind glaze generously over the braised beef ribs. You can do this by placing them on a baking sheet and broiling for 2-3 minutes, or by returning them to the pot with the reduced braising liquid and stirring gently to coat.
~5 min - 10
Serve the braised beef ribs hot, drizzled with the reduced braising liquid and garnished with sliced chili and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Tips
- For an even richer flavor, you can marinate the beef ribs with some of the aromatics (lemongrass, galangal, garlic) and fish sauce for at least 30 minutes before searing.
- Leftover braised beef ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the braising liquid or a little water to keep them moist.
Featured Collections
Popular Recipes
HalalThai Lemongrass Shrimp & Mushroom Noodle Stir-fry
A quick and savory Thai-inspired noodle dish packed with plump shrimp and earthy mushrooms. The fragrant lemongrass and umami-rich soy sauce create a delightful flavor profile perfect for a satisfying lunch.
HalalSpicy Lime and Chili Cashew Clusters
These crunchy cashew clusters offer a vibrant explosion of Thai-inspired flavors. Tangy lime, fiery chili, and a hint of sweetness create an addictive snack perfect for any time of day. They are quick to assemble and offer a satisfying crunch with every bite.
HalalBitter Melon and Shrimp Stir-fry with Fermented Black Beans
This dish offers a unique balance of flavors, featuring the distinct bitterness of bitter melon expertly complemented by the savory depth of fermented black beans and the sweetness of plump shrimp. It's a quick and healthy dinner that's surprisingly satisfying.
HalalLychee and Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken skewers marinated in a sweet and floral lychee and honey glaze, then grilled to perfection. This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, slightly floral notes with a hint of savory chicken, making it an ideal light lunch.