Skip to main content

3-Ingredient Sweet and Savory Short Ribs

This high-protein beef dish offers a sophisticated flavour profile with minimal effort, relying on just three main ingredients to create a rich, complex sauce. By slow-braising bone-in short ribs in a blend of teriyaki sauce and prune juice, the meat becomes exceptionally tender while absorbing a deeply savoury and slightly sweet glaze. It is an excellent choice for a weekend dinner when you want the oven to do most of the hard work.

Ideal for those following a high-protein diet, these beef ribs are incredibly satisfying and provide a comforting alternative to a traditional roast. The prune juice acts as a natural sweetener and tenderiser, mirroring the dark fruit notes found in many classic French stews. Serve these succulent ribs alongside creamy mashed potatoes or steamed seasonal greens to soak up every drop of the glossy glaze.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Sweet and Savory Short Ribs

  • 1.4kg English-style bone-in beef short ribs

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 240ml prune juice

  • 240ml teriyaki sauce

Preheat oven to 177°C. Season ribs with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large ovenproof pot over medium-high. Working in batches if necessary, sear ribs until browned on all sides, 8–10 minutes. Transfer ribs to a plate.

Drain fat from pot. Add prune juice, teriyaki sauce, and 350ml water. Bring to a simmer and return ribs to pot. Cover pot, transfer to oven, and braise until beef is very tender and falling off the bone, 2–3 hours.

Transfer ribs to a platter. Bring liquid in pot to a boil on stovetop. Cook, uncovered, until liquid is reduced to a glaze, 12–15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; pour over ribs.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.