Recipe: Slow Cooker Short Ribs Braised in Spicy Black Bean Sauce

SLOW COOKER SHORT RIBS BRAISED IN SPICY BLACK BEAN SAUCE

4 pounds beef short ribs
1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
3 tablespoons black bean sauce with garlic, see cook's notes
2 tablespoons sake or vodka
1/2 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns
Grated zest and juice of 1 orange
2 green onions, trimmed, thinly sliced

Position broiler rack 6- to 7-inches from broiler element. Broil ribs on both sides, turning once, until well browned, about 10 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Separate ribs if in strips. Place in slow cooker.

In bowl, combine all remaining ingredients except green onion. Spoon over short ribs and toss to combine.

Cover crock pot and cook on LOW setting for 10 to 12 hours or on HIGH setting for 5 to 6 hours, or until meat is tender and falling off the bone.

Serve ribs and sauce over sauteed Asian mustard greens. Garnish with finely chopped green onions.

*Black bean sauce with garlic is a prepared sauce that comes in a jar. It is sold in Asian markets or in many supermarket Asian specialty sections.

Makes 6 servings
Adapted from source: Delicious and Dependable Slow Cooker Recipes by Judith Finlayson