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Grilled Short Ribs with Sesame-Chipotle Mole

This vibrant recipe for grilled short ribs with sesame-chipotle mole offers a sophisticated twist on a classic barbecue dish. The smoky depth of the chipotle chillies pairs beautifully with the charred beef, while the roasted almonds and sesame seeds provide a rich, nutty base for the sauce. Unlike traditional long-simmered moles, this version uses piquillo peppers and vinegar to create a bright, piquant finish that cuts through the richness of the meat.

As a diabetes-friendly main course, this dish focuses on high-quality protein and healthy fats from the nuts and seeds, keeping the carbohydrate content low. It is an excellent choice for a nutritious weekend dinner or an impressive summer gathering. Serve the sliced beef alongside a crisp green salad or roasted courgettes for a complete, well-balanced meal that doesn’t compromise on flavour.

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Ingredients for Grilled Short Ribs with Sesame-Chipotle Mole

  • 50g unsalted, roasted almonds

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

  • 140g roasted red peppers from a jar, preferably piquillo, drained

  • 2 canned chipotle chillies in adobo, seeded

  • 2 tablespoons Sherry vinegar

  • Kosher salt

  • Vegetable oil (for grilling)

  • 675g boneless beef short ribs (1 1/4 - 1 1/2" thick)

  • Freshly ground black pepper

How to make Grilled Short Ribs with Sesame-Chipotle Mole

Pulse almonds and sesame seeds in a food processor until finely chopped. Add red peppers, chipotle chillies, and vinegar and puree until well combined; season mole with salt.

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; lightly oil grate. Season short ribs with salt and pepper and toss on a rimmed baking sheet with 80ml mole; set remaining mole aside for serving.

Grill short ribs, turning occasionally, until charred on all sides and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of meat registers 54°C for medium-rare, 8–10 minutes.

Transfer short ribs to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes. Thinly slice ribs against the grain and serve with reserved mole alongside.

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.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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