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Slow-Cooked Short Ribs with Gremolata

These slow-cooked short ribs with gremolata offer a sophisticated and deeply savoury main course that fits perfectly within a diabetes-friendly diet. The beef is seasoned and chilled overnight to enhance the natural flavours, then slow-roasted until it reaches a melt-in-the-mouth tenderness. By focusing on high-quality protein and vibrant aromatics rather than heavy, sugary sauces, this dish provides an immensely satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet remains balance-focused and wholesome.

The star of this recipe is the zingy gremolata, which combines fresh flat-leaf parsley, lemon zest, and fiery horseradish to cut through the richness of the beef. Serving the ribs with seared lemons adds a lovely caramelised acidity that brightens the entire plate. It is an excellent choice for a weekend lunch or a special dinner party where you want to serve something impressive, homemade, and healthy.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Slow-Cooked Short Ribs with Gremolata

  • 6 10" English-style bone-in beef short ribs (about 4.5kg )

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • freshly ground pepper

  • 60g coarse fresh breadcrumbs

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely grated

  • 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • 1/2 cup grated peeled horseradish or 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish

  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 45ml olive oil, divided

  • 4 lemons, halved

How to make Slow-Cooked Short Ribs with Gremolata

Season short ribs generously with salt and pepper; place in a large roasting pan and chill, uncovered, 12 hours.

Preheat oven to 163°C. Toast breadcrumbs on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing halfway through, until golden brown, 8–10 minutes. Let cool.

Add 240ml water to roasting pan. Cover pan with foil and cook until meat is tender, 2 1/2–3 hours. Uncover pan and increase oven temperature to 204°C. Roast until ribs are browned on top, 25–30 minutes longer.

When short ribs are almost done, mix garlic, parsley, horseradish, lemon zest and juice, breadcrumbs, and 2 tablespoons oil in a small bowl; season gremolata with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook lemons, cut side down, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Top short ribs with gremolata and serve with seared lemons.

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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