Mango Kissed Honey & Habanero Short Ribs

Written by: Maggie Peterson

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Time to read min

Prep time

5 minutes

Cook time

10 minutes

Servings

2

These short ribs are all about sweet heat. Mango aged white balsamic brings juicy brightness and honeyed depth, while habanero fused olive oil adds a slow, warming finish. Rich, tender, and perfectly balanced, this is a crowd-pleasing comfort dish with a bold twist.

Ingredients

 • 4–5 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
 • Salt & freshly cracked black pepper
 • 3 tbsp habanero fused olive oil 🌶️
 • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
 • 2 shallots, halved (or 1 small onion, sliced)
 • ¾ cup mango aged white balsamic vinegar 🥭
 • ½ cup honey
 • 1 cup beef broth (or water)

Directions

Sweet, glossy mango-honey richness meets a slow, warming habanero heat. The result is a sauce that’s bright, balanced, and gently bold—never overpowering, just deeply satisfying.


Slow Cooker Method (Easiest) 

  1. Season short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat habanero olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly sear ribs, 1–2 minutes per side (optional but adds depth).
  3. Transfer ribs to the slow cooker. Add garlic and shallots.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together mango balsamic, honey, and broth.
  5. Pour sauce over ribs.
  6. Cover and cook:
     • Low: 7–8 hours
     • High: 4–5 hours
  7. Remove lid for the final 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  8. Gently shred meat and spoon sauce over the top.

Oven Method

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Sear ribs in habanero olive oil in a Dutch oven.
  3. Add garlic and shallots.
  4. Pour in mango balsamic, honey, and broth.
  5. Cover and bake 2½ hours, uncovering for the final 30 minutes to reduce the sauce.

How to Serve

  • Over rice, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta.
  • Finish with a light drizzle of mango aged white balsamic for brightness.
  • A very small finishing drizzle of habanero fused olive oil for warmth.

***Pro TipIf you’re heat-sensitive, use the habanero olive oil only for finishing. If you love spice, use it generously for searing and drizzle again before serving.

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