Sesame-Ginger Short Ribs with Coleslaw

Crunchy angel-hair slaw is a refreshing accompaniment to rich, meaty ribs. Make it at the same time you put the ribs in the slow cooker and chill in the refrigerator while the ribs cook. Not only will everything be ready to eat when you get home, but the slaw will be nice and cold.

Serves 4

Prep: 15 minutes

Slow Cook: 7 hours (low) or 3½ hours (high)

Total: 7 hours 15 minutes

For the Ribs

2 teaspoons Whole30-compliant five-spice powder

1 teaspoon salt

8 bone-in beef short ribs (about 4 pounds)

2 green onions

⅓ cup fresh orange juice

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons coconut aminos

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 piece (1 inch) fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Coleslaw

1 package (10 ounces) angel-hair coleslaw

¼ cup lightly packed chopped fresh parsley

½ cup Whole30-compliant mayonnaise or Basic Mayonnaise (page 295)

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

¼ teaspoon Whole30-compliant five-spice powder

¼ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted (see Tip)

Make the ribs: In a small bowl, combine the five-spice powder and salt. Rub the ribs with the spice mixture. Place the ribs in a 4-quart slow cooker. Thinly slice the green onions; reserve the green tops until ready to serve. Add the white parts to the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vinegar, coconut aminos, oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes; pour over the ribs.

Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3½ to 4 hours.

Adjust an oven rack to 4 inches below the broiler. Preheat the broiler. Remove the ribs from the cooker and place them, meaty sides up, in a large baking pan. Broil until browned, about 4 minutes. Cover to keep warm.

Skim the fat from the cooking liquid. Transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Brush the ribs with the sauce.

Make the coleslaw: Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine the coleslaw and parsley. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, cayenne, five-spice powder, and salt. Stir the dressing into the coleslaw mixture.

Sprinkle the ribs with the reserved sliced green onion tops and the sesame seeds. Serve the coleslaw alongside.

Tip Toast sesame seeds in dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.