Beef Short Ribs Recipe (with Video)

Beef Short Ribs Recipe: Who doesn’t love beef short ribs? These meaty, tender, and flavorful ribs are a showstopper at any dinner table.

With the right recipe, you can transform this tough cut of meat into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or craving some hearty comfort food, beef short ribs will deliver.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to cook these beauties like a pro.

Understanding Beef Short Ribs

Beef short ribs are a cut of beef taken from the brisket, chuck, plate, or rib areas of the cow. There are two main types of short ribs you’ll encounter:

1. English-Cut Short Ribs: These are cut parallel to the bone, leaving a thick piece of meat atop the rib. Perfect for braising.
2. Flanken-Cut Short Ribs: These are cut across the bone, creating a thin slice with multiple small bones. Ideal for grilling or Korean dishes.

Pro Tip: Look for marbling in the meat, as this ensures juiciness and flavor when cooked.

Ingredients for Beef Short Ribs

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 lbs beef short ribs (English cut or flanken)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, for braising)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ons:

• A splash of soy sauce for umami
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for garnish

Essential Equipment

You don’t need a fancy kitchen to make beef short ribs, but the right tools make a difference:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven: For searing and braising
• Sharp knife: To trim excess fat and cut veggies
• Tongs: To handle the ribs safely
• Slow cooker or pressure cooker: Optional but great for alternative methods

Preparation Steps

1. Clean the Ribs: Rinse under cold water and pat dry. Trim excess fat if necessary.
2. Season Generously: Rub salt and pepper all over the ribs.
3. Prep Vegetables: Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Keep them ready for sautéing.
4. Mix the Marinade: Combine wine, broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf in a bowl.

Pro Tip: Let the ribs sit with the seasoning for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.

Making the Marinade

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. This will form the base for your braising liquid.
• Add a dash of soy sauce for an extra depth of flavor.

Let the ribs soak in the marinade for a minimum of 2 hours. For best results, refrigerate overnight.

Cooking Techniques

The best way to cook beef short ribs is by braising, but here are three additional methods:

1. Braising: Cook the ribs in a liquid (like broth or wine) over low heat for a few hours.
2. Slow Cooker: Ideal for set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
3. Grilling: Great for a smoky, caramelized crust (especially with flanken ribs).

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Sear the Ribs:
   • Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
   • Sear the ribs on all sides until browned. This locks in flavor.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the same pan, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
3. Deglaze the Pan:
   • Add a splash of red wine or broth to the pan, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor.
4. Braise:
   • Add the seared ribs and vegetables to the pot.
   • Pour in the marinade, ensuring the ribs are submerged.
   • Cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.

Making the Sauce

1. Remove the ribs and strain the braising liquid.
2. Simmer the liquid until it thickens to a sauce-like consistency.
3. Optional: Whisk in a bit of butter for a glossy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or buttered noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. Pair with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tips for Perfect Beef Short Ribs

• Don’t Rush: The secret to tender short ribs is low and slow cooking.
• Check Liquid Levels: Ensure there’s enough braising liquid to prevent drying out.
• Reheat Gently: Use a low oven temperature to reheat leftovers without losing moisture.

Common Variations

1. Korean-Style Short Ribs (Kalbi): Marinate with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. Grill for a caramelized crust.
2. Spicy BBQ Short Ribs: Add chili powder and smoked paprika to your rub and finish with a tangy BBQ sauce.
3. Red Wine Braised Short Ribs: Swap broth for a full-bodied red wine for an elegant twist.

Nutritional Information

Carbs: 12g (varies with sides)

Calories: ~450 per serving

Protein: 25g

Fat: 30g

FAQs about Beef Short Ribs Recipe

1. What are beef short ribs?

Beef short ribs are flavorful cuts of meat taken from the lower rib section of a cow. They are known for their rich marbling, which makes them tender and juicy when cooked properly.

2. What is the best cooking method for beef short ribs?

Beef short ribs are best cooked low and slow, such as braising, slow cooking, or roasting. This method allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

3. How long does it take to cook beef short ribs?

The cooking time depends on the method. Braising typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours, while slow cooking can take 6 to 8 hours on low heat. Always cook until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.

4. Can I grill beef short ribs?

Yes, you can grill beef short ribs, but it’s best to use thinly sliced ribs (known as flanken-cut) for quicker cooking. Marinate them for added flavor and grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.

5. What are some popular seasonings for beef short ribs?

Common seasonings include garlic, onion, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and soy sauce. For a sweeter glaze, you can use barbecue sauce, honey, or brown sugar.

6. Can I make beef short ribs ahead of time?

Yes, beef short ribs taste even better the next day. Cook them a day ahead, store in the refrigerator, and reheat gently before serving.

7. What sides go well with beef short ribs?

Beef short ribs pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, creamy polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

8. How do I know when beef short ribs are done?

Beef short ribs are done when they are fork-tender, and the meat easily pulls away from the bone. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches around 200°F (93°C) for the best texture.

Conclusion

Beef short ribs are the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and incredible versatility. Whether you’re slow-braising them in red wine, grilling them for a smoky BBQ flavor, or spicing things up with a Korean twist, short ribs are sure to impress. With this step-by-step guide, you can confidently create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.