Short Ribs Recipe (with Video)

Short Ribs Recipe: Short ribs are a delicious, tender cut of meat that lends itself well to slow-cooking methods, allowing flavors to infuse while the meat becomes incredibly tender. With a mix of simple ingredients and a few techniques, you can create a dish that is both rustic and elegant.

Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to making these irresistible short ribs.

Why Choose Short Ribs for a Hearty Meal

Short ribs are perfect for cold days or whenever you crave something hearty. They’re rich in flavor and have a unique texture that makes them satisfying. Unlike some other cuts of beef, short ribs are filled with connective tissue and marbling that melt into the meat during cooking, creating a succulent, fall-off-the-bone experience.

Types of Short Ribs

Understanding the type of short ribs you have is essential to achieving the best texture and flavor.

Flanken-Style Ribs

These are cut across the bone into thin strips, with three to four small pieces of bone in each slice. They’re ideal for grilling but can also be slow-cooked for an even richer flavor.

English-Cut Ribs

English-cut ribs are larger, with each rib containing a single bone. This cut is more common for braising and slow-cooking, as it yields thick, juicy pieces of meat that hold up well over long cooking times.

Essential Ingredients for Short Ribs

• 4 lbs of beef short ribs (English-cut or flanken-style, depending on preference)
• Salt and pepper, for seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1 cup of red wine (optional for depth of flavor)
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Equipment Needed

• Heavy Dutch oven or a large pot with a lid
• Tongs, for handling the meat
• Wooden spoon, for stirring
• Cutting board and knife for prepping ingredients

Step-by-Step Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Short Ribs

Seasoning the Meat

1. Start by seasoning the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Be sure to cover each side to enhance the flavor during cooking.

Marinating (Optional)

For an added boost of flavor, marinate the short ribs overnight in the refrigerator with some fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of red wine. This step is optional but can add a delightful depth to the final dish.

Step 2: Searing the Short Ribs

1. Heat olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Using tongs, place each short rib into the pot. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes, or until browned. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds a rich caramelized flavor to the ribs.
3. Once all sides are browned, remove the ribs and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Preparing the Braising Liquid

Flavorful Additions

1. In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery, stirring frequently until the vegetables start to soften and develop color (about 5 minutes).
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Choosing Your Liquids

1. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
2. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes until the wine reduces by half.
3. Add the beef broth, rosemary, and thyme, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Braising the Short Ribs

Once the braising liquid is prepared, it’s time to return the ribs to the pot and start the slow-cooking process.

Oven Method

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Place the seared short ribs back into the pot, ensuring they’re mostly submerged in the liquid.
3. Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and nearly falling off the bone.

Stovetop Method

1. If you’re using the stovetop, reduce the heat to low after adding the ribs back into the pot.
2. Cover and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the liquid isn’t evaporating too quickly. Add more broth if necessary.

Slow Cooker Alternative

1. After preparing the braising liquid, transfer it along with the seared ribs into a slow cooker.
2. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours. This is a great hands-off option if you want to “set it and forget it.”

Step 5: Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions

1. Once the short ribs are done, remove them from the pot and skim any excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid.
2. Serve the short ribs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or a hearty risotto. Spoon some of the reduced braising liquid over the ribs as a sauce.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Pro Tips for Perfect Short Ribs Every Time

• Don’t Rush the Browning: Take time to brown the ribs well; this step enhances the dish’s flavor.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Short ribs need time to break down and become tender, so avoid high heat.
• Customize the Flavor: Add spices, or switch out the herbs and liquids for a different twist on classic short ribs.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

1. Store leftover short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. To reheat, place the ribs and sauce in a covered oven-safe dish and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Recipe Variations and Creative Twists

1. Asian-Inspired Short Ribs: Use soy sauce, ginger, and hoisin in the braising liquid for a unique flavor.
2. Spicy Short Ribs: Add a few dried chilies or chipotle peppers for a spicy kick.
3. Red Wine & Mushrooms: Add mushrooms and increase the amount of red wine for a deep, earthy flavor.

FAQs about Short Ribs Recipe

What Side Dishes Pair Well with Short Ribs?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, polenta, or a fresh salad pair beautifully with short ribs, complementing their rich flavors.

What are Short Ribs?

Short ribs are a cut of beef taken from the brisket, chuck, plate, or rib areas of the cow. They are meaty and have a rich, beefy flavor, making them ideal for slow-cooked dishes.

How Long Does it Take to Cook Short Ribs?

Typically, short ribs require around 2-3 hours when braised in the oven or on the stovetop. Slow cookers or pressure cookers may vary, but they generally take about 4-6 hours on low heat or 45 minutes in a pressure cooker.

Can Short Ribs Be Made in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, slow cookers are excellent for short ribs, allowing the meat to become tender and flavorful over hours. Add your seasoning, broth, or sauce, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

What are Popular Seasonings for Short Ribs?

Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Some recipes may also use a marinade or sauce based on red wine, soy sauce, or barbecue sauce for added flavor.

Conclusion

Making short ribs at home can be an incredibly rewarding culinary experience. With their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re sure to impress family and guests alike. Follow this guide, and you’ll have perfectly tender short ribs ready to serve and enjoy.

References

For readers interested in exploring more about short ribs and ensuring the accuracy of cooking techniques, we’ve gathered references from trusted culinary sources. These resources offer further reading and validation for the information shared in this recipe. Click the links below for additional insights, expert tips, and alternative approaches to cooking perfect short ribs:

• Short Ribs Cooking Techniques – Serious Eats
• Braised Short Ribs Recipe – Bon Appétit
• Perfecting Short Ribs – Food Network

These links lead to reputable sites known for their culinary expertise, providing readers with reliable and in-depth information to elevate their short rib cooking experience.