Delicious Beef Short Ribs Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Did you know this beef short ribs recipe gets a whopping 4.99 out of 5 stars from 2,691 votes? It’s a favorite for many. These ribs are perfect for special events like Valentine’s Day and Christmas.

This recipe turns tough meat into tender, full-of-flavor ribs with slow cooking. You can use an oven, slow cooker, or pressure cooker. You’ll get restaurant-quality ribs at home.

Want to wow your guests or enjoy a fancy meal? Let’s explore beef short ribs and make this dish at home.

Key Takeaways

• The recipe serves 4 people with 8 whole beef short ribs
• Cooking methods include oven, stove, pressure cooker, and slow cooker
• English-style cut is preferred for thickness and presentation
• Searing the meat is crucial for enhancing flavor
• Leftover ribs can be stored for up to 5 days and freeze well
• Dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot is recommended for braising
• Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta make perfect side dishes

Introduction to Beef Short Ribs

Beef short ribs are a cut of meat that is full of flavor and tender. They come from the beef plate primal cut, near the cow’s belly. These ribs are rich in marbling and full of beefy goodness, loved by meat lovers and chefs.

What are beef short ribs?

Beef short ribs are parts of the rib bone from the cow’s chuck or plate areas. They are shorter than regular ribs, which is why they are called short ribs. These ribs are known for their rich flavor and tender texture when cooked right. A serving of beef short ribs has about 364 calories, with 27g of fat and 13g of protein.

Why beef short ribs are perfect for slow cooking

Slow cooking is the key to bringing out the best in beef short ribs. This method breaks down tough tissues, making the meat tender. Cooking them for 2-3 hours lets the flavors develop and the meat become incredibly tender.

Difference between English cut and Flanken cut

There are two main types of beef short ribs: English cut and Flanken cut. English cut ribs are cut parallel to the bone, giving you a thick, meaty piece. Flanken cut is sliced across the bones, giving you thin strips with bones in them.

Whether you pick English cut or Flanken cut, beef short ribs are a great choice. They have a rich flavor and tender texture, perfect for slow cooking. This makes them a dish that will impress anyone.

Selecting the Best Beef Short Ribs

Choosing the right beef short ribs is key for a tasty meal. Look for ones with good marbling. This means they have white streaks of fat, making them juicy and flavorful. Choose pieces that are about 2 inches thick and weigh 300-400g each.

Go for English-style beef short ribs. They are thicker and have more meat than Flanken-style ribs used in Korean BBQ. The bone also adds flavor to the sauce while cooking.

For the best selection, visit a butcher. They can guide you to the prime cuts for your dish. Remember, high-quality short ribs might be pricier than beef tenderloin. But the rich taste is well worth it.

“Good marbling is key to juicy, flavorful short ribs. Don’t shy away from visible fat streaks.”

For even cooking, pick short ribs of similar size. This way, all pieces will be tender and fall-off-the-bone at the same time. With these tips, you’re ready to make a memorable beef short ribs dish.

Essential Ingredients for Braised Beef Short Ribs

Creating the perfect braised short ribs means picking the right ingredients. Let’s explore the key items that make this dish stand out.

Meat and Seasonings

The main ingredient is 8 beef chuck short ribs, costing $8-$10 per pound. Season them with salt and pepper for a great start. Then, add Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste for more flavor.

Vegetables and Aromatics

Vegetables and aromatics add a lot of flavor. Use 3 carrots, 3 celery stalks, and 5 garlic cloves. You can also add parsnips, turnips, or celeriac root for more variety.

Herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and bay leaves bring aromatic notes to the dish.

Liquids for Braising

The braising liquid is key for tender, flavorful ribs. Mix 2 cups of dry red wine with 7.5 cups of beef stock. This combo creates a rich environment, making your short ribs moist and full of flavor.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a memorable meal. The cooking process takes about 3 hours at 325°F. This results in a dish with 335 calories per serving and 29g of protein.

Preparing Your Kitchen for Cooking

Are you ready to cook some delicious beef short ribs? Let’s get your kitchen ready for success! Getting your kitchen set up right is crucial for a smooth cooking process. Start by collecting all the cooking tools you need before starting.

A large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven is the main tool for cooking your ribs. It’s great for searing and braising. You’ll also need a wooden spatula to scrape the flavorful bits from the pot’s bottom.

For straining the sauce, a mesh strainer is essential. It makes the sauce smooth. Don’t forget the cartouche, a parchment paper lid that helps with even braising. It’s a simple but effective tool.

Before cooking, prepare all your ingredients. Chop your veggies, measure liquids, and have your seasonings ready. This technique, called mise en place, makes cooking easier.

• Large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spatula
• Mesh strainer
• Parchment paper for cartouche
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

With your kitchen ready and all the tools in place, you’re ready to make a tasty beef short ribs meal. Remember, a well-prepared kitchen leads to amazing dishes!

Step-by-Step Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Are you ready to make delicious beef short ribs? This recipe will guide you through seasoning and slow cooking for that perfect tenderness. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering dish.

Seasoning the Ribs

Begin with 3 to 5 pounds of bone-in short ribs, about 2 to 3 inches thick. Dry them well and season with salt and pepper. For extra taste, coat them in flour before moving on.

Searing for Maximum Flavor

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven. Searing is key for rich flavors. Brown the ribs on all sides, which should take about 15 minutes. This step creates a crust that enhances the dish’s flavor.

Creating the Braising Liquid

After searing, cook aromatic vegetables in the pot. Add tomato paste for more flavor, then deglaze with 2 cups of dry red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon. Finish with beef stock and herbs for the braising liquid.

Slow Cooking Process

Put the ribs back in the pot, cover it, and braise in a 275°F oven for 3½ to 4 hours. This slow cooking turns tough ribs into tender, juicy meat. Let the ribs rest for 20 minutes before serving over egg noodles, polenta, or mashed potatoes.

The Art of Braising Beef Short Ribs

Braising is a slow cooking method that turns tough meat into tender, flavorful dishes. It’s great for beef short ribs, making them melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The process involves cooking the meat in liquid at a low temperature for a long time.

To start, season your short ribs with salt and pepper. Then, sear them in hot oil until they get a rich, brown crust. This step locks in flavor and prepares the meat for the braising liquid.

After that, add onions, celery, and carrots to the pan. These vegetables add flavor to your dish. Use red wine or beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. This step is key for a rich, complex sauce.

For the braising liquid, mix beef broth with red wine. Use about 5 cups of liquid to cover the meaty side of the ribs. Add bay leaves and 3 cloves of garlic for extra taste. Cover the pot and simmer in a 350°F oven for 2.5 to 3 hours.

The slow cooking process makes the meat tender by breaking down tough tissues. For even cooking, use a cartouche – a parchment paper lid on the liquid’s surface. This keeps the ribs moist and ensures they cook evenly.

Learning the braising technique opens up new cooking possibilities. For more ideas, check out this delicious beef patty recipe perfect for your next barbecue.

Creating a Rich and Flavorful Sauce

The secret to delicious beef short ribs is the sauce. After cooking for 2½ hours at 275 degrees, it’s time to make a sauce that will make your dish shine. This sauce will take your dish to the level of a fancy restaurant.

Reducing the braising liquid

Begin by straining the braising liquid to get rid of any solids. Put the liquid back into the pot and simmer it over medium heat. This process makes the sauce thicker and more flavorful. To make the sauce even shinier, mix in a cornstarch slurry.

Adding the finishing touches

To enhance your sauce, try adding butter. Put cold butter cubes into the sauce and whisk until they melt and blend in. This method gives the sauce a smooth, rich texture that sticks to the beef beautifully.

For a Japanese twist, add shoyu, brown sugar, and dry sherry to your sauce. This mix of sweet and savory tastes goes great with the beef. Serve your short ribs over fluffy white rice for a cozy meal that will wow your guests.

Cooking Methods: Oven vs. Slow Cooker

Preparing oven-braised short ribs or slow cooker beef ribs has its own perks. Let’s dive into the differences between these cooking methods.

Oven braising takes about 2-3 hours at 275°F, giving a rich flavor. This method caramelizes the meat, boosting its taste. Slow cooker beef ribs, on the other hand, need about 4 hours on high. They turn the meat into tender pieces.

For those with little time, pressure cookers are a quick fix. The Instant Pot can cook beef short ribs in just 25 minutes. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

Slow cookers are great for tender meat, but ovens bring out intense flavors through caramelization. Choosing between oven-braised short ribs and slow cooker beef ribs depends on what you prefer and how much time you have. For a fast dinner, try this beef tacos recipe, which takes less time than making short ribs.

Regardless of the method, make sure the cooking vessel fits the meat well for the best results. The secret to perfect beef short ribs is cooking them low and slow. This breaks down the connective tissues, making the meat tender and delicious.

Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Your Beef Short Ribs

Finding the right side dishes can make your meal unforgettable. With 35 tasty options, you’ll find the perfect match for your beef short ribs. These dishes will take your meal from good to great.

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice. They have a smooth texture and a buttery taste. This makes them a great contrast to the rich short ribs. If you’re watching carbs, try cauliflower mash. It’s creamy like mashed potatoes but has fewer carbs.

Roasted vegetables bring color and nutrition to your meal. Brussels sprouts and green beans are great choices. They have a crisp texture and earthy flavors that go well with the meat. For a richer option, sautéed mushrooms are a great choice. They soak up the beef’s juices and add a deep umami flavor.

Bread is also a great choice. Try garlic bread, French bread, or homemade crescent rolls to soak up the sauce. If you want something different, consider Yorkshire pudding. It’s a unique twist on traditional bread.

These delicious side dishes will make your beef short ribs the star of the show. Mix and match to create your perfect plate!

Wine Pairing Suggestions for Beef Short Ribs

Finding the right wine can make beef short ribs even better. Full-bodied red wines are perfect for their meaty flavor. Let’s look at some great choices for your next meal.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a top pick for short ribs. Its strong tannins and rich fruit taste match the meat’s bold flavor. Merlot is another good choice, with its plum notes that go well with the slow-cooked ribs.

For a bit of spice, try Zinfandel. Its spicy taste is great with ribs cooked in balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Chilean reds like Carménère or Cabernet Sauvignon also work well, offering strong flavors and tannins.

Italian wine fans might like a Chianti Classico. Made from Sangiovese grapes, it has bright acidity and strong tannins. These help balance the rich taste of short rib ragu.

When cooking with wine, choose a full-bodied red that’s affordable. Save the expensive bottles for drinking. The slow cooking process blends the flavors, making expensive wines not needed for the dish.

Tips for Achieving Fall-Off-the-Bone Tenderness

Mastering tender short ribs takes patience and focus. The secret is in slow cooking tips that turn tough meat into a soft, delicious treat. Begin by searing the ribs on all sides. This step seals in flavors and creates a tasty crust.

For the best tenderness, cook your ribs low and slow. Set your oven to 275°F (135°C) and let them cook for about 2½ hours. This long cooking time breaks down tough fibers, making the meat incredibly tender.

Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for even heat. Cover the meat with a cartouche – a parchment paper lid – to keep it moist. This method ensures your short ribs stay juicy and full of flavor.

Remember, patience is key. The meat is done when it easily comes off the bone with a fork. If it’s not ready, add more time and liquid. Your hard work will pay off with irresistibly tender short ribs.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Beef Short Ribs

Properly storing leftover short ribs means you can enjoy them later. After cooling, seal the ribs in a plastic bag and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.

When you’re ready to eat, there are several ways to reheat beef ribs. The oven method is a favorite. Preheat your oven to 325°F and heat the ribs for 20-30 minutes. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

For quicker results, try the stovetop. Heat oil in a pan over low-medium heat. Add the ribs and turn occasionally. A splash of broth or water helps keep them moist. The microwave works too, but use short intervals to prevent overcooking.

To keep your ribs moist, cover them with foil or add liquid like beef broth. You can also brush on BBQ sauce before reheating for extra flavor. Remember, let the ribs reach room temperature before reheating for even warming.

Got creative ideas for leftover short ribs? Try transforming them into new dishes like shepherd’s pie, tacos, or even ravioli filling. The possibilities are endless!

Variations on the Classic Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Beef short ribs are versatile, perfect for culinary adventures. A popular twist is Korean-style beef short ribs. They use a marinade with soy sauce, garlic, and Asian pear. The Flanken cut ribs work great for this quick method.

For a one-pot meal, add root vegetables to the braising liquid. Carrots, parsnips, and turnips soak up the rich flavors. This makes a hearty, complete dish with little extra work.

If you want a non-alcoholic version, swap the wine. Use more beef broth, water, and a bit of Worcestershire sauce. This keeps the dish family-friendly but still tasty.

Trying different braising liquids can lead to unique tastes. Use beer, stout, or cola for distinct flavors. These variations show how the meat can fit into various cuisines and cooking styles.