Short Ribs Recipe
What Are Short Ribs?
Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk a little about short ribs. They come from the rib section of the cow, but unlike the classic rib-eye steak, short ribs have a much higher fat content, making them super juicy and tender when cooked properly. They can be prepared in various ways—braised, grilled, or even slow-cooked—but no matter the method, they always come out delicious.
Why This Recipe?
You might be wondering why I’m so excited about this short ribs recipe. Well, for starters, it’s incredibly easy to follow. Secondly, the combination of seasonings and braising brings out the natural flavor of the meat without overwhelming it. Lastly, it’s one of those recipes that makes you look like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, you’ve only been cooking for about 2 hours (and most of that time is just the meat cooking away in the oven). Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
So, without further ado, here are 5 easy steps to a mouthwatering short ribs meal:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
The first step to any great recipe is getting your ingredients together. Don’t worry, we’re not talking about a long list of exotic spices here—just a few basics that will make the magic happen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4-6 bone-in short ribs (depending on how many you’re feeding—don’t be afraid to go big!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth if you’re feeling adventurous)
- 1 cup red wine (feel free to drink the rest of the bottle while cooking…🍷)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step 2: Season and Sear the Short Ribs
Okay, here’s where you start to feel like a pro. First, grab your short ribs and season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! These ribs love flavor.
Next, heat up your olive oil in a large, oven-safe pot (a Dutch oven works best, but any heavy-bottomed pot will do). Once the oil is nice and hot (but not smoking—unless you want to send the fire department to your house 😜), add the short ribs. Sear them on all sides for about 4-5 minutes until they’re golden brown.
This step is crucial because it helps to lock in the flavor and gives the ribs a beautiful crust. When they’re perfectly seared, remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside.
Step 3: Create the Flavor Base
Now it’s time to build the flavor. In the same pot, add your diced onion and carrots. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Don’t forget to scrape up any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. That’s where all the flavor lives!
Once the vegetables are softened, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until it becomes fragrant. Then, add tomato paste and stir to combine. This step adds a bit of richness to the broth later on.
Now, let’s get a little fancy with it. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for a minute to deglaze the pot. This step is like a mini celebration. The wine adds an incredible depth of flavor and really makes the dish sing. 🌟
Step 4: Braise the Short Ribs
It’s time to get cozy! Place the short ribs back into the pot, making sure they’re nestled in the vegetable and wine mixture. Add the beef broth (or chicken broth, if you’re feeling like a rebel), rosemary, and thyme. Stir everything together, and bring it to a simmer.
Once simmering, cover the pot with a lid and place it in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C). Now, here’s the fun part: you get to wait. Pop open a cold drink, put your feet up, and relax. The ribs will need to cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours.
During this time, the meat will become so tender that you could probably just look at it and it would fall off the bone. The magic happens slowly, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
After the ribs are done, take them out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! The meat should be incredibly tender, and the broth will have transformed into a savory, rich sauce. Don’t forget to remove the rosemary and thyme sprigs—they’ve done their job.
To serve, place the short ribs on a platter, spoon the delicious vegetable and broth mixture over the top, and garnish with some fresh herbs if you like. Serve them alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or a nice crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce.
And there you have it—your mouthwatering short ribs meal is ready to be devoured!
5 FAQs About Cooking Short Ribs
1. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, absolutely! You can sear the short ribs and then transfer them to the slow cooker. Cook them on low for 6-8 hours until they’re tender and delicious.
2. Can I use boneless short ribs?
Yes, but bone-in short ribs tend to have more flavor. If you’re using boneless, you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly.
3. Can I substitute the wine?
If you’re not a fan of wine, you can substitute with beef broth or apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. Just remember, the wine adds a lot of flavor, so be sure to compensate with something else.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a jalapeño when you’re cooking the vegetables. That’ll give it a nice heat without overpowering the dish.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavor improves if you let it sit overnight. Just store the short ribs and sauce in the fridge, and reheat gently when ready to serve.
Conclusion
There you have it—5 easy steps to a mouthwatering short ribs meal that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds (or thirds). With just a little patience and some basic ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been cooking all day, when in reality, it’s all done in just a few hours.
So go ahead and give this short ribs recipe a try—you won’t regret it! And remember, the best meals are always made with a little love (and a dash of humor). 😄 Enjoy!