On chilly evenings when the breeze whispers secrets of the coming winter, there’s something about the kitchen that becomes not just a room, but a sanctuary. I find myself drawn to the comfort of warmth that emanates from the oven, the clink of cookware, and the rich aromas that promise a meal to remember. It’s on evenings such as these that my thoughts inevitably turn to the succulent allure of braised beef short ribs.
This dish, with its humble origins, has a way of transforming the ordinary into the spectacular. It’s a recipe that speaks of patience and care, a slow simmering journey that begins with simple ingredients and culminates into a symphony of flavors. The tenderness of the meat, perfectly complemented by a deeply flavorful sauce, creates a dining experience that is both profoundly satisfying and elegantly simple.
Working at Food And Meal, I’ve always advocated for recipes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also nurture the soul. Braised beef short ribs encapsulate this philosophy so well, bridging the gap between rustic home cooking and gourmet dining. Today, I’m excited to share a dish that is close to my heart, a recipe that has cheered me up after long days and made special occasions even more memorable.
The reason I find myself invariably gravitating towards making this dish is because it is as rewarding to prepare as it is to serve. There’s a meditative quality to browning the ribs, chopping the vegetables, and then carefully assembling everything in the pot. The hours it spends in the oven are hours I spend in keen anticipation, knowing that what comes out will be nothing short of remarkable.
So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, I warmly invite you to join me in exploring the depths of flavor that braised beef short ribs have to offer. It’s a dish that comforts, impresses, and invariably brings people together around the table, filling the room with laughter, stories, and a shared sense of contentment. Let’s embark on this delicious journey together.
Braised Beef Ribs Recipe
BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIBS
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/2 onion, grated
- 3 scallions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, crushed or whole
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 Asian pear, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 3 pounds English-cut short ribs (sometimes called thick-cut), rinsed in cold water
- 2 small potatoes, cut into large chunks
- 2 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch lengths, or 1⁄2 cup baby carrots
Instructions
- Score the ribs a few times so they absorb more of the braising liquid.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, soy sauce, mirin, garlic, onion, scallions, sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
- In a large heavy-bottomed stockpot over high heat, combine the pear, the ribs, and the braising liquid mixture. Mix well, making sure all the ribs are covered. The liquid will come up to almost half of the level of the ribs in the pot.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and bring just to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 1 hour, adding the potatoes and carrots 30 minutes before end of the cooking time and stirring them in gently.
- Serve hot.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Slow Cooker Bliss
Create a delicious Braised Beef Short Ribs dish by seasoning the ribs and searing them in a skillet before transferring them to a slow cooker. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in the same skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker. Prepare a savory sauce with beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes; pour over the ribs and veggies. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the ribs are tender. Remove ribs and keep warm; thicken the sauce if needed. Serve over steamed rice, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an elegant touch. Enjoy the tender meat and harmonious flavors of this exquisite dish.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance the joy of savoring Braised Beef Short Ribs by pairing them with the luscious Thai Mango Sticky Rice, creating a harmonious blend of savory and sweet that is bound to leave your taste buds delighted. Another delightful option is to serve these tender ribs alongside the comforting Japanese Chicken Dumpling Soup, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia. The classic combination of Stir Fried Beef and Broccoli adds a touch of familiarity, making the meal feel like a cherished, home-cooked experience.
For those seeking a more unique and unconventional pairing, consider trying Ottolenghi’s Blueberry Crumble. The rich flavors of the ribs beautifully contrast with the fruity sweetness of the crumble, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and intriguing.
Cooking Tips
When I first attempted braised short ribs, I’ll admit – it was a messy endeavor. My excitement to dive into this rich and comforting dish led to some pitfalls. However, through trial and error, I’ve discovered a few tips that really take these ribs to the next level.
First and foremost, patience truly is a virtue when braising. Resist the urge to crank up the heat to speed things along. The long, gentle simmer is key for breaking down the collagen and connective tissue to achieve melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Rushing this crucial step often leads to tough, chewy meat. I’ve made that mistake before! Now I happily let the ribs lazily bubble away for hours, trusting in the transformative power of low and slow cooking.
Browning the ribs properly before braising really builds tremendous flavor. I like to pat the ribs completely dry first so they brown instead of steam. Take the time to achieve a nice sear – it makes a difference. Be careful though – I’ve set off some smoke alarms in my eagerness to get a good crust!
Finally, skimming excess fat from the braising liquid yields a richer, more concentrated sauce. After hours of simmering, there’s often a layer of fat that accumulates on top. Carefully skimming this off once the ribs are cooked elevates the flavor of the liquid that remains. I’ve found that a fat separator makes this process extremely easy.
FAQs of Braised Beef Short Ribs
- Are beef braising ribs the same as short ribs? Yes, beef braising ribs and short ribs are often used interchangeably. Both refer to the same cut of meat, which is known for its rich flavor and tenderness when braised.
- What cut of meat is braised short rib? Braised short ribs typically come from the beef chuck, a well-marbled and flavorful cut. The ribs are often bone-in, contributing to the depth of flavor during the braising process.
- How much liquid do you use to braise short ribs? The amount of liquid used for braising short ribs depends on the recipe, but a general guideline is to use enough liquid to partially submerge the ribs. This ensures they cook evenly and stay moist during the braising process.
- Can you overcook braised short ribs? While braising is a forgiving cooking method, it is possible to overcook short ribs. Extended cooking times can lead to excessively tender meat that falls apart. It’s essential to follow the recommended cooking times and check for doneness to achieve the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
- Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe? Yes, you can use boneless short ribs if you prefer. They’ll cook faster and are easier to eat, but you might miss out on the depth of flavor that bones provide.
- How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Can I make this dish in advance for a special occasion? Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen when it’s reheated, making it a great choice for prepping ahead.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? To reheat, place the ribs and sauce in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- Are there any vegetarian alternatives to this dish? For a vegetarian option, consider using seitan or tofu and adjusting the cooking time accordingly. The sauce is incredibly flavorful and works well with these substitutes.
Conclusion
On chilly evenings when the breeze whispers secrets of the coming winter, there’s something about the kitchen that becomes not just a room, but a sanctuary. I find myself drawn to the comfort of warmth that emanates from the oven, the clink of cookware, and the rich aromas that promise a meal to remember. It’s on evenings such as these that my thoughts inevitably turn to the succulent allure of braised beef short ribs.
This dish, with its humble origins, has a way of transforming the ordinary into the spectacular. It’s a recipe that speaks of patience and care, a slow simmering journey that begins with simple ingredients and culminates into a symphony of flavors. The tenderness of the meat, perfectly complemented by a deeply flavorful sauce, creates a dining experience that is both profoundly satisfying and elegantly simple.
Working at Food And Meal, I’ve always advocated for recipes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also nurture the soul. Braised beef short ribs encapsulate this philosophy so well, bridging the gap between rustic home cooking and gourmet dining. Today, I’m excited to share a dish that is close to my heart, a recipe that has cheered me up after long days and made special occasions even more memorable.
The reason I find myself invariably gravitating towards making this dish is because it is as rewarding to prepare as it is to serve. There’s a meditative quality to browning the ribs, chopping the vegetables, and then carefully assembling everything in the pot. The hours it spends in the oven are hours I spend in keen anticipation, knowing that what comes out will be nothing short of remarkable.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, I warmly invite you to join me in exploring the depths of flavor that braised beef short ribs have to offer. It’s a dish that comforts, impresses, and invariably brings people together around the table. I hope you’ll visit Food And Meal to find more soul-warming recipes for your next memorable meal. Let’s embark on this delicious journey together!
Hi! I'm Nazia of ‘Nazia Cooks’, a self-taught baker and cook residing in Chennai. Rooted in the rich South Indian culinary landscape, my palate has expanded to embrace global flavors. I revel in crafting fusion dishes, melding traditions to birth unique tastes.