What are the best tips for choosing short ribs at the store?

When selecting short ribs, look for bright red meat with good marbling but not excessive fat. Choose ribs with a thick layer of meat attached to the bone, which helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful during braising. Avoid ribs that look gray or dry. If possible, opt for bone-in short ribs, as the bones add richness and assist in even cooking.

How long should I braise short ribs for tender results?

Braising short ribs typically takes between 2.5 to 3.5 hours at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C). This slow cooking breaks down tough connective tissues, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs, so test for tenderness by checking if the meat pulls apart easily.

Can I make braised short ribs in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, and how do I adjust cooking times?

Yes, braised short ribs can be made in both slow cookers and Instant Pots. For a slow cooker, sear the ribs and sauté vegetables first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours. In an Instant Pot, brown the ribs and vegetables, deglaze with liquid, and cook on high pressure for around 45 minutes with a natural pressure release. These options save time and still produce tender results.

What are some good side dishes to serve with braised short ribs?

Braised short ribs pair well with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, roasted root vegetables, or steamed asparagus. These sides complement the rich sauce and tender meat, creating a well-rounded meal. For gluten-free options, consider serving with polenta or sautéed greens.

How can I store and reheat leftover braised short ribs safely?

After cooking, allow short ribs to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3-4 months. To reheat, thaw frozen ribs in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stovetop or in the oven to preserve moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent drying out the meat.

Braised Short Ribs Recipe With Rich Sauce And Tender Meat

Name: Braised Short Ribs
Prep time: 2 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons cooking oil; 1 yellow onion (diced); 3 carrots (chopped); 8 bone-in beef short ribs; Salt to taste; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup red wine; 2 1/2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Description

🍖 Savor the rich flavors of braised short ribs with tender meat that falls off the bone, perfect for a comforting meal.
🍷 This recipe combines slow cooking with a flavorful wine-infused sauce to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons cooking oil

1 yellow onion (diced)

3 carrots (chopped)

8 bone-in beef short ribs

Salt to taste

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup red wine

2 1/2 cups beef broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 sprigs fresh thyme

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

1-First, prepare your ingredients by chopping the onion and carrots, and seasoning the short ribs. To preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Cook the diced onion and chopped carrots for a few minutes while stirring, then remove them to a plate.

2-Second, season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then coat them evenly with flour. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the pot, increase heat to high, and brown the ribs on all sides, about 45 seconds per side. Remove the ribs to a plate to keep that tender meat intact.

3-Third, deglaze the pot with the red wine by scraping up browned bits from the bottom, bringing the liquid to a boil, and cooking for 2 minutes. Stir in the beef broth, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste, adjusting seasoning to taste for that rich sauce. For more beef-inspired ideas, check out this creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipe on our site.

4-Fourth, return the ribs, vegetables, and whole sprigs of thyme and rosemary to the pot. Cover and bake at 350°F for 2 hours, then reduce heat to 325°F and cook for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until the ribs are tender. Finally, remove from the oven and let rest, covered, for 20 minutes before skimming off excess fat and serving over mashed potatoes.

Notes

🍲 Use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for aromatic flavor.
⏳ Allow ribs to rest after cooking to reabsorb juices for maximum tenderness.
🍷 Deglaze the pot with red wine to build deep, rich flavors in the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Oven cooking time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Braising
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: Braised Short Ribs, Tender Beef, Rich Sauce, Comfort Food