Braised Beef Short Ribs: A Fall-Apart Tender Masterpiece
Are you ready to experience the ultimate comfort food? Look no further than this braised beef short ribs recipe. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or impressing dinner guests. The long, slow braising process yields incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs, bursting with rich, savory flavor. Get ready to dive into a culinary delight!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe calls for simple, yet high-quality ingredients to achieve maximum flavor. Make sure to source the best you can find!
- 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs: Choose short ribs with a good amount of marbling for maximum tenderness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Use a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Provides a sweet and savory base for the braising liquid.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Contributes a subtle earthy flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for adding savory depth.
- 1 cup dry red wine: A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works best.
- 2 cups beef broth: Provides the necessary liquid for braising.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: Adds richness and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Earthy and warm, complementing the beef beautifully.
- 1 tsp dried rosemary: Adds a slightly piney and herbaceous note.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle depth and complexity.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, of course!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to achieve perfectly braised beef short ribs:
Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs
- Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear the short ribs on all sides until nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot. Remove the short ribs and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Braising Liquid
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds immense flavor!
- Add the beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
Step 4: Braise the Short Ribs
- Return the short ribs to the pot. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid. If not, add a bit more broth.
- Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for at least 3 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender and falls apart easily. Longer braising times result in even more tender meat.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- Once the short ribs are cooked, remove them from the pot and set aside.
- Increase the heat to medium and simmer the braising liquid until it has reduced and thickened to your desired consistency. You can also skim off any excess fat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Return the short ribs to the sauce to coat them.
- Serve the braised short ribs hot, with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or polenta.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Sear the short ribs in batches to ensure proper browning.
- Use a Dutch oven: A Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot is ideal for even braising.
- Low and slow is key: Patience is key to achieving melt-in-your-mouth tender short ribs.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Season generously throughout the process.
This braised beef short ribs recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious aroma and incredible flavor of this classic comfort food! Remember to share your culinary creations with us – we’d love to see your photos! #braisedbeefshortribs #comfortfood #beefrecipe #slowcooking #fallrecipe
