How to Make the Perfect Braised Short Ribs Recipe for a Cozy Dinner

During the windy and chilly season, what the mouth craves is for comforting hot food. When we mention comforting hot food, then there is nothing better than braised short ribs. There is something comforting about the slow-cooked tenderness of braised short ribs. The flavorful taste of the braised short ribs is the epitome for a cozy dinner.

Braising is a method which makes the meat quality better and infuses it with layers of flavors as it transforms the dish that feels like a warm embrace on a cold evening. Whether you are hosting a family gathering or planning a party with friends, the braised short ribs are the type of meat that completes the flavors on the plate. 

In this detailed guide, we’ll take you through the process of crafting the perfect braised short ribs. From choosing the right preparing method to providing the additional tips for a perfect result, we’ll discuss everything step-by-step. We assure that by the end of this article, you’ll have all the tools and detail that you need to create the perfect braised short rib. 

What Are Braised Short Ribs?

Before moving forward, it is quite important to know about the short ribs and facts that make it different from other cuts of beef. The short ribs come from the lower rib section of the cow. The ribs are highly known for their marbling, rich texture or flavor and other specifications. From numerous ways of cooking, the short ribs are best cooked on slow-cooking methods like braising, as the process helps in breaking down the connective tissues and transforms the meat into buttery tenderness and gives a melt-in-your-mouth taste. The specialty about braising is its simplicity as the long cooking time allows the flavors to develop completely and the low heat ensures that the meat remains juicy and tender. 

Perfect Braised Short Ribs Recipe

Here’s a detailed perfect braised short ribs recipe

Ingredients-

For Short Ribs-

• 4-5 pound of bone-in beef short ribs

• Kosher Salt and grounded black pepper as per the taste

• 2 tablespoon Olive oil

For Braising Sauce- 

• 3-4 cup beef stock with low sodium

• 2 cups dry red wine

• 1-2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 chopped onion

• 2 tablespoon tomato paste

• 2 peeled and diced, carrots

• 2 diced stalks celery 

• 5-6 minced garlic cloves

• 2-3 bay leaves

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

For Serving- 

• Creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread

• Chopped fresh parsley for garnishing. 

Directions-

Step- 1 

Preparing the Short Ribs- The very initial step is preparing the ribs for the cooking, as the small steps creates a larger impact. Here’s about the steps to follow- 

• Bring the meat to room temperature- Take the short ribs out from the refrigerator for around 30 minutes before cooking. However, this process allows the meat to slightly warm up and helps in even cooking. 

• Pat the meat Dry- After bringing the meat to room temperature, with the use of paper towels pat the meat dry. This ensures to form a better golden brown sear. 

• Season it- Now comes, seasoning, sprinkle the salt and grounded black pepper evenly over all the sides of the short ribs. It is a crucial part as this step contributes in enhancing the final flavor of the dish. 

Step-2 

Searing the Short Ribs- Searing is a step that adds more rich,  caramelized crust and depth to the meal. Here’s how to do it-

• Start by heating the olive oil in a large dutch oven or in a heavy bottomed pot over medium high heat. 

• As the oil simmers, add short ribs in batches. And sear from both the sides for around 5 minutes or till the meat turns brown and crusty.

• With the use of the tongs the ribs and assure the even sear from all sides

• Do not overcook the ribs as the accurate sear will bring the taste and after being crusty and browned, set them aside.

Step-3

Create the Flavor Base- Creating flavor base is a job to blend the aromatics, vegetables, sauces, tomato paste and other ingredients together for a wonderful outcome. 

• Set the heat- In the searing pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion, carrots and celery, saute them for 6-7 minutes till the veggies soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for a few minutes. Then add tomato paste to coat the vegetables and allow them to cook for 2 minutes for a deeper flavor. 

• Add wine- With the help of a wooden spoon, add wine to the cooking pot to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer the wine for around 8-10 minutes until it is reduced to half. 

• Add other ingredients- Now it’s the time to add other ingredients, pour in the beef stock, fresh rosemary, bay leaves, thymes, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, other remaining ingredients and mix them well. 

Step-4

Braising the Short Ribs- Here comes the important step, braising the ribs- 

• Add the seared short ribs again to the pot or oven, in which you are cooking, nestling them into braising sauce to ensure that they are majorly submerged. 

• After adding ribs, bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cover the pot with a lid.

• Then transfer the ribs to the preheated oven at 325°F and let the ribs braise for around 3 hours. Check the ribs occasionally to make sure that the liquid is bubbling.

• For checking the doneness, check the ribs with a fork, the sign that ribs are cooked is that they turn tender and nearly fall off the bone.

Step- 5 

Finish and Serve- It’s time to finish the ribs and serve it hot for the loved ones-

• Take the short ribs out from the pot and set it aside. Strain the braising sauce through a fine-mesh sieve and press the vegetables to extract the flavors. 

• With the help of the spoon skim out the extra fat from the surface of the sauce. However, for a convenient way, refrigerate the sauce and allow the fat to solidify for easy removal. 

• Now taste the sauce and adjust its flavors as per the preference. For the final serving, place the short ribs with the creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread and more. Drizzle the sauce over the top and garnish it with fresh parsley for a colorful presentation. 

Additional Tips for cooking the Perfect Braised Short Ribs

Here are some key additional tips which can help you in cooking the perfect braised Short Ribs

• Don’t Rush the Processes- Braised short ribs flourishes on low and slow-cooking. So always, allow the meat for about 3 hours to cook to break down and become tender with locking in the juices, this step contributes to a chewy ribs. 

• Select the Wine- While selecting the wine, always choose the one which you enjoy drinking. As the necessity of the dish is dry wine, so opt for wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and more. 

• Skimming Fat- The short Ribs are originally fatty, so skimming the extra fat from the sauce is essential for a balance. The sauce can be extracted from the ribs with a spoon, sieve and beyond. 

• Let it Rest- The braised short ribs taste better the next day of cooking. So always allow the ribs to meld overnight and reheat it before serving for a depth of the flavor. 

• Searing the Flavor- Searing is an essential step, so do not skip it. A deep golden brown crust adds richness and complexity to the dish. Always sear the ribs in batches and do not overcrowd the pot. 

Why Are Braised Short Ribs Perfect for Any Occasion?

Here are some key factors which states the reason that braised short ribs are perfect for any occasion- 

• Impressive and Accessible- The braised short ribs look and taste gourmet and are quite easy to cook. It is cooked by following easy steps like, searing and slow-cooking, as the home-cooks can also achieve perfection without any special skills. 

• Ideal for Make-Ahead Meals- The braised short ribs taste better the next day of cooking as the flavors get deeper and blend together. This process can help you in preparing ahead of time for any gathering or party. 

• Flavorful- The short ribs are considered as the flavor powerhouse which soaks in spices, herbs, sauces and more seamlessly. Any kind of fusions and blending works with short ribs as it shaped every flavor well. The hort ribs masters in adapting different cuisines and personal taste and preferences. 

• Crowd pleasing- The rich and tender texture and aroma of braised short ribs are loved globally. This meal confirms to impress and satisfy the taste buds of every guest. 

• Comfortable food- There’s something inborn comforting about the short ribs as they are the ideal centerpiece for any occasion which turns a simple meal into a warm and unforgettable experience. 

Conclusion

The braised short ribs are considered to be the best for cozy dinners as the dish brings people together with its savory smell, warmth and irresistible flavor. The simple yet delicious recipe of the braised short ribs is impressive as the tender meat, rich sauce and melt-in-mouth texture gives an amazing outcome. In this detailed article, we have discussed a detailed braised beef short ribs recipe with ingredients, additional tips and more. 

Our detailed guide will surely help you to prepare the delicious and perfect braised short ribs. Whether you are preparing the dish for a special dinner, for a party night or for a simple treat for yourself, this perfect braised short ribs will surely lure you and your guests. Do try our hearty recipe and pair the dish with a glass of wine and enjoy the meal.