short rib recipe
The Ultimate Guide to Mouth-Watering Short Rib Recipes
Short ribs are a versatile cut of beef that has gained popularity over the years among meat lovers. Its high-fat content and flavor make it perfect for slow-cooking, grilling, and braising. With the right seasoning and cooking technique, short ribs can melt in your mouth and offer an unforgettable eating experience.
This article aims to be your go-to guide for preparing and cooking short ribs in different ways. We have compiled ten easy-to-follow recipes that will leave you salivating.
Understanding Short Ribs
Short ribs are the meat cut from the lower ribcage of a cow. It is a flavorful and meaty cut that can come in different shapes, sizes, and thicknesses depending on what part of the rib it’s taken from.
There are four main types of short ribs you can find in the market:
- Flanken style: This is the most common type of short rib that is cut across the bone. The result is thin strips with rounded edges.
- English-cut: This type is cut between the bones with one long piece of meat attached to one bone. The English-cut gives larger pieces than flanken style.
- Boneless: As its name implies, this type of short rib has been removed from the bone. They can come pre-cut or as a whole slab that you’ll need to trim yourself.
- Chuck short ribs: These short ribs are wider and thicker than other types; they are usually easier to cook because of their size.
Choosing the right type of short rib for your recipe is essential to get great results in taste and texture.
Preparing Short Ribs for Cooking
Before you start cooking your short ribs, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness:
- Trimming: Most short ribs come with a layer of fat and skin. Trimming them not only improves their appearance but also prevents them from shrinking too much during cooking. Using a sharp knife, remove the excess fat and skin on each rib.
- Seasoning: Short ribs can be seasoned in different ways depending on your taste and cooking method. A simple salt-and-pepper rub can work for oven-baked recipes, while marinades and dry rubs may be necessary for grilling or slow cooker recipes.
- Marinating: Marinating short ribs can impart amazing flavors. It’s best to marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors soak in well.
- Resting: After seasoning, let your short ribs rest for at least 20 minutes before cooking. This helps to redistribute the juices and flavor evenly.
Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe
Slow-cooked short ribs are one of the best ways to get melt-in-your-mouth fall-off-the-bone goodness. Here is a simple recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds bone-in short ribs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the meat until brown on all sides for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, then transfer them to a slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onions until soft and translucent, then add garlic, carrots, and celery.
4. Add vegetables to the slow cooker with beef broth.
5. Cover slow cooker with lid and cook on low heat for six to eight hours or until meat falls off the bone.
6. Serve with your favorite sauce and side dish like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
Tips:
- For added flavor, add red pepper flakes, dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- You can use beer instead of beef broth for a richer taste.
- Use boneless short ribs if you want to speed up the cooking time.
Oven-Baked Short Ribs Recipe
If you don’t have a slow cooker and want an equally delicious option, this oven-baked recipe is perfect:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds bone-in short ribs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
4. Sear the meat until brown on all sides for about 3 to 4 minutes per side; remove them and set aside.
5. In the same pot sauté onions until soft and translucent; then add garlic, carrots, and celery.
6. Add beef broth to the pot and stir well.
7. Return the short ribs to the pot, placing them snugly into their spot.
8. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil.
9. Bake in the oven for two-and-a-half hours or until tender when pierced with a fork.
10. Take out of the oven and let rest for ten minutes before serving with your preferred sauce.
Tips:
- The liquid in the recipe can be reduced by half to make a thick sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook or the short ribs will become dry.
- You can finish the dish under a broiler for a crispy layer, but be aware it could burn quickly.
Braised Short Ribs Recipe
Braising short ribs is another popular cooking method for this hearty cut. This recipe uses a Dutch oven, but any deep pot with a lid will do:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds bone-in short ribs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
4. Sear the meat until brown on all sides for about 3 to 4 minutes per side; remove them and set aside.
5. In the same pot sauté onions until soft and translucent; then add garlic, carrots, and celery.
6. Add beef broth and red wine to the pot and stir well.
7. Return the short ribs to the pot, placing them snugly into their spot.
8. Bring liquid to a boil on top of the stove; then place in preheated oven.
9. Braise short ribs for two-and-a-half hours or until tender when pierced with a fork.
10. Take out of the oven and let rest for ten minutes before serving with your preferred sauce.
Tips:
- Use pork broth instead of beef broth if you want to make it less rich.
- You can add other vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms if you want.
- Searing the meat beforehand gives it a caramelized crust and added flavor.
Grilled Short Ribs Recipe
Grilling short ribs is perfect for those summertime backyard barbecues. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds bone-in short ribs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- Green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic.
4. Brush the prepared marinade over each short rib.
5. Grill short ribs for about three to five minutes per side or until desired doneness.
6. Serve hot with chopped green onions on top.
Tips:
- Marinate in the fridge at least two hours before grilling for added flavor.
- You can substitute honey or molasses for the brown sugar.
- Green onions add an extra pop of color and flavor.
Korean BBQ Short Ribs Recipe (Galbi)
Korean-style short ribs, also known as Galbi, are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce that tastes amazing when grilled or pan-fried. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds beef short ribs (cut thin)
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1/3 cup sesame oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, mirin, scallions, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add in short ribs and toss them evenly to cover with marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours or up to twelve hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
5. Grill short ribs for about three to five minutes per side or until desired doneness.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.
Tips:
- Mirin can be substituted with rice vinegar mixed with a tablespoon of sugar.
- The sweetness of the marinade can be adjusted depending on your preference.
- You can make the recipe spicier by adding chili flakes or sriracha.
Stewed Short Ribs Recipe
Stewing is a delicious way to cook short ribs in a savory broth with vegetables and spices:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds bone-in short ribs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper; then coat each rib with flour.
3. In a large stove-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil.
4. Sear the meat until brown on all sides for about three to four minutes per side; remove them and set aside.
5. In the same pot sauté onions until soft and translucent; then add garlic and carrots.
6. Add beef broth to the pot and stir well.
7. Return the short ribs to the pot, placing them snugly into their spot.
8. Add thyme and bay leaves to the pot.
9. Bring liquid to a boil on top of the stove; then cover and transfer to the oven.
10. Stew short ribs for two-and-a-half hours or until tender when pierced with a fork.
11. Take out of the oven and let rest for ten minutes before serving with mashed potatoes.
Tips:
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth if you want.
- Use cornstarch to replace flour if you’re gluten-free.
- Adding red pepper flakes gives a spicy kick.
Cajun Short Ribs Recipe
If you like your food spicy, try this Cajun-style short rib recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds bone-in short ribs
- 1 tablespoon cayenne powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Chopped scallions (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together cayenne powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub spice mixture evenly over all of the short ribs.
4. In a large stove-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil.
5. Sear the meat until brown on all sides for about three to four minutes per side; remove them and set aside.
6. Pour in one cup of water in the pot and scrape bottom of pot with wooden spoon to loosen browned bits.
7. Return the short ribs to the pot and add enough water to cover completely.
8. Cover properly with lid or aluminum foil.
9. Bake in the oven for two-and-a-half hours or until tender when pierced with a fork.
10. Take out of the oven and let rest for ten minutes before serving with your preferred side dish.
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of cayenne powder according to your desired level of heat.
- You can add diced bell peppers and celery to make the recipe more authentic.
- Lime juice can be squeezed on top of each rib just before serving.
Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe
For those who own an Instant Pot, this short rib recipe makes for a quick and easy dinner:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds bone-in short ribs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions:
1. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
2. Select “Sauté” on your Instant Pot and heat olive oil.
3. Sear meat until brown on all sides for about three to four minutes per side; remove them and set aside.
4. Add onions and garlic to the pot, sautéing until soft.
5. Pour in beef broth and scrape bottom of pot with wooden spoon to loosen browned bits.
6. Return ribs to the pot, submerging them in broth mixture.
7. Securely lock the lid and select “Meat/Stew” function; then cook for about 35 minutes.
8. Naturally release pressure for about ten minutes before quick-release method for any remaining pressure.
9. And voila! Serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Tips:
- You can use boneless ribs if preferred as cooking times may vary.
- Add diced carrots or potatoes during step five if wanted.
- Using cornstarch instead of flour will keep it gluten-free.
Leftover Short Rib Recipes
If you have leftover cooked short ribs, do not throw them away! Here are a few ideas on how to
Frequently Asked Questions about Short Rib Recipe
1. What type of ribs are best for a short rib recipe?
Beef short ribs are the most commonly used type of ribs for this recipe. They are often sold bone-in or boneless, and can be found in most grocery stores or meat markets.
2. How do I prepare short ribs before cooking?
- Trim excess fat from the ribs before cooking to avoid greasy dishes.
- Sear ribs in a hot pan until browned on all sides to add extra flavor.
- Marinate the ribs overnight to infuse them with more flavor before cooking.
3. What is the ideal cooking time for short rib recipe?
The ideal cooking time depends on the cooking method used and the size of the ribs. Generally, a slow-cooking method such as braising or slow roasting requires 4-5 hours, while grilling can take only 30-45 minutes.
4. Can I use a slow cooker or instant pot for this recipe?
Absolutely! Slow cooker and instant pot methods are suitable for short rib recipes, as they allow for long, low heat cooking that results in tender and flavorful meat. Check manufacturer instructions for specific guidelines.
5. Can I make short rib recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, many people believe that short rib recipes taste even better when made ahead of time and reheated later. Short ribs can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator or several months in the freezer.
6. What are some serving suggestions for this recipe?
- Short ribs can be served over a bed of mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- They can also be paired with your favorite vegetable sides such as roasted carrots or green beans.
- Serve with a crusty bread to sop up any leftover sauce or enjoy alone as a rich, meaty main course.
7. What wine pairings would go well with my short rib recipe?
- A bold Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic pairing for beef short ribs.
- A full-bodied Zinfandel pairs well with the rich flavors of braised short ribs.
- A Malbec or Syrah can also work well with the tenderness and complexity of short rib dishes.
