Braised Beef Short Ribs

Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather the essential ingredients you’ll need to make Braised Beef Short Ribs:

For the Short Ribs:

• 4 pounds beef short ribs (bone-in)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Braising Liquid:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

For the Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Short Ribs

A. SEASON THE RIBS

• Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and black pepper. Ensure each rib is evenly coated.

B. PREHEAT THE OVEN

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Sear the Short Ribs

A. HEAT A DUTCH OVEN

• Place a Dutch oven or large, oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the vegetable oil and let it heat until shimmering.

B. SEAR THE RIBS

• Carefully place the short ribs in the hot Dutch oven, ensuring there’s enough space between them.
• Sear the ribs on all sides until they develop a deep brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
• Remove the seared short ribs from the pot and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Braising Liquid

A. SAUTÉ THE AROMATICS

• In the same Dutch oven, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
• Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

B. ADD TOMATO PASTE AND FLOUR

• Stir in the tomato paste and all-purpose flour, coating the vegetables evenly.
• Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.

4. Deglaze and Braise

A. DEGLAZE WITH RED WINE

• Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
• Allow the wine to simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes, concentrating the flavors.

B. COMBINE INGREDIENTS

• Return the seared short ribs to the Dutch oven, nestling them among the vegetables.
• Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, fresh thyme, and fresh rosemary.

5. Braise in the Oven

• Cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid.
• Place it in the preheated oven and let the short ribs braise for approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.
• Check periodically to ensure the liquid is gently simmering and the meat is tender. The short ribs are done when they are fork-tender and can be easily pulled apart.

6. Finish the Sauce

A. STRAIN AND DISCARD SOLIDS

• Once the short ribs are tender, carefully remove them from the Dutch oven and set them aside.
• Strain the braising liquid through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids.

B. SKIM FAT (OPTIONAL)

• If desired, skim any excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid.

C. THICKEN THE SAUCE

• In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
• Stir in the strained braising liquid and simmer until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Plate the Braised Beef Short Ribs and ladle the rich sauce over them.
• This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a bed of buttery noodles.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley, for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Perfect Braised Beef Short Ribs

• Choosing Short Ribs: Look for well-marbled short ribs, as the fat adds flavor and tenderness to the dish.
• Searing Matters: Don’t rush the searing process. Achieving a deep brown crust on the ribs is crucial for flavor development.
• Patience is a Virtue:Braising takes time, but the result is worth it. The slow cooking process breaks down collagen, resulting in tender meat.

Conclusion: A Culinary Triumph

Braised Beef Short Ribs exemplify the culinary art of transformation. Tough cuts of beef are elevated to a state of tenderness and flavor complexity that captivates the palate. This dish invites you to savor the rewards of patience and precision, as each bite reveals layers of rich, savory goodness. Whether enjoyed on a special occasion or as a comforting indulgence, Braised Beef Short Ribs are a culinary triumph that will leave a lasting impression on those lucky enough to partake.