Easy and Delicious: Ultimate Beef Short Ribs Recipe Simplified

Simple Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Beef short ribs are a delicious and flavorful cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. This simple recipe will show you how to make fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs that are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

3 pounds beef short ribs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup red wine
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef short ribs on all sides.
Remove the short ribs from the pot and set aside.
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in the red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
Return the short ribs to the pot and nestle them in the liquid.
Cover and bake for 3 hours, or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
Remove the short ribs from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Benefits:

Beef short ribs are a good source of protein, iron, and zinc.
They are also a good source of collagen, which is important for joint health.
Short ribs are a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, making them a good value for your money.

Tips:

For a richer flavor, braise the short ribs in red wine instead of beef broth.
Add some chopped bacon to the pot for extra flavor.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can use a slow cooker to cook the short ribs.
Serve the short ribs with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dish.
Leftover short ribs can be used to make sandwiches, tacos, or soup.

Conclusion:

Simple beef short ribs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that your family and friends will love.

Essential Aspects of Simple Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Simple beef short ribs recipe encompasses several key aspects that contribute to its overall quality and appeal. These aspects, ranging from the selection of ingredients to the cooking techniques employed, play a crucial role in achieving the desired flavors and textures.

Ingredients: High-quality beef short ribs, aromatic vegetables, flavorful liquids, and herbs form the foundation of a great recipe.
Seasoning: A combination of salt, pepper, and other spices enhances the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
Browning: Searing the short ribs before braising adds depth of flavor and color.
Braising: Slow-cooking the short ribs in a flavorful liquid tenderizes the meat and allows the flavors to meld.
Vegetables: Aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery add sweetness and complexity to the dish.
Liquids: Red wine, beef broth, or a combination of both provide moisture and enhance the overall taste.
Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves add subtle herbal notes that complement the richness of the beef.

These key aspects are interconnected and work together harmoniously to create a simple yet satisfying dish. The careful selection of ingredients ensures the best possible flavor, while the use of proper seasoning and cooking techniques guarantees a tender and flavorful result. Understanding these essential aspects empowers home cooks to create their own delicious variations of simple beef short ribs recipe.

Ingredients

In the context of “simple beef short ribs recipe,” the selection of high-quality ingredients is paramount to achieving a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. Each component plays a distinct role in contributing to the overall taste and texture of the final product.

High-quality beef short ribs: Beef short ribs are a flavorful cut of meat with a good amount of fat, which contributes to their tenderness and richness. When selecting short ribs, look for pieces that are well-marbled with a deep red color.
Aromatic vegetables: Vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery add sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. These vegetables are often sauted before being added to the braising liquid, which helps to caramelize them and further enhance their flavor.
Flavorful liquids: Red wine, beef broth, or a combination of both are used to create the braising liquid. The liquid adds moisture to the dish and helps to tenderize the meat. Red wine adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish, while beef broth provides a more savory flavor.
Herbs: Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves add subtle herbal notes that complement the richness of the beef. Herbs can be added to the braising liquid or tied together in a bouquet garni and removed before serving.

By carefully selecting and combining these high-quality ingredients, home cooks can create a simple beef short ribs recipe that is both delicious and memorable.

Seasoning

In the context of “simple beef short ribs recipe,” seasoning plays a crucial role in elevating the flavors of the dish and bringing out the inherent taste of the beef and vegetables. The judicious use of salt, pepper, and other spices not only enhances the taste but also creates a harmonious balance of flavors.

Enhances Beef Flavor: Salt and pepper are essential for drawing out the natural flavors of the beef. Salt helps to break down the proteins in the meat, allowing the flavors to emerge. Pepper adds a subtlethat complements the richness of the beef.
Elevates Vegetable Taste: Seasoning the vegetables adds depth and complexity to the overall taste of the dish. Vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery benefit from the addition of salt and pepper, which enhances their natural sweetness and umami flavors.
Creates Flavorful Crust: Seasoning the short ribs before searing helps to create a flavorful crust on the surface of the meat. This crust adds an extra layer of taste and texture to the dish.
Balances Flavors: Salt and pepper act as balancing agents in the dish. They help to offset the richness of the beef and the sweetness of the vegetables, creating a harmonious and well-rounded flavor profile.

By understanding the importance of seasoning and using it effectively, home cooks can create a simple beef short ribs recipe that is both flavorful and satisfying. Seasoning is an essential aspect of cooking that can elevate even the simplest of dishes to new heights of taste and enjoyment.

Browning

In the context of “simple beef short ribs recipe,” browning, or searing, the short ribs prior to braising plays a crucial role in enhancing both the flavor and appearance of the dish. This technique adds complexity and richness, while also contributing to the overall visual appeal of the short ribs.

Flavorful Crust: Searing the short ribs creates a flavorful crust on the surface of the meat. This crust is formed through the Maillard reaction, which occurs when proteins and sugars in the meat react at high temperatures. The resulting crust adds an extra layer of taste and texture to the dish.
Enhanced Beef Flavor: Browning the short ribs helps to concentrate and intensify the natural flavors of the meat. The high heat caramelizes the surface of the meat, creating a rich and savory flavor that permeates throughout the dish.
Color Development: Searing the short ribs gives them a beautiful golden-brown color. This color not only adds visual appeal to the dish but also indicates that the meat has been properly cooked and is ready to be braised.

The combination of these factors – enhanced flavor, intensified color, and added texture – makes browning an essential step in the preparation of simple beef short ribs. By searing the short ribs before braising, home cooks can create a dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing.

Braising

In the context of “simple beef short ribs recipe,” braising emerges as a pivotal technique that not only tenderizes the meat but also facilitates a harmonious fusion of flavors. This slow-cooking method involves submerging the short ribs in a flavorful liquid, typically a combination of red wine, beef broth, and aromatic vegetables, and cooking it over low heat for an extended period.

Tenderizing the Meat: The extended cooking time and the moist environment created by the liquid help to break down the tough collagen fibers in the short ribs, resulting in meltingly tender meat that falls off the bone.
Flavor Infusion: The flavorful liquid in which the short ribs are braised penetrates the meat, infusing it with a rich and complex taste. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a symphony of savory notes.
Collagen Conversion: The slow, moist heat of braising promotes the conversion of collagen into gelatin, a substance that contributes to the luscious texture and mouthfeel of the short ribs.
Enhanced Aroma: The combination of the braising liquid and the natural juices released from the short ribs creates an enticing aroma that permeates the kitchen and adds to the overall sensory experience.

By embracing the technique of braising, home cooks can elevate their simple beef short ribs recipe to new heights of flavor and tenderness. This method transforms tough cuts of meat into culinary delights, making it an essential technique for creating memorable and satisfying meals.

Vegetables

In the context of “simple beef short ribs recipe,” the inclusion of aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery is not merely an afterthought but rather an integral part of achieving a well-rounded and flavorful dish. These vegetables play a multifaceted role, contributing to both the taste and texture of the short ribs.

Sweetness and Complexity: Onions, carrots, and celery possess inherent sweet and earthy flavors that complement the richness of the beef short ribs. When sauted or roasted, these vegetables caramelize and develop a natural sweetness that balances the savory notes of the meat.
Flavorful Base: The aromatic vegetables form the foundation of the braising liquid, infusing it with their flavors. As the short ribs cook, they absorb these flavors, resulting in a complex and nuanced taste profile.
Texture Contrast: The addition of vegetables provides a textural contrast to the tender short ribs. The slight crunchiness of the vegetables adds an interesting dimension to the dish, preventing it from becoming monotonous.
Nutritional Value: Incorporating vegetables into the recipe not only enhances the taste but also adds nutritional value. Onions, carrots, and celery are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making the dish a more wholesome meal.

By understanding the multifaceted role of aromatic vegetables in “simple beef short ribs recipe,” home cooks can elevate their dish to new heights of flavor and complexity. These vegetables are not just fillers but essential ingredients that contribute to the overall success of the recipe.

Liquids

In the context of “simple beef short ribs recipe,” the choice of liquids plays a pivotal role in determining the flavor, texture, and overall success of the dish. Red wine, beef broth, or a combination of both are commonly used to create a flavorful and moist braising liquid that enhances the natural flavors of the beef short ribs.

Flavorful Base: Red wine and beef broth are both rich in flavor and contribute to the overall taste of the dish. Red wine imparts a complex and fruity flavor profile, while beef broth provides a savory and umami-rich base. When combined, these liquids create a harmonious balance of flavors that complement the beef short ribs.
Tenderizing Effect: The acidity in red wine helps to break down the tough collagen fibers in the short ribs, resulting in tender and fall-off-the-bone meat. The extended cooking time in the braising liquid further tenderizes the meat, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Moisture Retention: The liquids in the braising liquid help to keep the short ribs moist and juicy throughout the cooking process. This prevents the meat from drying out and ensures a succulent and flavorful dish.
Enhanced Aroma: The combination of red wine, beef broth, and aromatic vegetables creates an enticing aroma that fills the kitchen and adds to the overall sensory experience of the dish.

By carefully selecting and combining the right liquids, home cooks can create a simple beef short ribs recipe that is bursting with flavor, incredibly tender, and sure to impress.

Herbs

In the context of “simple beef short ribs recipe,” the inclusion of herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves is a culinary technique that adds depth of flavor and complexity to the dish. These herbs possess unique aromatic profiles that complement the richness of the beef short ribs, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Balancing Richness: The robust flavor of beef short ribs can be balanced by the addition of herbs. Thyme, with its earthy and slightly minty notes, adds a subtle herbaceousness that cuts through the richness of the meat, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Enhancing Aromatics: Rosemary, with its pungent and slightly sweet aroma, adds a fragrant touch to the dish. Its piney notes complement the natural flavors of the beef, enhancing the overall aroma and making the cooking experience more enjoyable.
Depth of Flavor: Bay leaves, with their warm and slightly bitter taste, provide a subtle depth of flavor to the braising liquid. Their complex aroma adds another layer of complexity to the dish, making it more interesting and satisfying.

The use of herbs in “simple beef short ribs recipe” is not limited to these three examples. Other herbs, such as oregano, sage, or parsley, can also be incorporated to create unique and flavorful variations of the dish. Home cooks are encouraged to experiment with different herb combinations to find their preferred balance of flavors.

“Simple beef short ribs recipe” refers to a culinary preparation method that involves braising beef short ribs in a flavorful liquid until tender and fall-off-the-bone. This dish is known for its rich, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it a popular choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike.

The simplicity of this recipe lies in its use of readily available ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques. Beef short ribs are a relatively inexpensive cut of meat that becomes incredibly tender when cooked slowly in a flavorful liquid. The braising process allows the flavors of the meat, vegetables, and seasonings to meld together, resulting in a deeply satisfying and comforting meal.

Beyond its delicious taste, “simple beef short ribs recipe” offers several benefits. The slow-cooking method helps to break down tough collagen fibers, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Additionally, the use of aromatic vegetables and herbs adds depth of flavor and nutritional value to the dish. This recipe is also a great way to utilize leftovers, as the short ribs can be reheated and served with a variety of sides.

FAQs about Simple Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Question 1: What is the best way to select beef short ribs for this recipe?

When selecting beef short ribs for this recipe, look for pieces that are well-marbled with a deep red color. Avoid short ribs that are too lean, as they will not be as flavorful or tender after cooking.

Question 2: Can I use other liquids besides red wine and beef broth in the braising liquid?

Yes, you can use other liquids such as white wine, beer, or even apple cider in place of red wine or beef broth. However, the flavor of the dish will vary depending on the liquid you use.

Question 3: How long do I need to braise the short ribs for?

The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the short ribs. However, as a general rule, you should braise the short ribs for at least 2-3 hours, or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.

Question 4: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Cook the short ribs on low for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.

Question 5: What are some good side dishes to serve with beef short ribs?

Some good side dishes to serve with beef short ribs include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Question 6: Can I freeze leftover beef short ribs?

Yes, you can freeze leftover beef short ribs. Let the short ribs cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Summary: Simple beef short ribs recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a meal that your family and friends will love. Refer to these FAQs for answers to common questions about the recipe, and enjoy your delicious short ribs!

Next: Tips for making the best simple beef short ribs recipe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “simple beef short ribs recipe” offers a delectable and straightforward culinary experience, showcasing the harmonious fusion of flavors and textures. Through the art of braising, beef short ribs attain an unparalleled tenderness, absorbing the rich essence of the accompanying vegetables, herbs, and liquids.

This recipe empowers home cooks to experiment with diverse ingredients and techniques, creating their own unique variations of this classic dish. By understanding the essential aspects, such as ingredient selection, seasoning techniques, and cooking methods, one can achieve consistently exceptional results.

As you embark on your culinary journey with “simple beef short ribs recipe,” embrace the joy of cooking and savor the delicious rewards that await. Whether enjoyed as a comforting family meal or an impressive dinner party centerpiece, this recipe promises to tantalize taste buds and create lasting memories.