I’ve always loved short ribs. There’s something magical about their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep, savory flavor. But for the longest time, I assumed short ribs were one of those dishes that took hours, if not all day, to prepare. You know the kind of meal that’s reserved for weekends when you have the luxury of time to slow-cook something for hours on end. But recently, I discovered a way to make deliciously tender short ribs in under two hours—and it’s been a total game changer!
In this Short Ribs Recipe, I’ll walk you through step-by-step how to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful short ribs in less time than you might expect. And the best part? You don’t need to be a culinary expert to nail this recipe! Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this easy short ribs recipe will have you wowing your friends and family with minimal effort.
Why this Short Ribs Recipe?
If you’ve never cooked short ribs before, let me tell you why they’re worth trying. Short ribs are essentially a cut of beef taken from the brisket, chuck, plate, or rib areas of the cow. What makes them unique is the marbling of fat throughout the meat, which melts down as it cooks, leading to a beautifully rich flavor and succulent texture.
When cooked right, short ribs are a masterpiece of flavor—deep, beefy, and oh-so-satisfying. The trick is to balance cooking them long enough to break down the connective tissue but not so long that it becomes a time-consuming process. And yes, you can still get incredible results without committing to an all-day cooking affair.
The Secret to Speed: High-Heat Braising
Traditionally, short ribs are slow-cooked for hours at a low temperature to achieve that fall-apart tenderness. But when you’re short on time (pun intended), there’s a quicker way to get the job done without sacrificing flavor—high-heat braising.
Braising, in case you're not familiar, is a cooking method that involves searing meat at high heat, then simmering it in a flavorful liquid at a lower heat until tender. What we’ll do here is kick-start the process with a quick sear to lock in the flavor, then cook the ribs in a delicious liquid on the stove, or in the oven, at a higher temperature. This method ensures that the ribs cook evenly and become tender in much less time.
Ingredients You’ll Need for this Short Ribs Recipe
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Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these incredibly easy and flavorful short ribs:
- 2-3 pounds of beef short ribs (bone-in for the best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup red wine (or substitute with more broth if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme for garnish)
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can tweak the seasonings and even the liquid components to match your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t have red wine? Swap it out with more broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take your short ribs out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. This ensures more even cooking.
2. Season the Ribs
Generously season both sides of the ribs with salt and pepper. Trust me, seasoning is everything when it comes to short ribs, as it helps develop that gorgeous, savory crust when you sear them.
3. Sear the Ribs
In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the short ribs in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot). Sear each side for 3-4 minutes, until they’re beautifully browned. This step is crucial because it locks in flavor and creates those caramelized bits at the bottom of the pot that will make your sauce extra tasty later.
4. Sauté Onions and Garlic
After searing the ribs, remove them from the pot and set them aside. Lower the heat to medium and toss in the chopped onions. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Deglaze with Wine
Now, here comes one of my favorite parts—deglazing the pot! Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds an incredible depth of flavor to your sauce. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Add Broth and Seasonings
Next, stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. This is where the magic happens. All those rich flavors will meld together to create a sauce that’s savory, tangy, and utterly mouthwatering.
7. Braise the Ribs
Return the short ribs to the pot, making sure they’re partially submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid (or foil if you’re using a baking dish) and transfer it to the oven. Braise the ribs at 350°F for about 1.5 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
8. Final Touch: Reduce the Sauce
Once the ribs are done, carefully remove them from the pot and place them on a serving platter. If your sauce seems a bit thin, return the pot to the stovetop and simmer it over medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency. This step intensifies the flavor of the sauce, making it the perfect complement to the tender meat.
9. Garnish and Serve
Serve the short ribs with a generous spoonful of that rich, reduced sauce. For a finishing touch, I like to garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also bring out the earthy flavors of the dish.
Side Dish Pairings for the Short Ribs Recipe
Short ribs are versatile, and they pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Creamy mashed potatoes: The rich sauce from the short ribs is perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes.
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts bring a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta is another great option that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—a simple, flavorful, and tender short ribs recipe that doesn’t require you to spend all day in the kitchen! With just a few key ingredients and a couple of hours, you can create a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, the rich sauce created during the braising process will have everyone thinking you spent hours perfecting it.
I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. Don’t be surprised if your family starts requesting it for every special occasion—it’s just that good! Enjoy!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to try it out and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to check out my other easy and delicious recipes for more inspiration in the kitchen!
