Braised short ribs have long held a special place in our hearts as a timeless comfort food. In this comprehensive guide, we will not only share a mouthwatering braised short ribs recipe but also provide you with expert tips to ensure your dish turns out nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re preparing this for a special occasion or simply indulging in some culinary therapy, these short ribs will not disappoint.
The Ultimate Braised Short Ribs Recipe
This braised short ribs recipe is designed to deliver a culinary masterpiece right in your own kitchen. Follow these steps for a dish that’s nothing short of perfection.
Ingredients:
- 5 short ribs, about 3 pounds in total
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 tbs salt
- 1 tbs pepper
- 1 tbs tomato paste
- 1/2 tbs paprika
- 1 sprig of fresh sage
- 4-5 sprigs of thyme
- 1/2 tbs dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Season the short ribs with 2 tablespoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of pepper.
- In a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear each side of the short ribs until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color. Once seared, remove the short ribs from the pot and set them aside.
- Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, and a pinch of salt to the same pot. Sauté for 7-9 minutes or until the onions turn slightly translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another five minutes.
- Deglaze the pot with 1/2 cup of white wine, allowing it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the chicken stock, tomato paste, and paprika to the pot. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, ensuring that the ingredients are well combined.
- Return the seared short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the flavorful braising sauce.
- Add the fresh sage, thyme sprigs, dried oregano, and bay leaves to the pot. Gently mix these herbs into the braising liquid.
- Cover the Dutch oven and place it in the preheated 350-degree oven for 3-4 hours, or until the short ribs become incredibly tender.
- Once the short ribs are ready, serve them on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Perfect Braised Short Ribs
Cooking the perfect braised short ribs is all about the details. Here’s what you need to know to elevate your dish:
1. Choosing the Right Short Ribs
Select the best short ribs available, preferably bone-in and well-marbled. The marbling of the meat contributes to the richness and tenderness of the final dish, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
2. The Importance of Searing
Searing the short ribs is a vital step. It not only imparts a depth of flavor but also seals in the juices, preserving the meat’s succulence. Take your time to sear each side evenly for that coveted golden-brown crust.
3. Braising Liquids
The combination of chicken stock and white wine creates a complex and flavorful braising liquid. These ingredients are the foundation of your sauce, with the wine adding a subtle sweetness and the chicken stock infusing savory notes.
4. Herbs and Aromatics
Aromatic herbs such as sage and thyme, combined with fragrant garlic, oregano, and bay leaves, infuse the dish with layers of herbal fragrance. These herbs complement the rich, savory flavor of the short ribs perfectly.
5. Slow and Low Cooking
When it comes to braising short ribs, low and slow is the secret to success. The extended cooking time at a low temperature allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in that mouthwatering tenderness we all crave.
6. Testing for Doneness
To determine if your short ribs are ready, use a fork or tongs to gently pull on the meat. It should effortlessly fall apart. If it’s not quite tender enough, continue cooking until it reaches that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
7. Make It in Advance
Here’s a little secret: braised short ribs taste even better the next day. If you can resist the temptation, allow the dish to cool and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it the next day, and the flavors will have melded even more.
Serving Suggestions
While serving your braised short ribs on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes is a classic and delectable choice, consider other accompaniments like creamy polenta, buttery noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan can add a burst of freshness to balance the dish’s richness.
Conclusion:
Braised short ribs are the epitome of comfort food, and with these expert tips and wine pairing suggestions, you’re well-prepared to create an unforgettable culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to impress, this classic recipe can elevate your skills and delight your family and friends.
Remember, the key to a perfect braised short ribs dish is patience, attention to detail, and a love for slow-cooked, hearty goodness. Enjoy your culinary journey, and savor every succulent bite of this mouthwatering comfort food classic!
