Description
Braised Beef Short Ribs are slow-cooked to tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection with fragrant spices, fresh vegetables, and natural ingredients. This comforting dish offers rich flavor and succulent texture, ideal for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 2.5 to 3 pounds beef short ribs, bone-in, generously marbled
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparing the Ribs: Trim excess fat from the beef short ribs, then pat them dry with paper towels. Generously season each piece with salt and black pepper to ensure flavor penetrates during cooking.
- Searing the Meat: Heat olive oil (natural) in a heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs in batches, browning all sides evenly to create a caramelized crust and enhance the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Building the Aromatic Base: Remove the ribs and add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits left from the meat to deepen the flavor.
- Adding Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste (natural) and cook briefly to develop its richness. Deglaze with apple cider vinegar (natural), then pour in beef broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Return the ribs to the pot, fully submerging them in the liquid.
- Slow Braising: Cover the pot and place it in a preheated oven at low temperature (around 275°F to 300°F) or use a slow cooker. Cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat pulls easily from the bone.
- Final Touches: Remove the ribs and strain the cooking liquid. Simmer the liquid with the natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce slightly. Return the meat to the pot and coat in this luscious gravy just before serving.
Notes
- Patience is key: slow and low cooking yields tender beef and rich flavors.
- Don’t skip searing: it creates essential depth in taste and texture.
- Use fresh herbs to brighten the dish.
- Ensure ribs stay partially submerged to braise evenly without drying out.
- Let the ribs rest in the sauce after cooking to absorb maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: braised beef short ribs, slow cooked beef ribs, tender beef ribs, comfort food, oven braised ribs
