Braised Short Ribs Recipe: The Easiest Way to Wow Your Guests

Braised short ribs are one of those dishes that make a lasting impression. They’re rich, tender, and delicious, but surprisingly easy to make in just one pot. This meal is perfect for Sunday dinners, special occasions, or when you’re having guests over but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about making mouth-watering braised short ribs, from ingredient selection to cooking techniques.

Why Braised Short Ribs Are the Perfect Choice

These ribs have a unique ability to deliver “WOW” comments every time, making them one of the most memorable dishes you can serve. The best part? They only require simple ingredients, minimal prep, and can be made with just one pot.

For more easy gourmet recipes that will impress, you might also love our Lemon Chicken Piccata and Panang Curry.

What Are Short Ribs & Braising?

Short ribs come from the beef chuck part of the cow, and they’re essentially small, meaty cuts that are perfect for braising. Braising is a cooking method that involves first browning the meat and then slowly simmering it on low heat in a flavorful liquid, allowing tougher cuts of meat to become ultra-tender and flavorful.

• Braising Essentials: To braise, all you need to do is brown the ribs at high heat, then cook them slowly in liquid over low heat. This simple technique results in fall-apart tender meat and an incredibly rich sauce.

What to Look For When Buying Short Ribs

As short ribs grow in popularity, you’ll find them at almost any grocery store. Here’s what to look for:

• Bone-In vs. Boneless: For the most flavor, opt for bone-in short ribs. They cook more evenly and provide a richer taste, but you can also use boneless ribs if preferred.
• Color: Look for bright red ribs, avoiding any meat that looks grey or dull.
• Marbling: While short ribs can be a bit fatty, aim for a package with marbling rather than excess fat. The more meat on the bone, the better!

How to Make Braised Short Ribs

Get ready to impress! Here’s everything you need to make the most delicious braised short ribs:

Gather Ingredients

• 3 tbsp olive oil (divided for sautéing and searing)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 8 whole bone-in beef short ribs (or boneless if preferred)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for lightly coating the ribs)
• 1 cup dry red wine (such as Pinot Noir or Côtes du Rhône)
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 sprigs each of fresh thyme and rosemary

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when you are.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
   In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the carrots and onions for a few minutes until softened, then transfer them to a plate.
3. Season and Sear the Ribs
   Pat the ribs dry, season with salt and pepper, and coat lightly with flour. Add the remaining oil to the pot, turn the heat up high, and sear the ribs on all sides until golden brown. Remove and set them aside.
4. Deglaze the Pot with Wine
   Pour in the wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add Broth, Tomato Paste, and Seasoning
   Add beef broth, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Stir, then taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Combine and Bake
   Return the veggies and ribs to the pot, making sure the meat is mostly submerged. Place thyme and rosemary sprigs on top, cover the pot, and move it to the oven. Cook for 2 hours at 350°F, then reduce to 325°F and cook for another 30-45 minutes until the ribs are fall-apart tender.
7. Rest and Skim Off Fat
   Let the pot sit for 20 minutes with the lid on, allowing flavors to settle. Skim any excess fat from the surface before serving.

Alternate Cooking Methods: Slow Cooker & Instant Pot

If you prefer a hands-off approach or are short on time, these methods will help you achieve equally delicious results.

Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Follow steps 1-4 to sauté vegetables and sear the ribs.
2. Transfer everything to your slow cooker.
3. Add beef broth, wine, tomato paste, and herbs.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for perfectly tender ribs.

Instant Pot Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Sauté the vegetables and sear the ribs.
2. After deglazing with wine, add broth, tomato paste, herbs, and the ribs.
3. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, then let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Braised short ribs are even more flavorful when made ahead. Here’s how to prepare them for later:

• Make-Ahead: Prep and sear the ribs, make the sauce, and assemble everything up to the point of cooking. You can refrigerate the dish overnight and bake the next day with slight adjustments to cooking time if needed.
• Freezing Before Cooking: Place everything in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 5 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Freezing After Cooking: Once cooled, store the ribs in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Perfect Side Dishes for Braised Short Ribs

For a complete meal, try pairing these ribs with one or more of the following:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing, the creamy potatoes soak up the rich sauce perfectly.
• Homemade Rolls: Ideal for mopping up any leftover sauce.
• Wedge Salad: Offers a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans are fantastic complements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of wine is best for braising?
A dry red wine, like Côtes du Rhône or Pinot Noir, is ideal. It adds depth and a hint of acidity that balances the richness of the dish.

Can I use boneless short ribs?
Absolutely! They can be substituted, but check them a bit sooner since they may cook faster than bone-in ribs.

How long do leftovers keep?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Recipe Card: Braised Short Ribs

Dish	Braised Short Ribs
Description	Rich, tender short ribs in a delicious sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes
Author	Chef Bella
Course	Main Course
Cuisine	American
Servings	4
Calories	217
Cost	$18

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 8 bone-in beef short ribs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dry red wine (such as Pinot Noir)
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sauté onions and carrots in 1 tbsp oil until softened. Set aside.
3. Season ribs with salt, pepper, and a light flour coating. Sear in remaining oil until browned.
4. Deglaze with wine and reduce by half.
5. Add broth, tomato paste, and season to taste.
6. Add vegetables, ribs, and herbs. Cover and bake at 350°F for 2 hours, then reduce to 325°F for 30-45 minutes.
7. Rest with the lid on for 20 minutes before serving.

Serve these rich and tender short ribs with a spoonful of gravy, paired with your favorite sides. Enjoy!