You’re searching for a recipe that will impress your dinner guests and satisfy your cravings for a comforting, cold-weather meal. Search no more than red wine braised short ribs, a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The tender, fall-off-the-bone meat and rich, full-bodied flavors will have you coming back for more. But what sets this recipe apart from the rest? Is it the use of a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or the precise balance of aromatics and spices? You’ll have to keep going to find out.
Key Takeaways
- Braising makes short ribs tender and juicy, and pairing with rich red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon enhances every bite.
- To prepare short ribs, trim excess fat, cut into smaller pieces, dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper.
- Searing short ribs in hot oil develops a flavorful crust, so take time to brown them on all sides.
- A good braising liquid is crucial, combining cooked onions, carrots, and celery with red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves.
- A slow simmer of the braising liquid ensures tender and flavorful short ribs, perfect for colder months.
Introduction
Braised short ribs are a popular dish in colder months because they’re super tender and flavorful. Here’s why they’re so great:
- Braising makes the meat really tender and juicy.
- The flavors get soaked up by the meat, making every bite tasty.
- Pair them with a rich red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah for a delicious combo.
- These wines help balance out the fattiness of the ribs, making it a yummy experience.
Ingredients
If you want to make tasty braised short ribs, you’ll need a few things. The main ingredient is beef short ribs. You can find them in different styles like English, flanken, or Korean. Each style has its own unique taste and texture.
Here’s what you need for a simple recipe:
- Meat: Beef short ribs (about 2 pounds)
- Veggies: Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic
- Liquids: Red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot) and beef broth
- Spices: Thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper
For wine pairing, a strong red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah goes well with the rich flavors of the short ribs. If you prefer white wine, an oaky Chardonnay can also work. Some recipes add mushrooms or bacon for extra flavor, but we’ll keep it classic for now.
Instructions
You’re now prepared to start the cooking process, which consists of four essential steps.
You’ll begin by preparing the short ribs, then sear them to lock in the flavor.
Next, you’ll create the rich braising liquid and finally, slow-cook the ribs to tender perfection.
Preparing the Short Ribs
Before you start cooking the short ribs, get them ready by following these simple steps:
- Trim off extra fat: Use a sharp knife to cut away any extra fat from the ribs.
- Cut into smaller pieces: If the ribs are big, cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
- Dry with paper towels: Use paper towels to remove any extra moisture from the ribs.
- Season with salt and pepper: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the ribs for more flavor.
These steps will help you cook the short ribs perfectly!
Searing the Short Ribs
When you’re ready to cook the ribs, start by searing them in a hot pan to lock in all the delicious flavors. This step is super important because it helps make the ribs extra tasty.
Here’s how to sear the ribs:
- Heat up some olive oil in a large pan.
- Carefully put the ribs in the hot oil.
- Gently turn the ribs around to make sure they get browned on all sides.
- Searing the ribs helps them develop a yummy crust and makes them really flavorful.
- Take your time with this step to get it just right. It’s totally worth the effort!
- Once the ribs are perfectly seared, they’ll be tender and packed with flavor.
Making the Braising Liquid
So, you’ve just finished browning the short ribs. Now, let’s make the tasty braising liquid that will make the meat super tender. This liquid is super important for making the dish extra delicious.
Here’s how to make the braising liquid:
- Cook the onions, carrots, and celery until soft and smelling nice.
- Pour in the red wine to scrape up the yummy bits from the pan.
- Mix in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Let it all simmer together to blend the flavors.
This liquid is the secret to making those short ribs really tender and tasty. Just follow these steps, and you’ll impress everyone with your cooking skills.
Braising the Short Ribs
When you’re ready to cook the short ribs, put them in a big baking dish.
Pour the tasty liquid over them so they’re completely covered.
This is where the magic happens! The slow cooking makes the meat super tender and delicious.
Cover the dish with foil or a lid to keep in the heat and moisture.
Put it in the oven at 300°F (150°C).
The meat will get tender and easy to shred as it cooks.
This happens because of the slow cooking method.
After 2-3 hours, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool a bit.
You’ll get yummy, tender short ribs that everyone will love.
Serving Suggestions
When you’re ready to serve your yummy, tender braised short ribs, think about adding some creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles on the side. This dish is great for a cozy dinner, and the right sides can make it even better.
Here are some ideas to go with your red wine braised short ribs:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic combo that goes really well with the rich, meaty short ribs.
- Egg Noodles: Simple noodles that soak up the tasty sauce and add a nice texture to the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots can add a fresh touch to the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce, so you don’t miss out on any flavor.
For drinks, try a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to go with the rich flavors of the short ribs. Whatever you choose, make sure to enjoy every bite of this delicious dish!
