Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce Recipe

If you love tender, juicy beef short ribs, you’re in for a treat! I’m excited to share my favorite recipe for Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Get ready for a dish that’s not only delicious but also super easy to make at home—your friends and family will be begging for seconds! 🍖✨

Choosing the Best Beef Short Ribs for Braising

When it comes to making Braised Beef Short Ribs, picking the right cut of meat is super important! I mean, who wants tough ribs, right? Not me! So let’s talk about how to choose the best beef short ribs that will melt in your mouth!

Here’s what to look for:

• Bone-in vs. Boneless: I always prefer bone-in short ribs. The bones add so much flavor to the sauce, and they help keep the meat juicy! Plus, who doesn’t love the look of a meaty rib sitting on a plate?

• Marbling: Check out the marbling in the meat. This is the little white streaks of fat you see. The more marbling, the more tender and juicy your ribs will be! Look for that delicious fat, it’s like nature’s secret ingredient!

• Size Matters: I recommend choosing ribs that are about 1.5 to 2 inches thick. They cook evenly and stay nice and tender.

• Freshness: Always go for fresh ribs if you can. The fresher the meat, the more flavor it will have. When you’re at the store, a bright red color is what you want!

Next time you’re at the butcher or grocery store, keep these tips in mind. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later! Happy cooking! 🍽️

Ingredients for Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce

Now that we’ve picked the best beef short ribs, let’s gather our ingredients! Trust me, this dish is worth every single item on this list. You won’t believe how simple yet delicious it is! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Beef Short Ribs: About 5 to 6 ribs, weighing around 300-400g (10-14 oz) each. Remember, the more marbling, the better!
• Salt and Pepper: 1.5 teaspoons of each for seasoning. This helps bring out all those yummy flavors!
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for browning the ribs. Olive oil is like liquid gold in the kitchen!
• Garlic Cloves: 3 cloves, crushed. Garlic makes everything tastier, doesn’t it?
• Large Onion: 1, chopped. You can use brown, yellow, or white onions—whatever you have on hand!
• Celery Ribs: 2, chopped. They add a nice crunch and depth to the dish.
• Carrots: 2, chopped. Carrots bring sweetness and color to our sauce!
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons. This thickens the sauce and adds a lovely tang.
• Dry Red Wine: 2 cups (500ml). Use a good quality wine for the best flavor. (A $5 bottle works just fine!)
• Beef Stock/Broth: 2 cups (500ml), low sodium. It’s the base of our luscious sauce!
• Thyme: 2 sprigs (optional). Thyme adds an earthy aroma, perfect for slow cooking.
• Bay Leaves: 2. They give a nice depth of flavor but remember to remove them before serving!

Gather these ingredients, and let’s get ready to create something amazing! Can you smell the deliciousness already? 🍷🍖

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Braised Beef Short Ribs

Let’s get cooking! Making Braised Beef Short Ribs is easier than you might think. With just a few steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that’ll impress everyone at your dinner table! Ready? Let’s dive in!

1. Brown the Ribs: First, season your beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large ovenproof pot over high heat. Add half the ribs and brown them for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is super important—it adds so much flavor! Remove them and repeat with the other half.

1. Sauté the Soffrito: Lower the heat to medium and throw in the onion and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until they soften. Then add the carrots and celery and sauté for another 5 minutes. This mixture is called soffrito, and it gives the dish a great base!

1. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and let it cook for 1 minute. This helps to thicken the sauce and adds a delightful tang!

1. Pour in the Liquid: Now, add 2 cups of dry red wine and 2 cups of beef stock. Toss in the thyme and bay leaves too!

1. Return the Ribs: Carefully place the browned ribs back into the pot, making sure they’re submerged as much as possible.

1. Slow Cook: Cover the pot and transfer it to an oven preheated to 160°C (325°F). Let them cook for about 3 hours. Your kitchen will smell like a dream!

After they’re done, you’ll have tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs that are perfect for serving. Can’t wait for you to taste this! 🍽️

Cooking Methods: Oven, Slow Cooker, and Pressure Cooker

Now that we have our Braised Beef Short Ribs prepped, let’s talk about the best ways to cook them! Each method brings out different flavors, and you can choose based on what you have and how much time you want to spend. Here are my top three ways to cook those delicious ribs:

1. Oven Method

• Temperature: Preheat to 160°C (325°F).
• Time: Cook for about 3 hours.

This method allows the flavors to develop beautifully while giving that rich, caramelized taste. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing!

2. Slow Cooker Method

• Setting: Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours.

If you have a busy day ahead, this is perfect! Just sear the meat and sauté your veggies, then just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. When you come home, a warm meal awaits you!

3. Pressure Cooker Method

• Time: Just 1 hour on high.

This is the speedy option! If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy those tender beef ribs, the pressure cooker is your best friend. Just remember to let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before serving.

Whichever method you choose, you’ll end up with those fall-apart tender ribs that are sure to impress! So, grab your pots and get ready for a flavorful adventure! Which method are you most excited to try? 🍖✨

Tips for Perfectly Braised Beef Short Ribs and Flavorful Sauce

Ah, the moment of truth! After all that cooking, we want to serve up beef short ribs that are not just good, but absolutely amazing! Here are my top tips to make sure your dish is a hit every time:

1. Don’t Skip the Browning

Browning the meat is crucial! It adds a delicious depth of flavor to your ribs and sauce. Make sure to get that nice brown crust on all sides. It’s like giving your dish a flavor boost—yum!

2. Let It Cook Low and Slow

If you go the oven or slow cooker route, remember that patience pays off! Cooking the ribs low and slow lets the flavors blend beautifully, and the meat becomes so tender it’s practically begging to fall off the bone.

3. Taste as You Go

Always taste your sauce before serving! Adjust the seasonings with a little more salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar for brightness. You can make it just right for your palate!

4. Strain for Smooth Sauce

For that extra touch of elegance, strain your sauce to remove any chunky bits. This will give you a smooth, glossy sauce that resembles what you’d find in a fancy restaurant!

5. Garnish and Serve

Don’t forget to garnish! A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme adds color and freshness. Serve your ribs with mashed potatoes, polenta, or any side you love, and watch everyone dig in!

These tips will help you create a dish that everyone will be raving about. Are you ready to impress? Let’s get cooking! 🍽️💖