The Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce is the epitome of comfort food. With the rich, aromatic flavors from the red wine, tender beef, and savory herbs, this dish offers a truly luxurious dining experience. The slow braising process ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the deep, flavorful sauce perfectly complements the meat.
This dish is ideal for special occasions or when you’re craving a satisfying, hearty meal. Paired with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of red wine and beef is timeless and will leave everyone at the table talking about how delicious it was.
Full Recipe:
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4 beef short ribs
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 carrots, peeled and chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup red wine (preferably dry)
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2 cups beef broth
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 bay leaf
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs on all sides for 3-4 minutes each. Remove from the pot and set aside.
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Add the onion and carrots to the same pot, cooking for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
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Stir in the tomato paste, and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
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Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Return the short ribs to the pot, ensuring they’re mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer.
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Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Braise for 2.5-3 hours, or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
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Remove the short ribs from the pot and strain the sauce to remove the vegetables and herbs. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes to thicken, if desired.
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Serve the short ribs with the sauce poured over and garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 620 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce: A Luxurious, Fall-Apart Tender Dish
Beef short ribs are a culinary gem, often considered the ultimate comfort food when prepared correctly. The cut of beef is rich, marbled with fat, and perfect for slow cooking, which allows the meat to become irresistibly tender and juicy. When cooked in a flavorful red wine sauce, the short ribs offer a luxurious meal that rivals those served at fine dining restaurants.
This dish is known for its deep, complex flavors, which come from the slow braising process and the perfect combination of ingredients, including aromatic herbs, vegetables, and a generous amount of red wine. The result is a mouthwatering dish that features rich beef flavor and a luscious sauce that will have you coming back for more.
What Are Beef Short Ribs?
Beef short ribs are a cut of beef from the rib section of the cow. They are known for being a bit more substantial and meatier than pork ribs. The ribs can either be cut into small pieces or sold as a rack. While the cut may not be as common as others like chuck or brisket, it’s highly regarded for its tenderness when slow-cooked. Beef short ribs have a significant amount of fat marbling, which ensures they remain juicy and flavorful when cooked over a long period.
While short ribs are often used in Asian cuisines in dishes like Korean BBQ, where the meat is thinly sliced and grilled, in Western cooking, they are typically braised to break down the connective tissue. The slow cooking process transforms the ribs into a melt-in-your-mouth meal, making them a fantastic choice for any slow-cooking recipe.
How to Achieve Perfectly Braised Beef Short Ribs
Braised beef short ribs require patience and attention to detail, but the result is worth every minute. The key to a successful braise lies in the browning process. First, the ribs are browned to create a rich, caramelized crust on the beef, which infuses the entire dish with a deep flavor. This step is followed by the addition of vegetables, garlic, and tomato paste, which creates a flavorful base for the sauce. The braising liquid, typically a combination of red wine and beef broth, is then added to the pot, where the ribs simmer slowly until they are tender enough to fall off the bone.
While the recipe may look complex, it’s quite straightforward. Whether you choose to cook the ribs in the oven, on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker, the steps remain the same. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your chosen method, but the slow and steady process ensures that the ribs become perfectly tender, regardless of how you cook them.
Cooking Techniques for Braised Beef Short Ribs
The method you use to cook your beef short ribs will impact the final result, but rest assured that any approach will yield mouthwatering results. Here’s a breakdown of the different methods:
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Oven Braising: This is the most popular method for braising short ribs, as it allows the beef to cook in its own juices, developing a deeper flavor. Braising at a low temperature (around 325°F or 160°C) for 3 hours will result in fall-apart-tender ribs.
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Stovetop Braising: If you’re short on time, you can braise the ribs on the stovetop. This method takes about 2.5 hours and produces equally delicious results.
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Slow Cooker: For a hands-off approach, a slow cooker can do the job beautifully. Set the ribs to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours, and you’ll be rewarded with tender, succulent meat. However, be aware that this method won’t produce the same rich caramelization on the meat that other methods do.
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Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot: If you’re in a hurry, the pressure cooker can braise the ribs in just 1 hour on high pressure. This method delivers tender results, although it may not have the same depth of flavor from slow braising.
Each cooking method has its own set of benefits, but regardless of how you choose to cook the ribs, you’ll end up with a savory, melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
The Role of Red Wine in the Sauce
The red wine sauce in this recipe is a game-changer. The wine adds depth and complexity to the dish, transforming the braising liquid into a rich, flavorful sauce that complements the beef beautifully. The alcohol in the wine cooks off during the braising process, leaving behind only the flavor. While you don’t need to use an expensive bottle of wine for this dish, it’s important to choose a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Shiraz for the best results.
If you don’t drink wine or prefer a non-alcoholic substitute, you can easily replace the wine with a combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and water. The resulting sauce will still have a savory richness that perfectly enhances the short ribs.
Why This Dish Is Perfect for Special Occasions
Braised beef short ribs are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether it’s a family dinner, a special holiday meal, or a dinner party with friends, this dish never fails to impress. The tender beef and rich sauce create a meal that feels indulgent and special, yet it’s simple enough to prepare in the comfort of your own kitchen. The combination of deep flavors and the luxurious texture of the ribs make it a standout dish.
Additionally, you can pair the short ribs with a variety of sides to suit your tastes. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad all work wonderfully with the rich flavors of the braised beef. A glass of the same red wine used in the sauce is a perfect pairing to bring out the full depth of the dish.
Conclusion
Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce is the perfect dish for anyone who loves rich, flavorful meals. The combination of tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a luscious red wine sauce creates a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a special meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress. With its slow cooking method and the depth of flavor in every bite, it’s no wonder that braised beef short ribs are a favorite in fine dining restaurants. By following this simple yet flavorful recipe, you can bring the luxury of fine dining to your own home, all while enjoying a delicious, fall-apart-tender meal.
The next time you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal, look no further than Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.