Beef Short Ribs Oven Baked Recipe – Easy and Tender Guide

As the sun set, the smell of short ribs filled the kitchen. It reminded me of my grandmother’s cozy Sundays. The tender meat and rich sauce were unforgettable. Now, I’m sharing a simple oven recipe to bring back those memories for you.

Oven-baked beef short ribs are the ultimate comfort food. This recipe makes it easy to get restaurant-quality results at home. Slow-cooking the ribs at a low temperature makes the meat tender and flavorful. It’s perfect for both seasoned cooks and beginners.

Understanding Beef Short Ribs: Cuts and Selection

When picking beef short ribs, it’s important to know a few things. This ensures you get the best cut for your easy beef short rib recipe or baked beef short ribs. Short ribs are smaller and closer to the breastbone. They have a unique taste and texture.

English Cut vs Flanken Cut

The main cuts of beef short ribs are the English cut and the Flanken cut. The English cut has big sections between the rib bone. It has a single bone piece connected to the meat, perfect for this recipe. The Flanken cut is sliced across three rib bones. It’s thinner and more versatile.

Tips for Choosing Quality Short Ribs

  • Look for beef short ribs of similar size for even cooking
  • Seek out cuts with good marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness
  • Consider bone-in beef short ribs for added richness and depth of flavor

Bone-in versus Boneless Options

Both bone-in and boneless beef short ribs work in this recipe. But, bone-in ribs are usually better. The bone adds flavor and keeps the meat moist and tender. Boneless ribs can be used if bone-in ones are not available.

“Beef short ribs are a wonderfully versatile cut that can be cooked to perfection in the oven for a delicious and satisfying meal.”

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Short Ribs

To make the best beef short ribs, you need the right ingredients. Start with whole beef short ribs, especially the English cut. They are tender and full of flavor. You’ll also need a mix of vegetables like yellow onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and shallot.

For a rich flavor, use tomato paste, red wine, and beef stock. Herbs and spices are key to making the dish special. Use fresh thyme, rosemary, and spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. For sweetness, try basting with homemade barbecue sauce or ketchup and brown sugar.

Don’t forget a neutral oil for searing and unsalted butter for finishing. With these ingredients, you’re ready to make tender, flavorful short ribs perfect for the oven.

IngredientQuantity
Whole beef short ribs (English cut)4 pounds
Yellow onion, diced1 large
Carrot, diced2 medium
Celery, diced2 stalks
Garlic, minced6 cloves
Shallot, minced2 tablespoons
Tomato paste2 tablespoons
Red wine2 cups
Thyme, fresh2 sprigs
Rosemary, fresh1 sprig
Beef stock3 cups
Neutral oil2 tablespoons
Unsalted butter2 tablespoons

Optional seasonings include cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs. You can also use barbecue sauce or ketchup and brown sugar for basting the beef short ribs.

Beef Short Ribs Oven Baked Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Get ready for a delicious adventure with our beef short ribs oven baked recipe. This guide will show you how to make tender, flavorful short ribs. They’re sure to wow your family and friends.

Preparation and Seasoning

First, heat your oven to 275°F. Season the beef short ribs with salt and black pepper on all sides. This step helps create a rich, caramelized crust during searing.

Searing Techniques

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat some vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned short ribs and sear them until they’re golden brown on all sides. This step locks in juices and adds flavor.

Braising Process

After searing, remove the short ribs and set them aside. In the same pot, sauté diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for a minute, then deglaze with red wine. Scrape up browned bits for extra flavor.

Put the seared short ribs back in the pot. Add beef stock to cover the meat, along with thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Cover the pot and bake in the preheated oven.

Braise the short ribs for 2 to 3 hours. They should be fork-tender and falling off the bone. The slow cooking makes them incredibly tender and flavorful.

Braised beef short ribs

The secret to perfect short ribs is slow braising. This recipe will make your kitchen smell amazing. It’s worth the wait.

Perfect Temperature and Timing Guidelines

Cooking oven baked short ribs or slow cooked beef short ribs right is key. You need the perfect temperature and timing for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. Here’s a guide to help you cook them perfectly every time:

For oven-baked short ribs, cook at 275°F (135°C). Aim for 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours. The ribs should reach 190°F to 200°F (88°C to 93°C) inside. This slow cooking makes the meat tender and juicy.

Using a slow cooker? Cook the ribs on low for 6 to 8 hours. They’ll be fork-tender. Or, try the Instant Pot for 45 minutes on the standard setting for tough cuts.

Cooking MethodTemperatureCooking Time
Oven-Baked275°F (135°C)2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours
Slow CookerLow6 to 8 hours
Instant PotStandard setting for tough cuts45 minutes

Remember, cooking times can change based on rib size and thickness. Also, your oven or appliance might be different. Just keep an eye on the ribs and check for tenderness. With the right temperature and timing, you’ll get delicious oven baked short ribs or slow cooked beef short ribs every time.

Creating the Perfect Braising Liquid

The secret to tender, flavorful braised beef short ribs is the braising liquid. It infuses the meat with rich flavors and breaks down connective tissues. This makes the meat fork-tender. The perfect braising liquid combines red wine and stock.

Wine and Stock Combination

Begin by simmering the beef short ribs marinade – a full-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon. Reduce it by about a third. This concentrates the wine’s flavors, adding depth to the dish. Then, add high-quality beef or chicken stock, making sure the liquid covers the ribs.

Aromatics and Seasonings

  • Sauté aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft. This creates a flavorful base.
  • Add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, along with garlic, to the liquid. This boosts the aroma and flavor.
  • A bit of tomato paste, cooked until dark, can also deepen the sauce’s flavor.

Let the flavors blend together. This creates a rich, complex braising liquid. It will transform the braised beef short ribs into an exceptional dish.

braised beef short ribs

“The secret to tender, flavorful braised short ribs is all in the braising liquid. By reducing the red wine and incorporating aromatics, you create a sauce that’s worthy of the melt-in-your-mouth meat.”

Professional Tips for Tender Results

Want to make your easy beef short rib recipe or beef rib recipe perfect? Here are some expert tips for tender, flavorful results. Follow these to improve your short rib cooking and wow your guests.

  1. Make sure to get a deep, golden-brown sear on all sides of the short ribs. This caramelized crust keeps the flavor locked in.
  2. Use a cartouche (a parchment paper lid) to cover the short ribs before adding the Dutch oven lid. It prevents dry spots and ensures even cooking.
  3. For slow cooker recipes, add 1 cup of beef broth with the other ingredients. It keeps the ribs moist and tender as they braise.
  4. When using an Instant Pot, sear the meat first if you can. This step adds a rich flavor to the dish.

By using these professional techniques, you’ll make the most tender and delicious beef short ribs your loved ones have ever had.

Making the Ultimate Short Rib Sauce

After cooking your beef short ribs until they’re tender, it’s time to make a special sauce. This sauce will take your dish to the next level. Follow this guide to create a sauce that matches the rich flavors of the beef rib recipe.

Reducing and Thickening

Start by straining the cooking liquid to remove veggies and herbs. This makes the sauce clear and refined. Then, put the strained liquid back on the stovetop and heat it up.

Let it simmer and reduce by half. Stir it now and then until it becomes thick and velvety.

Adding Final Touches

When the sauce is thick enough, take it off the heat. Use a fat separator or spoon to remove any extra fat. This makes the sauce look clean and polished.

Finally, add cold, unsalted butter a bit at a time. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and shiny. This adds a luxurious feel and taste to the beef short ribs oven baked recipe.

The sauce you get is rich and velvety, perfect for the tender short ribs. Pour it over the meat or serve it on the side for dipping. Your guests will love the flavor and the fancy presentation.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Short rib roast or beef rib recipes are incredibly delicious. The right side dishes can make your meal even better. Think creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables for a great taste.

Short ribs and mashed potatoes are a classic combo. The creamy mash balances the tender ribs. Try creamy parmesan polenta or buttery duchess potatoes for a twist. Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots add a nice contrast.

For a bit of crunch, sautéed greens like spinach or kale are refreshing. A tangy salad, like a shaved Brussels sprout salad, cleanses your palate.

Side Dish CategoryPercentage Breakdown
Potato-based Sides25%
Vegetable Sides40%
Salad Sides15%
Bread Accompaniments10%
Other Sides10%

Choosing the right side dishes is key. They should enhance the flavors of your short rib roast or beef rib recipe. With a bit of creativity, your meal will impress everyone.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

After enjoying your beef short ribs, it’s time to think about storing and reheating. Let the ribs and sauce cool down before putting them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. You can keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for 3 months. This way, you can still enjoy the beef short ribs oven baked recipe even after the first meal.

To reheat, thaw the ribs in the fridge if they’re frozen. Then, warm them in a pot over medium heat. Add some beef broth to the sauce if it’s too thick. This method keeps your slow cooked beef short ribs tender and flavorful. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F until they’re hot all the way through.

By following these easy steps, you can enjoy your beef short ribs again and again. This makes your initial effort worth it, as you get to relish the delicious flavors of this dish.

FAQ

What is the ideal cooking temperature and time for oven-baked beef short ribs?

Bake bone-in beef short ribs at 275°F for 3½ to 4 hours. They’re done when the meat pulls away from the bone and is tender.

What are the differences between English cut and Flanken cut short ribs?

English cut ribs are in large sections with one bone. Flanken cut ribs are cut horizontally across three bones.

What key ingredients are needed for perfect oven-baked beef short ribs?

You’ll need whole beef short ribs, yellow onion, carrot, celery, garlic, shallot, tomato paste, red wine, thyme, rosemary, beef stock, neutral oil, and unsalted butter.

How should the short ribs be prepared and seared before braising?

Season the ribs with salt and pepper. Sear them in a Dutch oven with oil until browned. Then, remove the ribs and sauté the vegetables.

What techniques can be used to ensure tender and flavorful short ribs?

Use a cartouche to cover the ribs. For slow cookers, add beef broth. In an Instant Pot, sear the ribs first if you can.

How can the braising liquid be enhanced for maximum flavor?

The liquid is made of red wine and beef stock. Reduce the wine by a third before adding stock. Add onions, celery, carrots, shallots, garlic, thyme, and rosemary for flavor.

How can the sauce be improved for a restaurant-quality finish?

Strain the liquid and reduce it by half over medium-high heat. Remove excess fat. Add cold butter to the sauce and mix until glossy.

What are some recommended side dishes to serve with the oven-baked beef short ribs?

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted cauliflower, or root vegetables. For a BBQ-style meal, pair with potato salad or corn on the cob.

How can the leftover short ribs and sauce be stored and reheated?

Cool the ribs and sauce completely before storing. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw and warm in a pot with beef broth until hot and thickened.