The Ultimate Short Ribs Recipe: Braised to Tender Perfection

There’s something magical about walking into a kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of slow-braised beef short ribs. For me, it instantly brings back memories of cozy winter evenings at my grandmother’s house, where a pot of her signature short ribs would gently simmer away, promising warmth and nourishment after a long, chilly day. Inspired by her timeless approach but with a modern twist, this Short Ribs Recipe is a tribute to tradition, flavor, and comfort.

Whether you’re hosting a winter dinner party or simply craving a soul-satisfying meal, these braised short ribs are a showstopper. The beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender as it cooks low and slow in a rich, wine-infused broth. This recipe not only celebrates rustic American flavors but also leans on techniques that make the most out of simple ingredients.

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Why You’ll Love This Short Ribs Recipe

• Incredibly Tender: The braising process transforms a tough cut of meat into a buttery, fall-apart texture.
• Deep, Rich Flavor: Red wine, beef broth, and aromatic herbs create a luxurious, layered sauce.
• Perfect for Winter: Hearty and warming, this dish is tailor-made for cold nights.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Even better the next day, which makes it ideal for entertaining.
• Customizable: Easily made gluten-free with a simple flour substitution.

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Ingredients for Braised Short Ribs

To build bold flavors, you’ll start with quality ingredients:

• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 8 bone-in beef short ribs (about 4–5 lbs)
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
• 1 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work beautifully)
• 2½ cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, pat the short ribs dry with paper towels. This is a small step, but it helps create a beautifully browned crust later on.

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Step 2: Sear the Vegetables

In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots and sauté for 4–5 minutes until they begin to caramelize. Remove and set aside on a plate.

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Step 3: Coat and Brown the Short Ribs

Generously season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Lightly dust them with flour or cornstarch, shaking off the excess. This will help thicken your sauce naturally during the braise.

Heat the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil in the pot over high heat. Sear the ribs in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until deeply browned. Don’t rush this—it builds the dish’s foundational flavor.

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Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the red wine, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.

Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Let it come to a gentle boil—this is your flavor-packed braising liquid.

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Step 5: Braise Low and Slow

Return the short ribs and vegetables to the pot. Nestle the thyme and rosemary sprigs into the liquid. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Braise at 350°F for 2 hours, then reduce the heat to 325°F and cook for an additional 45–60 minutes, or until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone.

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Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest, covered, for 20 minutes. Skim off excess fat from the surface, and discard the herb sprigs.

Serve these luscious short ribs over mashed potatoes, polenta, or even a pile of roasted winter vegetables, spooning over plenty of the rich, savory sauce.

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Tips for the Best Short Ribs Recipe

• Don’t skip the browning. This step creates complex, caramelized flavors.
• Use a full-bodied red wine. Avoid cooking wines—use one you’d enjoy drinking.
• Let it rest. Resting allows the juices to settle and the flavors to deepen.
• Make ahead. These short ribs taste even better the next day, so they’re perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

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Wine Pairing for Braised Short Ribs

For a perfect pairing, serve with a glass of the same Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot used in cooking. The wine’s bold tannins complement the richness of the beef and balance the dish beautifully.

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Short Ribs Recipe FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. After searing the meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 5–6 hours.

Can I freeze braised short ribs?

Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container with the sauce. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I use instead of wine?

For an alcohol-free version, use an extra cup of beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice for depth.

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What to Serve with Short Ribs

Here are some cozy winter-worthy sides to complement your meal:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Buttery Polenta
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Garlic Green Beans
• Crusty Sourdough Bread

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Why Braised Short Ribs Belong in Your Winter Recipe Repertoire

This short ribs recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Each bite is rich, tender, and infused with the essence of herbs and wine. It’s the kind of dish that invites conversation, brings people together, and warms from the inside out.

It’s also incredibly forgiving. A few extra minutes in the oven? No problem. Want to make it ahead of time? It only gets better.

Whether it’s a quiet Sunday dinner or a festive winter celebration, braised short ribs are always the right answer.

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Variations on This Short Ribs Recipe

The beauty of a classic dish like braised short ribs lies in its versatility. Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

1. Asian-Inspired Short Ribs

• Replace red wine with a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a splash of sesame oil.
• Add garlic, ginger, and star anise to the braising liquid.
• Finish with a drizzle of hoisin sauce and serve over jasmine rice.

2. Italian-Style Braised Short Ribs

• Swap red wine with Chianti and beef broth with crushed San Marzano tomatoes.
• Add basil and oregano for herbs.
• Serve with creamy parmesan polenta or risotto.

3. Spicy Chipotle Short Ribs

• Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, cumin, and smoked paprika to the sauce.
• Serve with cilantro-lime rice or warm tortillas.

Each variation brings a unique flair to the dish while maintaining the heart of what makes short ribs so comforting.

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Storage & Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftovers

• Allow the short ribs to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Without Drying Out

• Oven Method: Place the ribs in a covered baking dish, add a splash of broth or water, and heat at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Simmer gently in a covered pot over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container with a loose-fitting lid. Reheat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s a rough estimate for one serving of braised short ribs (based on a 4-serving yield):

• Calories: 580
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

Note: Values vary based on exact ingredients and serving sizes.

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What Makes This the Best Short Ribs Recipe?

When people search for a short ribs recipe, they’re often looking for more than just instructions—they want a reliable, foolproof method that guarantees results. This recipe stands out because it’s been tried and tested across generations, updated with modern techniques, and infused with layers of flavor that truly elevate the humble short rib.

The magic of this short ribs recipe lies in the combination of a proper sear, the slow braise, and a thoughtful selection of aromatics and liquids. It’s a recipe that respects the ingredients, allowing them to shine through slow and steady cooking. The end result? Fork-tender meat drenched in a silky, rich sauce that tastes like it came from a fine dining kitchen.

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Short Ribs Recipe for Special Occasions

This short ribs recipe isn’t just for weeknight comfort—it’s made for special moments. Think cozy Christmas dinners, elegant date nights, or even Sunday gatherings with family. Because it’s make-ahead friendly, you can prepare everything the day before and simply reheat and serve on the big day.

You can even portion this short ribs recipe individually for a more refined presentation. Serve the ribs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or truffle polenta and drizzle with the reduced sauce for a gourmet experience your guests won’t forget.

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Cooking Techniques That Elevate This Short Ribs Recipe

One of the hallmarks of a great short ribs recipe is the use of proper cooking techniques:

Searing

Searing the ribs before braising is essential—it caramelizes the meat and locks in flavor. A golden crust means depth, and depth means a more complex and satisfying final dish.

Deglazing

Those bits stuck to the bottom of your pot after searing? That’s pure gold. Deglazing with red wine not only lifts those bits but adds acidity and richness to balance the fatty meat.

Braising

Low and slow is the name of the game. Braising at a steady, gentle temperature allows the meat to break down, resulting in the melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines a stellar short ribs recipe.

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How to Know When Short Ribs Are Done

A common question when making a short ribs recipe is how to know when they’re truly done. Look for:

• Fork Tenderness: The meat should easily pull apart with a fork.
• Bone Separation: The ribs should begin to pull away from the bone naturally.
• Sauce Reduction: The braising liquid should have thickened into a glossy, luxurious sauce.

If you meet these three criteria, your short ribs are ready to impress.

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Make This Short Ribs Recipe Your Signature Dish

Every cook needs that one recipe—the one they’re known for. This short ribs recipe has the potential to be just that. With a few practice runs, you’ll master the timing and techniques and can start customizing it to reflect your own style.

Add mushrooms for an earthy touch, swap in pancetta for extra richness, or throw in a dash of balsamic vinegar for tang. Once you get comfortable, you’ll be amazed at how versatile and show-stopping this dish can be.

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Conclusion: The Only Short Ribs Recipe You’ll Ever Need

At the heart of every great meal is a recipe that brings people together—and this is that recipe. Deeply savory, elegantly simple, and endlessly comforting, this is a short ribs recipe that you’ll come back to time and time again.

Whether you’re trying it for the first time or it’s already a staple in your rotation, one thing’s for sure: nothing says home quite like a pot of slow-braised short ribs.

If you’re ready to dive into your next culinary masterpiece, grab your Dutch oven, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let the aromas of this unforgettable dish fill your home.

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The Story Behind the Recipe: My Winter Kitchen Ritual

When I think of this short ribs recipe, I remember the way my grandmother used to prepare it on snowy Sundays. She had a sturdy old Dutch oven and a way of making even the simplest meals feel like a celebration.

She’d set the pot on the stovetop with the same familiar ingredients: onions, carrots, wine, and thyme picked fresh from her tiny garden—even in winter. The rich smell of braised beef would fill her kitchen, mingling with the steam on the windows and the distant sound of a crackling fire.

She’d hum softly as she cooked, the kind of hum that told you everything was right in the world. It wasn’t just about feeding her family—it was about nurturing us. That’s the spirit I hope to pass on every time I make this dish.

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Make It a Meal: Short Ribs Dinner Party Menu

Start With:

• Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad
• Artisan Bread with Whipped Herb Butter

Main Course:

• Braised Short Ribs over Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Sides:

• Maple-Glazed Carrots
• Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Dessert:

• Warm Apple Crumble with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Drinks:

• Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon)
• Sparkling Water with Lemon & Thyme

This menu strikes the perfect balance of rustic elegance and heartwarming comfort—ideal for impressing guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

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Health Benefits of Slow Cooking Meats

Braised short ribs are more than just comfort food—they offer a few health perks too:

• Collagen-Rich: Slow cooking releases collagen from the meat, which supports joint and skin health.
• Nutrient Retention: Slow braising helps retain more minerals and vitamins than high-heat cooking methods.
• Controlled Ingredients: You control the sodium, fats, and additives—especially compared to restaurant versions.

While it’s a hearty dish, pairing it with veggies and whole grains turns it into a wholesome, balanced meal.

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Join the Conversation

Tried this Short Ribs Recipe? I’d love to hear from you!

• Did you add your own twist?
• What did you serve it with?
• Was it a hit at your dinner table?

Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @kitchenyumy. Let’s make cooking cozy and community-driven!

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