How to Cook Short Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to meat, there are few things more delicious and satisfying than a perfectly cooked short rib. Tender, juicy, and flavorful, short ribs are a staple of many cuisines around the world. However, cooking them to perfection can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to the game. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook short ribs like a pro using a few simple techniques and ingredients.

Choosing the Right Short Ribs

Before you can start cooking, you need to choose the right type of short ribs. There are two types of short ribs: English and Flanken. English short ribs, also known as beef chuck ribs, are cut parallel to the bone and have more meat than bone. Flanken short ribs, on the other hand, are cut across the bone and have more bone than meat. Both are equally delicious, but English short ribs are better for slow-cooking techniques such as braising, while Flanken ribs are better for grilling or broiling.

Preparing the Short Ribs

Once you have your short ribs, it’s time to prepare them for cooking. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels.
2. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat some oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Add the short ribs and sear them on all sides until they are browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Remove the short ribs and set them aside.

Braising the Short Ribs

Braising is a cooking technique that involves searing meat first and then cooking it slowly in a liquid. It’s perfect for short ribs, as it helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Here’s how to braise short ribs:

1. In the same pot or Dutch oven, add some diced onions, carrots, and celery and cook them until they are soft and browned.
2. Add some garlic and cook for another minute or so.
3. Add some red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Add some beef broth, canned tomatoes, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the short ribs back to the pot.
6. Cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven set at 350°F.
7. Cook the short ribs for 2-3 hours, or until they are fork-tender and the meat falls off the bone.
8. Remove the short ribs from the pot and set them aside.
9. Strain the remaining liquid and discard the solids.
10. Return the liquid to the pot and cook over high heat until it has reduced and thickened into a sauce.
11. Serve the short ribs with the sauce and your choice of sides.

Grilling the Short Ribs

If you want to cook short ribs on the grill, here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Marinate the short ribs in your favorite marinade for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. Remove the short ribs from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels.
4. Season them with salt and pepper.
5. Grill the short ribs for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are browned and charred on the outside, but still pink and juicy on the inside.
6. Remove the short ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I braise short ribs in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can. Follow the same steps for searing the short ribs and sautéing the vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Q: Can I freeze short ribs?
A: Yes, you can freeze cooked short ribs. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: What can I serve with short ribs?
A: Short ribs are versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or steamed rice.

In conclusion, short ribs are a delicious and easy-to-cook cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. Using these simple techniques, you can braise or grill short ribs to perfection every time. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!