Are you craving a flavorful, tender, and surprisingly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This Asian short ribs recipe, cooked to perfection in your oven, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget complicated techniques and long prep times; this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests, these melt-in-your-mouth short ribs are a testament to how simple delicious food can be. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This gentle heat ensures the short ribs become incredibly tender.
Marinate the Ribs (for maximum flavor):
- In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). This creates the beautiful Asian-inspired marinade.
- Add the short ribs to the bowl, ensuring they're fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer they marinate, the more intense the flavor!
Oven Cooking Time:
- Place the thinly sliced onion in the bottom of a large oven-safe Dutch oven or roasting pan. This adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Arrange the marinated short ribs on top of the onions.
- Pour the beef broth into the bottom of the pan. This helps create a delicious sauce and prevents the meat from drying out.
- Cover the Dutch oven or roasting pan tightly with a lid or foil.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 2.5-3 hours, or until the short ribs are incredibly tender and easily fall off the bone. You can check for doneness by gently inserting a fork; it should slide in effortlessly.
Finishing Touches:
- Once cooked, remove the short ribs from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender meat.
- Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid.
- Serve the short ribs hot, drizzled generously with the delicious pan sauce.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Asian Short Ribs:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space between the short ribs for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: For ultimate accuracy, check the internal temperature of the short ribs. They're done when they reach an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C).
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your preferred level of heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve these short ribs over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking.
- Experiment with different marinades: Try adding other Asian-inspired ingredients like hoisin sauce, fish sauce, or five-spice powder.
- Slow cooker option: For an even easier approach, adapt this recipe for your slow cooker. Simply follow the marinating instructions and then cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input the exact ingredients and quantities. However, expect a high protein and moderate fat content, with a good source of iron.
Enjoy your incredibly flavorful and tender Asian short ribs! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Let us know in the comments how you enjoyed this delicious dish!