Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth, unbelievably tender beef short rib dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This sous vide beef short rib recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making it the perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious dish—a true masterpiece of homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 bone-in beef short ribs (about 3 lbs total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Short Ribs
Pat the beef short ribs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the short ribs.
Step 2: Sear the Short Ribs (Optional but Recommended)
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step isn't strictly necessary for the sous vide process, but searing adds a beautiful depth of flavor and color to the finished dish.
Step 3: Sous Vide the Short Ribs
Place the seared short ribs in a vacuum-seal bag or a zip-top bag using the water displacement method. Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves to the bag. Seal the bag, ensuring all air is removed.
Place the bag in a water bath set to 132°F (56°C) for 24 hours. This low and slow cooking method ensures incredibly tender results. Longer cooking times will result in even more tender meat.
Step 4: Finish the Short Ribs
After 24 hours, carefully remove the short ribs from the bag. Reserve the cooking liquid. Preheat your oven's broiler to high. Place the short ribs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes per side, or until you achieve the desired level of browning. This adds a nice crust.
Step 5: Make the Sauce (Optional)
Strain the reserved cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, reducing the liquid until it thickens to your desired consistency. This creates a delicious sauce to drizzle over the short ribs.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the short ribs overnight before cooking.
- Adjust cooking time: For extra tender short ribs, cook them for 36-48 hours.
- Add vegetables: Include carrots, celery, and onions in the bag with the short ribs for added flavor and nutrients.
- Different wine: Experiment with different red wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve the short ribs over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
This sous vide beef short rib recipe is a fantastic example of how easy it is to create delicious and healthy meals using simple techniques and readily available ingredients. It's perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner when you want something truly impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and elevate your homemade cooking to the next level!