Imagine sinking your teeth into fall-apart tender short ribs, glistening with a rich, umami-packed hoisin sauce. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience. This recipe for braised short ribs with hoisin sauce delivers incredible flavor and tenderness, making it a perfect centerpiece for a special occasion or a truly satisfying weeknight dinner. It's easier than you think to achieve restaurant-quality results at home, and this recipe will guide you every step of the way. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delicious and surprisingly easy dish!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the short ribs from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Braising Time!
Return the short ribs to the pot. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, five-spice powder, and sesame oil. Pour the mixture over the short ribs and vegetables. Bring to a simmer on the stovetop, then cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Step 4: Oven Braising
Braised short ribs need time to develop their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Braise for 2.5-3 hours, or until the short ribs are fork-tender. Check the liquid level occasionally; if it gets too low, add a little more beef broth.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once the short ribs are tender, remove them from the pot and set aside. Increase the heat on the stovetop to medium-high and let the braising liquid simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly. This intensifies the flavor of the sauce.
Step 6: Serving
Return the short ribs to the pot to coat them in the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Short Ribs:
- Bone-in is best: Bone-in short ribs provide richer flavor and stay more moist during braising.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Ensure enough space between the short ribs for even browning and braising.
- Low and slow is key: Patience is crucial for tender short ribs. The long, slow braising process breaks down the collagen, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the braising liquid before serving and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You might want to add more soy sauce for saltiness or brown sugar for sweetness.
Variations:
- Spicy Short Ribs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the braising liquid for a spicy kick.
- Add Vegetables: Include other vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or parsnips during the braising process.
- Different Sauce: Experiment with other sauces like teriyaki or barbecue sauce instead of hoisin.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutritional calculator online, inputting all ingredients and serving sizes. However, expect this dish to be relatively high in protein and fat, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It's a delicious, healthy meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!