Are you craving a ridiculously tender, flavorful, and surprisingly easy weeknight meal? Look no further! This Flanken Cut Beef Short Ribs recipe is your answer. These aren't your grandma's pot roast; we're talking fall-off-the-bone tender short ribs with a rich, savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for a cozy dinner party or a satisfying family meal, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your repertoire of delicious dishes.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs Flanken-cut beef short ribs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Pat the flanken-cut beef short ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Sear the Ribs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs in batches until nicely browned on both sides. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Remove the ribs and set aside.
Build the Flavor Base:
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Simmer to Perfection:
- Return the seared short ribs to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart. The longer it simmers, the more tender and flavorful it will become. For a truly melt-in-your-mouth experience, consider braising for up to 3 hours.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the short ribs are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. Skim off any excess fat from the sauce. You can thicken the sauce by simmering it uncovered for a few more minutes. Slice the short ribs against the grain and serve over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Tips for Amazing Short Ribs:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Sear the short ribs in batches to ensure they brown properly and don't steam.
- Use a good quality beef broth: The flavor of the broth will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You might want to add more soy sauce for saltiness, or honey for sweetness.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is even better the next day! The flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Sweet and Sour: Increase the amount of brown sugar and rice vinegar for a more pronounced sweet and sour profile.
- Garlic Lovers: Add more garlic! There's no such thing as too much garlic in many dishes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This easy recipe for flanken cut beef short ribs is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and incredibly delicious. Serve this impressive meal to friends and family, and prepare for rave reviews! Enjoy!