Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth, unbelievably flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these fall-apart flanken short ribs! This recipe delivers tender, juicy meat with a rich, savory sauce that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to make you a short rib master. Get ready for a delicious adventure in homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs flanken-style short ribs, bone-in
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12 oz) bottle of beer (dark beer works best, but any will do!)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs
Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor. Remove the ribs from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step adds depth of flavor to your sauce. Stir in the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Braise the Short Ribs
Return the short ribs to the pot. Ensure the ribs are mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the liquid back to a simmer, then cover the pot tightly and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Braise for 2.5-3 hours, or until the short ribs are incredibly tender and easily fall apart.
Step 5: Reduce and Serve
Once the short ribs are cooked, remove them from the pot and set aside. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly. Shred the short ribs with two forks and return them to the sauce to coat.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. These delicious short ribs are fantastic served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Short Ribs:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Ensure you have enough space in your pot to allow for even browning and braising.
- Use a meat thermometer: For foolproof cooking, use a meat thermometer to 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 seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, brown sugar, or spices to suit your preference.
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.
- BBQ Short Ribs: After braising, coat the shredded short ribs in your favorite BBQ sauce and broil for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Garlic Lovers: Add extra garlic to the sautéed vegetables or even roast a whole head of garlic alongside the short ribs for an extra garlicky punch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and specific ingredients used. Consider using a nutritional calculator for a more precise analysis. However, expect a high protein, moderate fat, and moderate carbohydrate meal.
Enjoy your incredible, easy-to-make flanken short ribs! This recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!