Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth, incredibly flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This oven-baked flanken short rib recipe is your answer. These incredibly tender ribs, boasting a rich, savory flavor, are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Forget complicated techniques – this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delicious and satisfying dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs flanken-style short ribs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or mashed potatoes (for serving)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Sear the ribs: Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs on both sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds incredible depth of flavor.
Build the braising liquid: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Braising time: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Braise the short ribs for 2-2.5 hours, or until incredibly tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
Finishing touch: Once the ribs are cooked through, remove the skillet from the oven. Remove the ribs from the skillet and set aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the braising liquid simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken into a delicious glaze.
Serve and enjoy: Return the ribs to the skillet, coating them generously with the reduced braising liquid. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately over cooked rice or mashed potatoes. The beautiful glaze adds a touch of sweetness and umami that perfectly complements the richness of the short ribs.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Flanken Short Ribs:
- Choose quality ribs: Opt for good quality flanken-style short ribs for the best results.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Sear the ribs in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Use an oven-safe skillet: This makes the entire cooking process easier.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on the thickness of your ribs, you might need to adjust the braising time. Check for tenderness with a fork.
- Make it ahead: These ribs can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently before serving.
Variations:
- Spicy kick: 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 honey for a sweeter glaze.
- Asian-inspired: Add a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil for an Asian twist.
- Garlic lover: Add more garlic or use garlic powder along with the minced garlic.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: Approximately 35-40g Fat: Approximately 25-30g Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The tender short ribs, the rich savory sauce, the comforting sides – this is a complete meal that will satisfy any craving. Enjoy this easy, delicious, and healthy addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking experiences. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family gatherings and casual weeknight meals alike.