Are you craving a mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone tender beef rib experience but intimidated by complicated recipes? Look no further! This Flanken style beef rib recipe is designed for ease and delivers incredible flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these ribs are guaranteed to impress. Prepare for a delicious journey into the world of homemade cooking and quick dinner ideas!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs Flanken style beef short ribs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Ribs
Pat the flanken style beef ribs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a beautiful sear.
Step 2: Building Flavor
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs on both sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the ribs and set aside.
Step 3: Creating the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Simmering to Perfection
Stir in the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Braising the Ribs
Return the ribs to the skillet, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the ribs are incredibly tender and easily pull apart. For extra tender ribs, consider braising for up to 2.5 hours.
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying
Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. Using tongs, carefully pull the ribs apart or slice them. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately. These delicious dishes are best enjoyed with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Sear the ribs in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. Experiment with different spice blends to create your signature flavor profile.
- Check for tenderness: After 1.5 hours, gently check the ribs with a fork. If they're not quite tender, continue simmering until they reach your desired tenderness.
- Thicker ribs: If using thicker ribs, you may need to increase the braising time.
Variations:
- Spicy Ribs: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- BBQ Ribs: After braising, brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce and broil for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Sweet and Sour Ribs: Increase the brown sugar and add a splash of rice vinegar for a sweet and sour flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
These easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, and they are also healthy meals packed with protein and flavor. Enjoy your delicious homemade flanken style beef ribs!