Craving a comforting yet sophisticated meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these melt-in-your-mouth Japanese Beef Short Ribs. This recipe delivers rich, savory flavors with tender, fall-apart beef, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this healthy and delicious dish! This easy recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking at its best. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, adding to your collection of best recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup sake
- 1/2 cup mirin
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs
Pat the beef short ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the sesame oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe 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 Aromatics
Add the sliced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Braising Liquid
In a bowl, whisk together the sake, mirin, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and orange zest (if using). Pour the mixture into the pot with the sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger.
Step 4: Braise the Short Ribs
Return the seared short ribs to the pot. Make sure the short ribs are mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and easily falls off the bone. For even better results, you can transfer this to a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for the braising step.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the short ribs from the pot and set aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer the braising liquid until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Return the short ribs to the pot to coat them in the sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Japanese Beef Short Ribs:
- For the most tender results, choose bone-in beef short ribs.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when searing the short ribs. Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- If using a Dutch oven, you can sear and braise entirely on the stovetop, eliminating the need for an oven.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to your taste preference.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or daikon radish during the braising process.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the braising liquid.
- Try different types of mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms for added umami flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 40-50g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
These Japanese Beef Short Ribs are a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients transformed into an extraordinary meal. This recipe is an excellent addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and delicious dishes, readily adaptable to suit your preferences and skill level. Enjoy the culinary journey!