Are you craving a flavorful, comforting meal that's surprisingly quick to make? Then look no further! This recipe for thin-sliced beef short ribs delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat in a fraction of the time it takes to braise traditional short ribs. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a satisfying weekend dinner, this easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Prepare for a delicious culinary journey that combines homemade cooking with the best recipes for a truly satisfying experience.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs thin-sliced beef short ribs (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Pat the beef short ribs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown properly.
Sear the Beef:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef short ribs and cook in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Remove the seared beef from the pan and set aside.
Build the Flavor:
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Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
Simmer to Perfection:
- Return the seared beef short ribs to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and a tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir in the sesame oil and red pepper flakes (if using).
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh green onions and serve immediately over cooked rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Thinly Sliced is Key: Using thinly sliced beef short ribs is crucial for this recipe. Thicker cuts will require a longer cooking time.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the beef in batches to ensure even browning.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Make it a Meal: Serve with your favorite sides, such as steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Garlic Lovers: Add more garlic! It's a delicious addition.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients and quantities. Generally, this dish is a good source of protein and iron.
This quick and easy recipe for thin-sliced beef short ribs offers a delicious and healthy meal option. It's perfect for busy weeknights, and its impressive flavor profile makes it a fantastic dish to serve to guests. Enjoy!