Ultimate Short Ribs Oven Recipe: Indulge in Tender and Flavorful Goodness

Short Ribs Recipe Oven

Short ribs are an incredibly flavorful and tender cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One of the most popular methods is to braise them in the oven. This low and slow cooking method allows the meat to become fall-off-the-bone tender while developing a rich and complex flavor. If you are looking for a delicious and easy way to cook short ribs, then this oven-braised recipe is the perfect choice.

To make oven-braised short ribs, you will need the following ingredients:

3 pounds beef short ribs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup red wine
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have gathered your ingredients, you can begin cooking the short ribs. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large Dutch oven or roasting pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the short ribs to the pan and brown them on all sides. Remove the short ribs from the pan and set them aside.

Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pan and cook until softened. Stir in the red wine, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the liquid to a simmer and then return the short ribs to the pan. Cover the pan and braise the short ribs in the oven for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.

Once the short ribs are cooked, remove them from the pan and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

The benefits of cooking short ribs in the oven include:

The low and slow cooking method allows the meat to become fall-off-the-bone tender.
The braising liquid infuses the meat with flavor, resulting in a rich and complex dish.
Oven-braised short ribs are a relatively easy dish to prepare, making them a great option for busy weeknights.

Here are five tips for cooking perfect oven-braised short ribs:

Choose high-quality short ribs. Look for ribs that are well-marbled and have a good amount of meat on them.
Brown the short ribs before braising them. This will help to develop flavor and create a nice crust on the meat.
Use a good quality braising liquid. The braising liquid is what will flavor the short ribs, so it is important to use a liquid that has a lot of flavor. Red wine, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce are all good options.
Cook the short ribs low and slow. The key to tender short ribs is to cook them low and slow. This will allow the collagen in the meat to break down and the meat to become fall-off-the-bone tender.
Let the short ribs rest before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy dish.

Oven-braised short ribs are a delicious and easy way to enjoy this flavorful cut of meat. By following these tips, you can create a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Essential Aspects of Short Ribs Recipe Oven

Short ribs cooked in the oven offer a delectable culinary experience. Various aspects contribute to the appeal of this dish, encompassing both the characteristics of the key ingredients and the techniques involved in its preparation. Here are six key aspects to consider:

Prime Short Ribs: High-quality short ribs, well-marbled with ample meat, yield the most flavorful and tender results.
Oven Braising: The low and slow cooking method in the oven allows the meat to braise in its flavorful juices, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
Aromatic Vegetables: Mirepoix, a combination of onions, carrots, and celery, provides a aromatic base that enhances the depth of flavor.
Savory Seasonings: A blend of herbs, such as thyme and bay leaf, along with Worcestershire sauce, adds complexity and umami.
Rich Braising Liquid: Red wine, beef broth, or a combination of both creates a flavorful liquid that infuses the short ribs with moisture and taste.
Patient Cooking: Allowing ample time for braising ensures that the collagen breaks down, resulting in meltingly tender meat.

These key aspects are interconnected and contribute to the overall success of oven-braised short ribs. The high-quality meat provides a solid foundation for flavor, while the braising technique and aromatic vegetables impart depth and complexity. Savory seasonings and a rich braising liquid further enhance the taste, and patient cooking ensures an exceptionally tender texture. Understanding and mastering these aspects empower home cooks to create a delectable and memorable dish.

Prime Short Ribs

In the context of “short ribs recipe oven”, the selection of prime short ribs is of paramount importance. Prime short ribs are characterized by their exceptional quality, with abundant marbling and a generous amount of meat. These attributes contribute significantly to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

Flavorful Fat: The marbling within the short ribs is composed of intramuscular fat, which melts during the braising process. This fat infuses the meat with rich flavor and keeps it moist, resulting in a more succulent and satisfying eating experience.
Tender Meat: The ample meat on the short ribs ensures that there is a substantial amount of connective tissue to break down during braising. This breakdown creates the meltingly tender texture that is synonymous with perfectly cooked short ribs.
Balanced Texture: The combination of tender meat and flavorful fat creates a harmonious balance of textures. The tender meat provides a soft and yielding base, while the fat adds a luxurious richness and mouthfeel.
Optimal Cooking: Prime short ribs are ideal for oven braising because they can withstand the long, slow cooking process without becoming tough. The extended braising time allows the collagen in the meat to break down fully, resulting in supremely tender and flavorful short ribs.

Therefore, when selecting short ribs for your oven recipe, opting for prime short ribs is essential. Their superior quality, ample marbling, and generous meat content will elevate your dish to new heights of flavor and tenderness.

Oven Braising

In the context of “short ribs recipe oven”, oven braising plays a pivotal role in achieving the dish’s signature tenderness and flavor. This technique involves cooking the short ribs in a covered pot or Dutch oven in the oven at a low temperature for an extended period. The combination of low heat and a moist environment creates an ideal setting for the meat to braise in its flavorful juices.

Collagen Breakdown:
During the extended braising process, the collagen in the short ribs breaks down, resulting in meltingly tender meat. Collagen is a connective tissue that can make meat tough, but when cooked slowly and at a low temperature, it transforms into gelatin, contributing to the tender texture of the short ribs.
Flavor Concentration:
The enclosed environment of the oven allows the flavors of the braising liquid, vegetables, and seasonings to circulate and permeate the short ribs. This results in a deeply flavorful and aromatic dish, where the meat absorbs the rich juices and seasonings.
Moisture Retention:
The covered pot or Dutch oven creates a humid environment that prevents the short ribs from drying out. The meat braises in its own juices, as well as the added liquid, resulting in moist and succulent short ribs.
Fall-Off-The-Bone Tenderness:
The combination of collagen breakdown, flavor concentration, and moisture retention leads to the ultimate goal of oven braising: fall-off-the-bone tenderness. The meat becomes so tender that it can be easily pulled or fall off the bone, creating a highly satisfying and enjoyable eating experience.

In summary, oven braising is an essential component of “short ribs recipe oven” that allows for the creation of tender, flavorful, and juicy short ribs. By understanding the process of collagen breakdown, flavor concentration, moisture retention, and fall-off-the-bone tenderness, home cooks can master this technique and elevate their short ribs dish to new heights.

Aromatic Vegetables

In the context of “short ribs recipe oven”, the use of aromatic vegetables, particularly mirepoix, is crucial for building a flavorful foundation for the dish. Mirepoix, a classic combination of onions, carrots, and celery, provides a aromatic base that enhances the depth of flavor through several mechanisms.

Firstly, the vegetables in mirepoix offer a range of flavors and aromas that complement the richness of the short ribs. Onions provide a sweet and pungent base, carrots add a natural sweetness and earthiness, while celery contributes a subtle bitterness and herbaceousness. When sauted together, these vegetables release their flavors and aromas, creating a flavorful foundation for the braising liquid.

Secondly, mirepoix helps to develop a flavorful crust on the short ribs. As the vegetables caramelize and brown in the hot oil, they create a flavorful fond on the bottom of the pot. When the braising liquid is added, it deglazes the fond, releasing the concentrated flavors and aromas into the liquid. This flavorful liquid then surrounds the short ribs, infusing them with even more taste.

Moreover, the vegetables in mirepoix contribute to the overall texture of the dish. Onions, carrots, and celery retain a slight bite even after prolonged braising, providing a contrasting texture to the tender short ribs. This textural contrast enhances the overall eating experience and prevents the dish from becoming monotonous.

In summary, the use of aromatic vegetables, particularly mirepoix, in “short ribs recipe oven” is essential for building a flavorful and aromatic base, developing a flavorful crust on the short ribs, and contributing to the overall texture of the dish. Understanding the importance of aromatic vegetables and their role in this recipe empowers home cooks to create a delectable and memorable dish that showcases the harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Savory Seasonings

In the context of “short ribs recipe oven”, savory seasonings play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor profile and creating a complex and umami-rich dish. The combination of herbs, such as thyme and bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce adds depth and character to the short ribs, elevating the overall taste experience.

Enhancing Natural Flavors:
Savory seasonings complement the natural flavors of the short ribs, creating a harmonious balance. Herbs, such as thyme, provide a subtle earthy and aromatic quality, while bay leaf adds a hint of warmth and spice. Worcestershire sauce, with its complex blend of flavors, further enhances the richness of the meat, adding a touch of sweetness, sourness, and umami.
Adding Complexity:
The combination of different savory seasonings introduces layers of flavor to the short ribs. Each herb and spice contributes its own unique characteristics, creating a complex and nuanced taste profile. This complexity prevents the dish from becoming monotonous and keeps the palate engaged.
Developing Umami:
Umami is a savory and meaty flavor that adds depth and richness to dishes. Herbs, such as thyme, contain glutamates, which contribute to the umami taste. Worcestershire sauce is also a rich source of umami, thanks to its fermented ingredients. By incorporating these savory seasonings, the short ribs develop a satisfying and well-rounded flavor.
Balancing Sweetness and Acidity:
Savory seasonings help to balance the sweetness and acidity of the other ingredients in the “short ribs recipe oven”. Herbs, such as thyme, add a subtle sweetness, while Worcestershire sauce provides a touch of acidity. This balance ensures that the dish is not overly sweet or sour, creating a harmonious and well-rounded flavor profile.

In conclusion, the use of savory seasonings in “short ribs recipe oven” is essential for creating a flavorful, complex, and umami-rich dish. These seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the short ribs, add depth and complexity, develop umami, and balance sweetness and acidity. Understanding the role and implications of savory seasonings empowers home cooks to elevate their short ribs recipe and create a truly exceptional culinary experience.

Rich Braising Liquid

In the context of “short ribs recipe oven”, the rich braising liquid plays a pivotal role in infusing the short ribs with flavor and moisture, contributing significantly to the overall success of the dish. The combination of red wine, beef broth, or a blend of both creates a flavorful and aromatic liquid that permeates the meat, enhancing its taste and texture.

Flavorful Foundation:
Red wine and beef broth are both rich in flavor and depth, providing a solid foundation for the braising liquid. Red wine contributes fruity notes, tannins, and acidity, while beef broth adds a savory and meaty character. Combining these two liquids creates a complex and harmonious flavor profile that complements the short ribs perfectly.
Tenderizing Effects:
The acidity in red wine helps to tenderize the short ribs during the braising process. The acid breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in more tender and succulent short ribs. Beef broth also contains enzymes that aid in the tenderization process, further enhancing the texture of the meat.
Moisture Retention:
The braising liquid provides a moist environment for the short ribs to cook in. As the liquid simmers, it surrounds the meat and prevents it from drying out. This results in moist and juicy short ribs that are incredibly flavorful and satisfying to eat.
Flavor Infusion:
During the braising process, the short ribs absorb the flavors from the braising liquid. The red wine and beef broth penetrate the meat, infusing it with their rich and complex flavors. This results in short ribs that are incredibly flavorful throughout, with a depth of taste that is unmatched by other cooking methods.

In summary, the rich braising liquid in “short ribs recipe oven” is a crucial element that contributes to the flavor, tenderness, moisture, and overall success of the dish. By understanding the role and implications of the braising liquid, home cooks can create a truly exceptional short ribs dish that showcases the perfect balance of taste and texture.

Patient Cooking

In the context of “short ribs recipe oven”, patient cooking is paramount for achieving the signature melt-in-the-mouth tenderness that is the hallmark of this dish. Braising, a slow and gentle cooking method, allows ample time for the collagen in the short ribs to break down, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful result.

Collagen Breakdown and Tenderness:
Collagen is a connective tissue that can make meat tough. However, when cooked slowly and at a low temperature, collagen breaks down into gelatin, a substance that contributes to the tender texture of the meat. Patient cooking in the oven provides the ideal conditions for this breakdown to occur, ensuring that the short ribs become fall-off-the-bone tender.
Flavor Development:
Slow braising allows the flavors of the braising liquid, vegetables, and seasonings to penetrate the meat deeply. Over time, the short ribs absorb these flavors, resulting in a rich and complex taste profile. Patient cooking allows this flavor development to reach its full potential, creating a truly exceptional dish.
Moisture Retention:
The enclosed environment of the oven and the presence of the braising liquid help to retain moisture in the short ribs. This prevents the meat from drying out during the extended cooking process, ensuring that it remains juicy and succulent.
Collagen as a Natural Thickener:
As the collagen breaks down during braising, it also acts as a natural thickener for the braising liquid. This results in a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender short ribs. Patient cooking allows this thickening process to occur gradually, creating a harmonious balance between the meat and the sauce.

In conclusion, patient cooking is an essential aspect of “short ribs recipe oven” that contributes to the dish’s exceptional tenderness, flavor development, moisture retention, and sauce thickening. Understanding the role of patient cooking and its implications empowers home cooks to create a truly remarkable short ribs dish that showcases the perfect marriage of texture and taste.

Short ribs, a flavorful cut of beef taken from the lower part of the rib cage, offer a rich and satisfying culinary experience when cooked in the oven. “Short ribs recipe oven” refers to a cooking method that involves braising short ribs in the oven, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tenderness and an explosion of flavors.

The appeal of “short ribs recipe oven” lies in its ability to transform tough and sinewy short ribs into a melt-in-the-mouth delicacy. The extended cooking time and moist environment of the oven allow the connective tissues in the meat to break down, creating an incredibly tender texture. Moreover, the braising liquid, typically composed of red wine, beef broth, and aromatic vegetables, infuses the short ribs with a symphony of flavors that permeate every bite.

This cooking method has been passed down through generations, with each culture adding its own unique variations. In traditional French cuisine, short ribs are braised in a red wine sauce, known as “boeuf bourguignon,” while in Korean cuisine, they are simmered in a spicy and savory sauce called “galbi jjim.” Regardless of the cultural influences, the essence of “short ribs recipe oven” remains the same: creating a comforting and flavorful dish that showcases the natural richness of this cut of beef.

FAQs about Short Ribs Recipe Oven

Short ribs cooked in the oven offer a delectable culinary experience. Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further insights into this recipe:

Question 1: What is the best type of short ribs to use?

For oven-braised short ribs, choosing high-quality short ribs with good marbling and ample meat is crucial. Prime short ribs are highly recommended as they yield the most flavorful and tender results.

Question 2: How long should I cook the short ribs?

The cooking time for short ribs in the oven can vary depending on the size and quantity of the ribs. Generally, they require a braising time of 2-3 hours at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This extended cooking period allows the meat to become fall-off-the-bone tender.

Question 3: What is the purpose of searing the short ribs before braising?

Searing the short ribs prior to braising develops a flavorful crust on the meat and helps seal in its juices. This step enhances the overall taste and texture of the dish.

Question 4: What vegetables are commonly used in short ribs recipes?

Aromatic vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery form the base of many short ribs recipes. These vegetables add sweetness, earthiness, and depth of flavor to the braising liquid.

Question 5: Can I substitute red wine with another liquid?

Yes, you can substitute red wine with other liquids such as beef broth or a combination of beef broth and dry red wine. However, red wine adds a distinct flavor and richness to the braising liquid, so it is recommended if available.

Question 6: How can I thicken the braising liquid?

To thicken the braising liquid, you can add a mixture of cornstarch and water or a roux made from butter and flour. Alternatively, simmering the liquid uncovered towards the end of the cooking process allows some of the moisture to evaporate, resulting in a thicker consistency.

Understanding these key questions and answers will empower home cooks to prepare delicious and satisfying oven-braised short ribs. By following these guidelines and experimenting with different flavor combinations, you can create a memorable dish that showcases the versatility and richness of this classic recipe.

Transition to the next article section:

For further exploration into the world of short ribs, let’s delve into some intriguing facts and variations of this beloved dish.

Conclusion

In this exploration of “short ribs recipe oven,” we have highlighted the key aspects that make this dish a culinary delight. From the selection of high-quality short ribs to the extended braising time and the use of aromatic vegetables and flavorful liquids, each element contributes to the creation of a tender, flavorful, and satisfying dish.

Short ribs cooked in the oven offer a versatile canvas for experimentation. By varying the braising liquid, vegetables, and seasonings, home cooks can create unique flavor profiles that cater to different palates. The possibilities are endless, encouraging culinary exploration and creativity.

As we conclude, we invite you to embrace the joy of cooking short ribs in the oven. Whether you follow a traditional recipe or experiment with new flavor combinations, the result will be a dish that showcases the natural richness of this cut of beef and leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds.

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