Braised Short Ribs

This braised short ribs recipe is fantastic for dinner parties and holidays. The beef is braised in a red wine sauce until it's so tender you barely need a fork to pull it apart.

Braised Short Ribs
Braised short ribs with mashed potatoes served with red wine.

This braised short ribs recipe is fantastic for dinner parties and holidays. The beef is braised in a red wine sauce until it's so tender you barely need a fork to pull it apart. Without a doubt this is the best way to cook short ribs. Pair with mashed potatoes to round out the dish.

The Ultimate Guide to Braised Short Ribs

Introduction

If you're looking for a show-stopping dish that's perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in, look no further than braised short ribs. This rich, flavorful dish is a favorite among home cooks and chefs alike. In this article, we'll explore a delicious braised short ribs recipe that uses pinot noir for an extra layer of complexity.

Why Pinot Noir?

When it comes to selecting the perfect wine for braising short ribs, pinot noir stands out for several reasons. This red wine is known for its light to medium body, balanced acidity, and notes of red fruits, making it an excellent match for the rich, hearty flavor of beef short ribs. Unlike heavier red wines, such as cabernet sauvignon or merlot, pinot noir won't overpower the dish. Instead, it complements the beef, enhancing its natural flavors and adding a subtle complexity to the sauce.

Ingredients

For this braised short ribs recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 to 5 large, boneless beef short ribs
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 1 cup red wine (I recommend Pinot Noir)
  • 2 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
  2. Dice onion and carrots.
  3. Pat short ribs dry and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and all purpose flour. Make sure the flour evenly coats the surface of the short ribs.
  4. Heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and carrots to the pot and cook for 5 minutes to soften them. After 5 minutes remove the onions and carrots and set aside.
  5. Turn the heat up to medium-high heat. Add another Tablespoon of olive oil and sear the short rib. They should be seared about 2 minutes per side to achieve the golden brown texture and color. Once seared remove the short ribs from the pan and set aside.
  6. Turn the heat down to medium and deglaze the pot with the red wine. Once wine is in take your spoon/spatula and scrape the bottom of the pot back and forth briefly to get up the good bits. Let the wine boil for about 2 minutes.
  7. Add beef stock and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Return the ribs, onions, and carrots to the pot. Throw in the thyme and rosemary sprigs.
  9. Put the lid on the pot and place in the oven. Cook in the oven for 2 1/2 hours.
  10. Once done, allow the short ribs to cool down in the pot.
  11. Serve and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Serve the braised short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or alongside roasted vegetables. The rich sauce pairs beautifully with these sides, creating a comforting and indulgent meal.

Conclusion

This red wine braised short ribs recipe, featuring the nuanced flavors of pinot noir, is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. The combination of tender beef and a rich, wine-infused sauce makes this dish perfect for any occasion. Try this beef short ribs recipe, and discover the best way to cook short ribs for a meal that will impress.

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