Smothered Beef Short Ribs Recipe

In addition to these ingredients, it’s also essential to have some pantry staples on hand, such as olive oil, salt, black pepper, and flour. These will help you to brown the short ribs and create a smooth sauce.

2 tablespoons olive oil

The first ingredient required for this recipe is 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Olive oil plays a crucial role as it acts as a base for cooking and helps to prevent the beef short ribs from sticking to the pan.

• It has a distinct flavor that complements the rich taste of beef
• Its high smoke point makes it suitable for high-heat cooking
• It contains antioxidants and healthy fats, making it a nutritious addition to the dish

The use of olive oil also aids in browning the short ribs evenly. The Maillard reaction occurs when the amino acids in the beef react with the heat from the pan, resulting in a beautifully browned crust.

This process enhances the overall appearance and flavor of the short ribs, making them more palatable to the palate.

1 large onion, sliced

The first ingredient required for this recipe is one large onion, sliced into thin rings.

This onion will serve as a flavor base and texture addition to our smothered beef short ribs dish.

To begin preparing the onion, you can start by peeling it using a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler.

Next, place the peeled onion on a cutting board and slice it into thin rings.

The ideal thickness for the onion slices will depend on your personal preference and the texture you’re aiming for in your final dish.

For this recipe, we recommend slicing the onion into 1/8 inch or thinner rings to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.

You can use a mandoline or sharp knife to get precise and even slices.

To add some extra flavor to our onion, you can lightly sprinkle both sides with salt before cooking.

3 cloves garlic, minced

Garlic, a fundamental ingredient in many culinary traditions, plays a pivotal role in the Smothered Beef Short Ribs Recipe. Specifically, 3 cloves of garlic are called for, which must be minced before use.

To understand the importance of 3 cloves of garlic, it’s essential to grasp what makes them significant in this context. The quantity of 3 cloves is not arbitrary; rather, it strikes a balance between providing enough depth and richness without overpowering other flavors in the dish.

Garlic’s inherent properties, such as its pungency and versatility, make it an ideal candidate for enhancing the flavor profile of the Smothered Beef Short Ribs. Minced garlic releases its volatile compounds more efficiently than raw or crushed garlic, allowing them to mingle with other ingredients seamlessly.

The process of mincing garlic is a crucial step in releasing these desirable flavors. By reducing garlic into tiny pieces, its cells are broken down, liberating the aromatic oils that contribute to its unmistakable aroma and taste. This mechanical breakdown also enables garlic to dissolve more readily in sauces or braising liquids.

In the context of this recipe, 3 cloves of minced garlic serve as a fundamental building block for the dish’s overall flavor. They will combine with other aromatics like onions and herbs to create a harmonious blend that complements the richness of beef short ribs. Furthermore, their pungency will counterbalance the sweetness inherent in certain ingredients, thereby achieving equilibrium in the flavor profile.

Ultimately, 3 cloves of minced garlic are indispensable in this Smothered Beef Short Ribs Recipe, bringing depth and sophistication to an otherwise comforting dish. By incorporating these aromatic compounds effectively into the recipe’s framework, cooks can create a culinary experience that is both familiar and refined.

1 cup allpurpose flour

All-purpose flour is a staple ingredient in many recipes, including our Smothered Beef Short Ribs recipe.

The most common form of all-purpose flour used in baking and cooking is wheat flour.

It is made from one or more types of wheat, such as hard red wheat, soft white wheat, or a blend of different varieties.

The type of flour used can affect the flavor, texture, and color of the finished dish.

All-purpose flour is often bleached or unbleached. Bleaching involves treating the flour with chemicals to whiten it and improve its performance in baked goods.

Unbleached all-purpose flour has a slightly yellowish color and may have a slightly different texture and flavor than bleached flour.

All-purpose flour can be used for a variety of applications, from baking bread to making pasta and pastry dough.

In the context of our Smothered Beef Short Ribs recipe, all-purpose flour is used as a thickening agent and to coat the beef short ribs before browning them in oil.

When using all-purpose flour as a thickening agent, it’s essential to mix it with a small amount of cold liquid (such as water or broth) before adding it to the recipe. This helps prevent lumps from forming and ensures the mixture is smooth and even.

In the case of our Smothered Beef Short Ribs recipe, all-purpose flour is combined with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a spice rub that is applied to the beef short ribs before browning them in oil.

Some tips for working with all-purpose flour include: using fresh flour for optimal performance; sifting or whisking flour to remove lumps and ensure even distribution of ingredients; and not overmixing batter or dough, which can lead to tough or dense finished products.

List of substitutes for 1 cup of all-purpose flour:

• White whole wheat flour
• Bread flour
• All-purpose gluten-free flour blend (follow package instructions)

Please note that substituting ingredients may affect the final flavor, texture, and appearance of your dish.

When working with all-purpose flour in a recipe like our Smothered Beef Short Ribs, it’s essential to follow proper food safety guidelines, such as washing hands before handling raw meat and cooking to an internal temperature that ensures food safety.

1 teaspoon paprika

The ingredients for this recipe are carefully selected to enhance the rich flavors of the short ribs and create a hearty, comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy.

One teaspoon of paprika is an essential component in many traditional dishes, including our Smothered Beef Short Ribs Recipe. Paprika adds a deep, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor that complements the tender beef perfectly.

Paprika is derived from the fruit of the Capsicum annuum plant, specifically the dried and ground pods. It’s available in various forms, ranging from mild to hot, but for this recipe, we’re using the mild variety.

The one teaspoon of paprika is added to the mixture of spices and herbs that will be rubbed all over the short ribs, ensuring they’re evenly coated with flavor as they cook.

When combined with other ingredients like thyme, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, brown sugar, and chili powder, the paprika adds depth and warmth to the dish, creating a truly mouthwatering aroma that’ll fill your kitchen with the promise of a satisfying meal.

The smoky undertones from the paprika perfectly complement the rich flavors of the short ribs, which have been slow-cooked in the oven until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender and literally melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

1 teaspoon salt

The ingredients for this recipe are carefully selected to bring out the rich flavors of the beef short ribs. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Short Ribs:

• 2 pounds beef short ribs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)

• 1 cup beef broth

For the Mixture:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Smothering Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

The key to a rich and flavorful smothered beef short ribs recipe lies in the selection of ingredients, particularly the spices that add depth and warmth to the dish. One of these essential components is black pepper.

Black pepper is commonly used as a seasoning in many recipes due to its distinctive flavor and aroma. The spice is derived from the peppercorn, which comes from the Piper nigrum plant native to India and Southeast Asia. Black peppercorns are the unripe fruit of this plant, picked when they’re still green and then dried until they turn dark brown or black.

The pepper used in cooking is typically obtained by grinding the black peppercorn into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. This process releases the aromatic compounds that contribute to the unique taste of the spice, which is often described as pungent, sharp, or spicy.

In the context of smothered beef short ribs, the half teaspoon of black pepper called for in the recipe serves several purposes. Firstly, it enhances the overall flavor profile by adding a subtle kick that complements the rich flavors of the other ingredients. Secondly, it helps to balance out the sweetness of the dish, particularly from the brown sugar or honey used in the browning process.

The pepper also aids in tenderizing the short ribs through its ability to break down connective tissue and promote even cooking. This is especially important for tougher cuts of meat like short ribs, which require patience and care to become fall-apart tender.

When using black pepper in your smothered beef short ribs recipe, it’s essential to note that a little goes a long way. The recommended half teaspoon may seem inconsequential, but its impact on the dish is significant. Start with this amount and adjust according to personal taste, as excessive pepper can overpower the other flavors.

Finally, keep in mind that black pepper can lose its potency over time due to oxidation and moisture exposure. To maximize flavor and aroma, use freshly ground or whole peppercorns whenever possible, and store them properly to maintain their quality.

In summary, the half teaspoon of black pepper called for in the smothered beef short ribs recipe plays a critical role in achieving balance, depth, and tenderness. Its unique flavor profile and tenderizing properties make it an essential component of this dish, and by using it judiciously, you can elevate your cooking to new heights.

1 cup beef broth

A key ingredient in the Smothered Beef Short Ribs Recipe is 1 cup of beef broth, which plays a crucial role in adding moisture and depth to the dish.

Beef broth is a flavorful liquid made by simmering beef bones, meat, and aromatics such as onions, carrots, and celery in water. It’s often used as a base for soups, stews, and braises, and can be store-bought or homemade.

In the context of the Smothered Beef Short Ribs Recipe, 1 cup of beef broth is used to create a rich and savory sauce that coats the short ribs. The broth adds a meaty, umami flavor that enhances the natural flavors of the short ribs and other ingredients in the recipe.

The use of beef broth in this recipe also helps to keep the short ribs moist and tender. As the dish simmers, the liquid from the broth infuses into the meat, creating a fall-off-the-bone texture that’s both juicy and flavorful.

It’s worth noting that you can adjust the amount of beef broth to your liking, depending on how saucy or dry you prefer your short ribs. However, using at least 1 cup of beef broth ensures that the dish has a good balance of flavors and moisture.

In addition to beef broth, other ingredients in the Smothered Beef Short Ribs Recipe include short ribs, onions, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.

The success of any Smothered Beef Short Ribs recipe lies in the quality and quantity of its ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Bone-in beef short ribs: This is the star of the dish, and it’s essential to choose meat that’s rich in flavor and tender enough to fall off the bone.
• Onions: Sliced or chopped onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the sauce. You can use either yellow or white onions, whichever you prefer.
• Garlic: Like onions, garlic is a fundamental component of many recipes, including this one. Use at least three cloves for maximum flavor.
• Olive oil: This is the cooking medium that brings all the ingredients together. Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato paste adds depth and richness to the sauce. Use a good quality paste to avoid any bitterness or acidity issues.
• Canned tomatoes: Crushed or diced canned tomatoes provide moisture and flavor to the dish. Look for a brand that’s free from added salt and sugars.
• Beef broth: This is where you can use store-bought or homemade beef broth, whichever suits your taste and preferences.
• Paprika, Cayenne pepper, and Thyme: These are the spices that add warmth and aroma to the dish. Use a combination of sweet and hot paprika for a balanced flavor.
• Brown sugar: A small amount of brown sugar adds balance to the savory flavors in the sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: This is a condiment that adds umami flavor to the dish. Use it sparingly, as it can be overpowering if used excessively.

Some other ingredients you may want to consider adding for extra flavor and texture include:

• Mushrooms: Sliced or whole mushrooms add earthy flavors and textures to the dish.
• Carrots: Chopped carrots add a pop of color and sweetness to the sauce.
• Celery: Chopped celery adds freshness and crunch to the dish.

Remember, the key to any great recipe is balance. Experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations until you find the perfect blend for your taste buds.

Cooking the Short Ribs

Taking Your Time:

Cooking short ribs, especially for a smothered beef short ribs recipe, requires patience and attention to detail. It’s a process that involves tenderizing the meat over low heat, which breaks down its connective tissues.

Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature is essential for cooking short ribs without burning them or drying out the meat.

Select a good quality cut of beef with a lot of marbling, which means it has intramuscular fat throughout. This will help keep the short ribs juicy and flavorful during the cooking process.

To prepare your short ribs, season them liberally with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. You can also add a bit of oil to help prevent the meat from drying out.

Next, heat some oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, brown the short ribs on all sides until they’re nicely caramelized. This will create a flavorful crust on the outside that complements the tender interior.

After browning the short ribs, remove them from the pot and set them aside. Add some aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery to the pot, sautéing them until they’re softened. These aromatics will add depth and complexity to your dish.

Add some liquid to the pot, such as stock or wine, and bring it to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a spoon, which is called “deglazing.” This adds even more flavor to your sauce.

Return the short ribs to the pot and cover it with a lid. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and let it cook for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

After the short ribs are cooked, remove them from the pot and strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean saucepan. Discard any solids and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.

To finish your dish, serve the short ribs with the smothered sauce spooned over the top. You can garnish with fresh herbs or chopped scallions for added flavor and visual appeal.

Some additional tips for cooking short ribs:

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the short ribs reaches 190°F (88°C) for tender and safe consumption.
• Cover the pot with foil during baking to prevent the meat from drying out.
• Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

This smothered beef short ribs recipe is perfect for special occasions or comforting meals. The slow-cooked meat and rich sauce are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

Braising is a cooking technique that breaks down connective tissue in meat, making it tender and falloffthebone delicious. According to the USDA, low heat over an extended period helps to break down collagen, resulting in a rich, unctuous sauce.

To cook the short ribs using braising, it’s essential to start by selecting the right cut of meat. Choose beef short ribs with a good balance of meat and bone, as this will help to create a rich and flavorful sauce during cooking.

The next step is to season the short ribs with your desired spices and herbs. You can use a classic blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme, or experiment with different flavor combinations such as cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.

Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat and add a couple of tablespoons of oil. Sear the short ribs on all sides until they are browned, then remove them from the pot and set them aside.

Next, add some aromatics to the pot such as onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté them until they are softened. You can also add some minced garlic or shallots for extra flavor.

Now it’s time to add the liquid to the pot. You can use a combination of stock, wine, and tomato paste to create a rich and flavorful sauce. For this recipe, you’ll need:

1. 2 cups beef broth
2. 1 cup red wine (such as cabernet sauvignon or merlot)
3. 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Pour the liquid into the pot and bring it to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the short ribs to the pot, cover it with a lid, and transfer it to the oven.

Cook the short ribs in the oven for 2-3 hours, or until they are tender and falling off the bone. You can check for tenderness by inserting a fork into the meat – if it slides in easily, then it’s ready.

Once the short ribs are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any excess fat and season it with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the short ribs with the rich and flavorful sauce spooned over the top. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Comfort Food at its Best:

Serving suggestions for smothered beef short ribs are a crucial part of bringing this comfort food classic to life. The rich, fall-off-the-bone tenderness of the short ribs, combined with the deep, velvety gravy, makes it an ideal dish for hearty serving options that showcase its comforting essence.

One popular way to serve smothered beef short ribs is with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The smooth texture and mild flavor of the mashed potatoes provide a perfect contrast to the bold flavors of the short ribs. Simply boil diced potatoes until tender, mash with butter, milk, and salt and pepper to taste, and you have a comforting accompaniment that will soak up all the savory juices.

Another classic serving suggestion is to pair the smothered beef short ribs with crispy fried okra or green beans. The crunchy texture and slightly bitter flavor of the fried vegetables cut through the richness of the dish, providing a delightful contrast in textures and tastes.

In addition to traditional side dishes like mashed potatoes and fried okra, you can also serve smothered beef short ribs with some crusty bread for sopping up the juices. This is particularly useful if you’re serving a crowd or want to make sure everyone gets a good dose of that flavorful gravy.

For a more indulgent take on comfort food, consider serving smothered beef short ribs over creamy polenta. The soft, porridge-like texture of the polenta provides an interesting contrast in texture and helps to soak up all those savory juices without overpowering them with strong flavors.

No matter which serving suggestions you choose to use, the key is to keep things simple yet comforting. Avoid overpowering flavors or fussy presentation – after all, the beauty of comfort food lies in its unassuming, homespun charm. With these serving suggestions, you’ll be able to showcase your smothered beef short ribs recipe in a way that’s sure to delight and satisfy any crowd.

Serving suggestions for Smothered Beef Short Ribs can elevate the dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. This dish, with its rich flavors and tender meat, lends itself to various presentation options.

For a casual gathering or family dinner, serve the Smothered Beef Short Ribs as part of a comfort food-inspired spread. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts, and a side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.

To add some elegance to the table setting, consider serving the beef short ribs in small portions over a bed of polenta or creamed corn. This helps to balance out the hearty flavors of the dish.

A Southern twist on this recipe would be to serve it with traditional sides like collard greens, baked beans, and cornbread. The tangy sweetness of these options complements the savory flavors of the short ribs perfectly.

For a more formal occasion or special dinner party, consider serving Smothered Beef Short Ribs as part of a multi-course meal. This could include an appetizer like charcuterie board with cured meats and cheese, followed by a light salad course before moving on to the main event.

To make this dish even more memorable, garnish it with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, which complement the flavors of the beef and gravy. You could also add some crusty bread on the side for guests to mop up the rich sauce.

Pile those short ribs onto a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles

A great way to showcase this tender and fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs recipe is by serving it on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

The rich, meaty flavor of the short ribs pairs perfectly with the comforting warmth of mashed potatoes, making for a satisfying and filling meal. Simply pile those short ribs onto a generous portion of fluffy mashed spuds, and finish off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired.

Alternatively, serving the short ribs over egg noodles offers a delightful contrast in textures, as the slippery pasta provides a pleasant foil to the rich, meaty sauce. You can also add some steamed vegetables on the side, such as broccoli or green beans, to round out the meal.

If you’re feeling extra decadent, consider topping your short ribs with a dollop of creamy horseradish sauce or a sprinkle of crispy shallots for added flavor and visual appeal. Whatever you choose, serving these tender beef short ribs on a comforting bed of carbs is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Another great way to serve this recipe is to add some sautéed mushrooms or onions to the mashed potatoes or noodles, which will not only add flavor but also texture and color. You can also try serving it with some crusty bread on the side for dipping into the rich sauce.

In any case, be sure to save some of that delicious short ribs gravy to drizzle over your entire dish – it’s the perfect finishing touch to this mouthwatering meal!

Add some crispy Brussels sprouts on the side for a delicious contrast in texture

To elevate the rich flavors and fall-off-the-bone tenderness of the smothered beef short ribs, consider pairing it with some well-seasoned sides that cut through its unctuousness.

One exceptional option is to add some crispy Brussels sprouts on the side for a delightful contrast in texture. The crunch and slight bitterness of the roasted vegetables will provide a refreshing respite from the tender meat.

The sweetness and depth of flavor imparted by the reduction sauce and beef broth in the short ribs are perfectly balanced by the earthy, slightly sweet undertones of the Brussels sprouts. This harmonious contrast creates a well-rounded dining experience that showcases the best of both worlds.

For an added layer of complexity, toss the Brussels sprouts with some caramelized onions, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt before roasting them in the oven. The sweet, dark flavors of the caramelized onions will meld beautifully with the rich short ribs, while the crispy texture of the Brussels sprouts adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.

Alternatively, consider serving the smothered beef short ribs with some creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. These comforting sides will soak up the flavorful sauce and provide a cozy contrast to the lighter, crisper texture of the Brussels sprouts.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to pairing the smothered beef short ribs with its perfect side dishes. By incorporating some contrasting textures and flavors, you’ll create a memorable dining experience that showcases the beauty of this mouth-watering dish.

Use this recipe as a starting point and experiment with different flavors try adding some red wine, soy sauce, or even hot sauce!

Serving Suggestions for Smothered Beef Short Ribs:

When serving this rich and flavorful dish, consider the following suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Traditional Pairings:

• Braised red cabbage with apples and onions adds a tangy and sweet contrast.

• Mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables provide a comforting complement to the fall-off-the-bone meat.

International Inspirations:

• Add Asian flair by serving with steamed bok choy and jasmine rice, drizzled with soy sauce and sesame oil.

• For a Latin twist, serve with cilantro-infused Mexican street corn and warm flour tortillas.

Fusion Creations:

• Smothered Beef Short Ribs can also be paired with the bold flavors of India, such as basmati rice and saag paneer.

• A Mediterranean-inspired version features roasted eggplant, hummus, and crusty pita bread.

Experimenting with Flavors:

• Add a splash of red wine for added depth and complexity.

• For a spicy kick, drizzle with hot sauce or add diced jalapeños to the sauce.

• Mix in some soy sauce for a savory umami flavor.

These serving suggestions and flavor combinations will inspire you to create unique and delicious variations of Smothered Beef Short Ribs that suit your taste preferences.

The serving suggestions for Smothered Beef Short Ribs are numerous and varied, allowing you to choose the perfect accompaniments to complement this hearty and flavorful dish.

Here are some classic Southern sides that pair perfectly with Smothered Beef Short Ribs:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Garlic Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

• Braised Greens like Collard Greens or Kale

• Classic Southern Coleslaw with a hint of Vinegar

You can also consider adding some comforting starches to soak up the rich and savory sauce:

• Crispy Hush Puppies for a satisfying crunch

• Soft and fluffy Cornbread, perfect for sopping up the juices

If you’re looking to add some freshness to the dish:

• A simple Green Salad with a light vinaigrette dressing

• Quick-pickled Cucumbers or Onions for a tangy contrast

No matter what sides you choose, make sure to serve the Smothered Beef Short Ribs hot and fresh from the oven, with plenty of that delicious sauce spooned over the top.