Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs
Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs: Oh My Gosh, So Good!
Fancy a proper Sunday roast with a twist? These apple cider braised short ribs are fall comfort food recipes taken to the next level.
Honestly, they are like a hug in a dish. The sweet and tart apple cider plays so well with the rich beef.
It is a flavor combo that will knock your socks off.
Braised Short Ribs Recipe : A Bit of History
Braising short ribs is a classic technique. It transforms tough cuts into tender delights. Adding apple cider? That's autumn in a pot.
Did you know short ribs were historically a budget cut? Now they're a gourmet treat! This recipe is easy enough for a beginner.
It takes about 3 hours total, and feeds 4 happy bellies.
Why You'll Love These Apple Cider Short Ribs
These short ribs are packed with protein. They're also loaded with comfort! This is the perfect dish for a chilly evening.
Imagine serving this on a rainy Sunday, or even for a posh dinner party. What makes these special? The short ribs with apple cider sauce is next level delicious.
Ingredients You'll Need: Beef Short Ribs Recipe Made Easy
Right, so gather your bits and bobs. You'll need 3-4 lbs of bone-in beef short ribs. Don't forget salt, pepper, olive oil, a big onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
Two cups of apple cider are key! Plus beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and a cinnamon stick (optional).
We are one step closer to a delicious and easy apple cider braised short ribs .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road
Okay, so you want to whip up some seriously amazing apple cider braised short ribs ? Ace!. It's easier than you think, honestly.
First, let's gather our bits and bobs. I learned this braised short ribs recipe from my old mate, Liam, and it's been a game changer.
Main Ingredients: The Starters
Here's what you need for these autumnal short rib recipe . This serves 4.
- Beef Short Ribs: 3-4 lbs (1.35-1.8 kg) , bone-in. Good marbling equals flavour! You want decent quality beef short ribs recipe here, trust me. Makes all the difference when braising short ribs .
- Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon .
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon .
Aromatics & Braising Liquid: This makes for the best apple cider short ribs .
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon .
- Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped.
- Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Honestly, use more if you like.
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped.
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped.
- Apple Cider: 2 cups (475 ml) , not apple juice. Proper cider is key.
- Beef Broth: 1 cup (240 ml) .
- Dry Red Wine: ½ cup (120 ml) (optional). Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well. If you skip this just add more broth.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons .
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (optional).
- Fresh Thyme: 4-5 sprigs .
- Rosemary: 2 sprigs .
- Bay Leaves: 2 .
- Cinnamon Stick: 1 (optional, for some extra autumnal feels). This is the secret to the best short ribs with apple cider sauce .
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life
For this easy short ribs recipe , it's all about balance.
- Essential Spices: Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves are a classic combo. This helps to create fall comfort food recipes .
- Flavor Enhancers: Tomato paste adds richness. Dijon mustard provides a tangy kick. The cinnamon stick adds warmth.
- Substitutions: If you don't have fresh herbs, use dried Italian seasoning. About 1 teaspoon will do.
Equipment Needed: The Essentials
You won't need too much to make slow cooked short ribs .
- Large Dutch Oven: A 6-quart (or larger) with a tight fitting lid is essential. This makes this a great short ribs Dutch oven recipe.
- Alternative: If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large oven safe pot with a lid will work. Just make sure it's sturdy enough for the oven.
Honestly, that's all you need. Seriously, these apple cider braised short ribs are worth the effort. Trust me, it's gonna be alright.
Alright, gather 'round, mates! Let's chat about apple cider braised short ribs . Honestly, this is the dish for a chilly evening.
We are diving into how to make these fall comfort food recipes at home. It's easier than you think, promise! This braised short ribs recipe is a game changer.
Prep Like a Pro for Your Short Ribs
First things first: mise en place , as the fancy chefs say. Basically, have everything ready. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery.
Mince your garlic. Measure out your apple cider and beef broth. It’s like getting your ducks in a row. Saves loads of time later.
And hey, handling raw meat? Wash your hands after, yeah? Always!
Let's Get Braising!
Here's the breakdown of braising short ribs in your trusty short ribs Dutch oven :
- Preheat your oven to 325° F ( 163° C) . Season those beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Don't be shy!
- Sear those beauties in a hot Dutch oven with a bit of olive oil until brown on all sides. This adds incredible flavor. Think Maillard reaction for maximum deliciousness.
- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in the same pot until they start to soften. Throw in the garlic for the last minute.
- Pour in your apple cider and scrape up all those yummy browned bits from the bottom of the pot. That's flavor town right there!
- Add your beef broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Nestle the short ribs back into the pot. The liquid should mostly cover them.
- Cover the Dutch oven and braise in the oven for 3 hours , or until the meat is fall off-the-bone tender. Honestly, patience is key here.
- Remove the ribs and skim off any excess fat from the sauce. You can simmer the sauce on the stovetop to thicken it up if you like.
Pro Tips for Killer Short Ribs
Want to take your apple cider short ribs to the next level? Sear the short ribs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Always makes for a better sear.
Another tip: taste and adjust the seasoning of the sauce before serving. A little extra salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can make all the difference.
Avoid buying low quality apple cider, buy good quality cider.
And if you're feeling organised, you can make the short ribs with apple cider sauce a day ahead. It actually tastes even better the next day.
Just reheat gently before serving. I had some the next day for lunch one time, Oh my gosh! I felt like a queen.
So there you have it my simple guide to apple cider braised short ribs . Perfect autumnal short rib recipe that will surely be your favorite easy short ribs recipe .
Go on, give it a go! You know you want to make this slow cooked short ribs recipe, and feel that amazing and unique flavor.
Recipe Notes for Perfect Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs
This apple cider braised short ribs recipe is a winner. Honestly, it's one of my favourite fall comfort food recipes .
But let's chat about how to make it even better. It is a really easy short ribs recipe , even if it looks fancy.
I’m just sharing a couple of pointers I've picked up over the years.
Serving Like a Pro!
Presentation is key, isn't it? For plating, I love serving these braised short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of colour.
Another great option is polenta. It's rustic and soaks up that amazing short ribs with apple cider sauce . As for drinks, a glass of dry red wine is perfect.
It complements the rich beef and apple cider short ribs so well. Want something different? Try a hard cider! It echoes the apple flavour in the dish.
Storage Secrets
Leftovers? Lucky you! Properly stored, these slow cooked short ribs can last 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure you use an airtight container.
For longer storage, freezing is your friend. Place cooled short ribs and sauce in a freezer safe container. They will be good for up to 3 months.
Reheating is easy! Just warm them gently in a pot on the stove or in the oven. Never microwave directly from frozen.
Always thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Variations That Work
Want to mix things up a bit? For a dietary adaptation , try swapping potatoes for mashed cauliflower. It's a great way to make it paleo friendly.
For a different seasonal twist, try adding butternut squash to the braising liquid. Think of this as a autumnal short rib recipe .
It adds sweetness and that "harvesty" feel. You can make it in a short ribs Dutch oven or a slow cooker.
Nutrition Basics
This beef short ribs recipe is hearty. So, it’s important to know what you're getting. Each serving has around 650 calories, with approximately 40g of protein and 40g of fat.
You'll also find around 20g of carbohydrates. Short ribs are a good source of iron and protein. These are essential for energy and muscle building.
Remember, these are estimated values. They can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
So there you have it! Some extra notes to help you nail this braising short ribs recipe. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! The most important thing? To enjoy the process and savour every delicious bite.
Now go on, get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these apple cider braised short ribs in a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Absolutely! Slow cookers are brilliant for braising. Just sear the short ribs and sauté the vegetables as instructed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are fall off-the-bone tender.
Check occasionally and add broth if the liquid is reducing too much.
What's the best way to store leftover apple cider braised short ribs?
Store any leftover short ribs in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll keep well for 3-4 days. The flavors often meld together even more overnight, so they're even better the next day! Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Help! My braising liquid is too thin. How can I thicken the sauce for these apple cider braised short ribs?
No worries, it happens to the best of us! After removing the short ribs, simmer the braising liquid in the Dutch oven over medium heat, allowing it to reduce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Alternatively, you can create a slurry by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then whisking that into the simmering sauce until it thickens. A knob of butter stirred in at the end also adds richness and shine!
I don't have apple cider. Is there anything else I can use for these short ribs?
While apple cider provides a unique flavour, you can substitute it with apple juice in a pinch. However, the results won't be quite the same, as cider has more depth. Consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or some brown sugar to the juice to mimic the cider's tartness and complexity.
You could also try using hard cider for a bit of a kick!
Are apple cider braised short ribs healthy?
As with many braised meat dishes, these short ribs are relatively high in fat and calories due to the cut of beef. However, they're also a good source of protein. To lighten the dish, skim as much fat as possible from the braising liquid after cooking, and serve with lighter sides like roasted vegetables or a green salad rather than mashed potatoes or polenta.
Can I freeze apple cider braised short ribs?
Yes, these short ribs freeze very well! Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to freezer safe containers or bags, making sure to include plenty of the braising liquid to keep the meat moist. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Bob's your uncle!
They'll taste just as good!
Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 5g |
