Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs Comforting Recipe

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re craving a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, look no further! This Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs recipe blends tender beef with the rich, sweet taste of apple cider. I will guide you through every step, ensuring perfect results. With simple ingredients and easy methods, you’ll impress your family and friends. Ready to dive into a comforting feast? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 4 lbs beef short ribs

– 2 cups apple cider

– 2 cups beef broth

Beef short ribs are the star of this dish. They have rich flavor and tender meat. Using apple cider adds a sweet touch that balances the savory beef. The beef broth deepens the taste, making the dish hearty.

Aromatics and Vegetables

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 carrots, sliced

– 2 celery stalks, diced

Onions and garlic form a solid base. Their aroma fills your kitchen as they cook. Carrots and celery add sweetness and texture. Together, they create a flavorful backdrop for the ribs.

Seasonings and Condiments

– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

– 2 bay leaves

– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

– 1 tablespoon brown sugar

– 3 tablespoons olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

Seasoning is key. Fresh thyme and bay leaves bring earthy notes. Apple cider vinegar adds brightness, cutting through the richness. Brown sugar balances the flavors with a hint of sweetness. Olive oil helps everything cook evenly. Salt and pepper enhance every bite, ensuring your dish is perfectly seasoned.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low heat helps the ribs become tender.

2. Next, season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat all sides well.

Cooking Process

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Once the oil is hot, sear the short ribs. Brown them on all sides for 3-4 minutes each. This step adds great flavor.

3. After searing, remove the ribs and set them aside.

4. In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. This softens the veggies and releases their flavors.

Braising the Ribs

1. Now, stir in the apple cider, mixing well. Then, return the short ribs back to the pot.

2. Add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, thyme, bay leaves, and beef broth. Ensure the liquid covers the ribs three-quarters high.

3. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and move it to the preheated oven.

4. Let the ribs braise for 3-4 hours. You want the meat to be tender and falling off the bone.

5. After braising, remove the pot from the oven. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving.

This simple process results in rich, flavorful short ribs that will impress everyone at your table. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Braise

To get the best braise, focus on two key things: heat and time. Use a heavy pot to hold heat well. Start with medium-high heat to sear the ribs. This helps lock in flavor. After browning, lower the heat to simmer the dish gently in the oven. Keep it at 300°F for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking makes the meat tender and juicy. Tune into the aroma; it tells you when it’s ready.

Enhancements for Flavor

You can boost flavor with herbs and spices. Try adding rosemary for a fragrant touch. A pinch of cinnamon can add warmth, too. For a kick, consider adding a bit of red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also brighten the dish. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite blend. Each twist can make the dish uniquely yours.

Presentation Tips

How you serve the dish matters. Place the short ribs on creamy mashed potatoes or polenta. This base soaks up the sauce well. Drizzle the apple cider sauce over the top for a glossy finish. Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color. You can also serve with seasonal vegetables for a balanced plate. A beautiful presentation makes every bite more special.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can switch up the meat if you want. Try pork ribs or lamb shanks for a twist. You can also use chicken thighs for a lighter meal. For a vegetarian option, use hearty mushrooms or jackfruit. Both can absorb flavors well.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with seasonings. Try adding smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. You might also enjoy a bit of rosemary or sage for a deeper flavor. A splash of soy sauce can add umami, too. Don’t be afraid to mix and match spices to find your favorite taste.

Side Dish Pairings

Short ribs pair well with many sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta make perfect companions. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots add color and flavor. A fresh green salad can balance the richness of the ribs. Try serving with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store your apple cider braised short ribs, let them cool first. Place the ribs in an airtight container. Make sure the sauce covers the meat. This helps keep it moist. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to eat them later, check for any leftover sauce. It adds flavor and keeps the ribs juicy.

Freezing Tips

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the short ribs cool completely. Next, place them in a freezer-safe container. Again, make sure the sauce covers the meat. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat your short ribs, the best method is low and slow. You can use the oven or a stovetop. If using the oven, set it to 275°F (135°C). Place the ribs in a covered dish with some sauce. Heat for about 30 minutes or until warm. On the stovetop, use a pan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to help revive the sauce. Stir gently to avoid burning. Enjoy your delicious meal!

FAQs

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the short ribs a day in advance. First, cook the dish as directed. Once you finish, let it cool. Store it in the fridge overnight. The next day, simply reheat it on low heat. This allows the flavors to blend even more.

Can I substitute apple cider with something else?

Yes, there are good substitutes for apple cider. You can use apple juice if you want a sweeter taste. If you prefer less sweetness, try using white wine or chicken broth. Both options work well with the other flavors in the dish.

What should I serve with braised short ribs?

Braised short ribs pair well with many sides. Here are some great options:

– Creamy mashed potatoes

– Polenta

– Roasted vegetables

– Steamed green beans

– A fresh salad

These sides will help balance the rich flavors of the ribs. Enjoy experimenting with your favorites!

Braised short ribs are easy and delicious. We covered the main ingredients, like beef short ribs and vegetables. I shared steps to prepare, cook, and braise them perfectly. You learned tips to enhance flavor and ideas for presentation. Plus, we explored variations and helpful storage info.

In the end, you can craft a tasty dish that impresses. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

- 4 lbs beef short ribs - 2 cups apple cider - 2 cups beef broth Beef short ribs are the star of this dish. They have rich flavor and tender meat. Using apple cider adds a sweet touch that balances the savory beef. The beef broth deepens the taste, making the dish hearty. - 1 medium onion, diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, diced Onions and garlic form a solid base. Their aroma fills your kitchen as they cook. Carrots and celery add sweetness and texture. Together, they create a flavorful backdrop for the ribs. - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves - 2 bay leaves - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Seasoning is key. Fresh thyme and bay leaves bring earthy notes. Apple cider vinegar adds brightness, cutting through the richness. Brown sugar balances the flavors with a hint of sweetness. Olive oil helps everything cook evenly. Salt and pepper enhance every bite, ensuring your dish is perfectly seasoned. 1. First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low heat helps the ribs become tender. 2. Next, season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat all sides well. 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. 2. Once the oil is hot, sear the short ribs. Brown them on all sides for 3-4 minutes each. This step adds great flavor. 3. After searing, remove the ribs and set them aside. 4. In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. This softens the veggies and releases their flavors. 1. Now, stir in the apple cider, mixing well. Then, return the short ribs back to the pot. 2. Add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, thyme, bay leaves, and beef broth. Ensure the liquid covers the ribs three-quarters high. 3. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and move it to the preheated oven. 4. Let the ribs braise for 3-4 hours. You want the meat to be tender and falling off the bone. 5. After braising, remove the pot from the oven. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving. This simple process results in rich, flavorful short ribs that will impress everyone at your table. Enjoy! To get the best braise, focus on two key things: heat and time. Use a heavy pot to hold heat well. Start with medium-high heat to sear the ribs. This helps lock in flavor. After browning, lower the heat to simmer the dish gently in the oven. Keep it at 300°F for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking makes the meat tender and juicy. Tune into the aroma; it tells you when it’s ready. You can boost flavor with herbs and spices. Try adding rosemary for a fragrant touch. A pinch of cinnamon can add warmth, too. For a kick, consider adding a bit of red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also brighten the dish. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite blend. Each twist can make the dish uniquely yours. How you serve the dish matters. Place the short ribs on creamy mashed potatoes or polenta. This base soaks up the sauce well. Drizzle the apple cider sauce over the top for a glossy finish. Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color. You can also serve with seasonal vegetables for a balanced plate. A beautiful presentation makes every bite more special. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat if you want. Try pork ribs or lamb shanks for a twist. You can also use chicken thighs for a lighter meal. For a vegetarian option, use hearty mushrooms or jackfruit. Both can absorb flavors well. Feel free to get creative with seasonings. Try adding smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. You might also enjoy a bit of rosemary or sage for a deeper flavor. A splash of soy sauce can add umami, too. Don’t be afraid to mix and match spices to find your favorite taste. Short ribs pair well with many sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta make perfect companions. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots add color and flavor. A fresh green salad can balance the richness of the ribs. Try serving with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. To store your apple cider braised short ribs, let them cool first. Place the ribs in an airtight container. Make sure the sauce covers the meat. This helps keep it moist. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to eat them later, check for any leftover sauce. It adds flavor and keeps the ribs juicy. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the short ribs cool completely. Next, place them in a freezer-safe container. Again, make sure the sauce covers the meat. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat your short ribs, the best method is low and slow. You can use the oven or a stovetop. If using the oven, set it to 275°F (135°C). Place the ribs in a covered dish with some sauce. Heat for about 30 minutes or until warm. On the stovetop, use a pan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to help revive the sauce. Stir gently to avoid burning. Enjoy your delicious meal! You can prepare the short ribs a day in advance. First, cook the dish as directed. Once you finish, let it cool. Store it in the fridge overnight. The next day, simply reheat it on low heat. This allows the flavors to blend even more. Yes, there are good substitutes for apple cider. You can use apple juice if you want a sweeter taste. If you prefer less sweetness, try using white wine or chicken broth. Both options work well with the other flavors in the dish. Braised short ribs pair well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Creamy mashed potatoes - Polenta - Roasted vegetables - Steamed green beans - A fresh salad These sides will help balance the rich flavors of the ribs. Enjoy experimenting with your favorites! Braised short ribs are easy and delicious. We covered the main ingredients, like beef short ribs and vegetables. I shared steps to prepare, cook, and braise them perfectly. You learned tips to enhance flavor and ideas for presentation. Plus, we explored variations and helpful storage info. In the end, you can craft a tasty dish that impresses. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Indulge in the rich flavors of apple cider braised short ribs, a comforting dish perfect for any occasion! This recipe features tender beef short ribs slow-cooked in a luscious blend of apple cider, aromatic veggies, and fragrant herbs for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Discover the simple steps to create this delicious meal and impress your guests. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dining experience today!

Ingredients
  

4 lbs beef short ribs

2 cups apple cider

1 medium onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

2 bay leaves

3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 cups beef broth

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

    Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper.

      In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

        Once hot, sear the short ribs on all sides until they are browned, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the ribs and set them aside.

          In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

            Stir in the apple cider and add the ribs back into the pot.

              Add in the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, thyme, bay leaves, and beef broth. Make sure the liquid covers the ribs about three-quarters of the way.

                Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.

                  Braise the short ribs for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

                    Once done, remove from the oven and let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 4 hours | Serves 6

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the short ribs on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, spooning the delicious apple cider sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

                          WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

                          Leave a Comment

                          Recipe Rating