Everything you need to know about short ribs

Short ribs are one of the most popular dishes in the culinary world. These delicious and juicy cuts of meat are perfect for anyone who enjoys a good meal. Whether you're an experienced chef or just enjoy being in the kitchen, preparing short ribs is a great way to improve your culinary skills. In this ultimate guide we take a closer look at what short ribs are, where you can buy them, how to best prepare and cook them, which sauces and side dishes go best with them, common mistakes when preparing short ribs and useful tips. tips and tricks to prepare the perfect short ribs. In short, everything you want to know about short ribs!

What exactly are short ribs?

Short ribs are cuts of meat that come from the ribs of a beef. They are relatively short pieces of meat that often have some fat. This fat gives the short ribs their delicious taste and makes them extra juicy. There are different types of short ribs, including the English, American and Korean varieties. Each variant has its own unique taste and texture. Now that you know what short ribs are, it's time to see where you can buy them. Fortunately, short ribs are available almost everywhere these days. You can buy them at the butcher, the supermarket or online. It is important to look for high-quality short ribs. When buying short ribs, pay attention to the color, smell and texture of the meat.

Prepare short ribs

Once you've found the perfect short ribs, it's time to prepare them. There are several ways to prepare short ribs. One of the most popular methods is marinating the short ribs. A good marinade not only provides extra flavor, but also makes the meat more tender. There are numerous marinades available, from Asian to Mexican flavors. After marinating it is time to cook the short ribs. There are several ways to do this, depending on your personal preference and available equipment. One of the most popular methods is slow cooking. This means that the short ribs are cooked at a low temperature for a long period of time. Slow cooking ensures that the meat becomes extra tender. Other methods include grilling, baking and sous-vide cooking. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Ingredients that go well with short ribs

There are many ingredients that go well with short ribs and ensure that the flavors of the meat are even better. Below we have put a few examples for you.

• Garlic: adds an aromatic and savory flavor to the meat.
• Ginger: gives a spicy and fresh taste that goes well with the rich taste of the ribs.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and texture to the sauce and is the base for many marinades.
• Soy sauce: adds a salty and umami flavor to the meat.
• Honey: adds sweetness to the marinade and helps give the ribs a nice shine.
• Brown sugar: gives a deep, caramel-like flavor that goes well with the flavor of the meat.
• Red wine: adds a rich, fruity flavor that pairs well with the rich flavor of the ribs.
• Vinegar: Helps tenderize the meat and adds acidity to the marinade.
• Worcester sauce: adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with the flavor of the meat.
• Cayenne pepper: adds a spicy flavor that enhances the flavor of the meat and pairs well with the rich flavor of the ribs.

Preparation method

There are many different ways to prepare short ribs and each method provides a unique flavor and texture to the meat. Some of the most popular cooking methods are baking, stewing, grilling and smoking. Baking and braising are perfect for creating soft and tender meat with a deep, rich flavor. Grilling gives a flavorful crust to the meat and adds a smoky flavor. Smoking is a slow process that gives the meat the opportunity to absorb the smoke flavor and create a particularly rich taste. Regardless of which method you choose, it is important to cook the ribs slowly at a low temperature to make the meat as tender as possible.

Short ribs on the barbecue

If you love meat and are looking for a tasty barbecue experience, short ribs are the perfect choice! Short ribs are a favorite of many barbecue lovers because they are buttery tender and juicy, with a rich and full flavor that is hard to beat. Cooking short ribs on the barbecue is an art in itself – you have to choose the right rub and marinade, manage the temperature and cooking time, and ensure that the meat doesn't dry out. But if you do it right, you'll be rewarded with a deliciously tasty meal that you'll want to make again and again!

Sauces and side dishes

Now that you know how to prepare short ribs, it's time to see which sauces and side dishes go best with them. One of the most popular sauces is barbecue sauce, but there are also numerous other sauces available, such as teriyaki sauce, chimichurri and romesco. Side dishes like mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables and corn on the cob are a good choice for short ribs.

Common mistakes

But before you start preparing your own short ribs, it's useful to know what common mistakes are made. One of the most common mistakes is cooking short ribs at too high a temperature. This can cause the meat to become tough and dry. Another common mistake is not marinating the meat, which makes the short ribs less tasty. Also make sure you don't cook the short ribs for too long or too short, otherwise you run the risk of them not being tasty.

Sous vide short ribs

If you are a hobby chef looking for a way to serve perfectly cooked short ribs, sous vide cooking is something you should definitely try. By slowly cooking the short ribs in a water bath at a constant low temperature, the meat becomes buttery soft and retains the perfect flavor and juices. The result is a wonderfully tender and juicy piece of meat that almost melts in your mouth. You can marinate the short ribs in advance with your favorite herbs and spices for extra flavor and aroma. Serve the sous vide short ribs with roasted vegetables and potatoes for a delicious meal.

Short ribs recipes

Would you like to get started with short ribs yourself? Check out our recipes!

Korean short ribs

• 1.5 kg short ribs
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped

Mix all ingredients (except ribs and scallions) in a bowl. Place the ribs in a large baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover the ribs with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours. Preheat the oven to 150°C. Remove the foil from the baking dish and bake the ribs for about 2 hours until done. Sprinkle with spring onions before serving.

Short ribs with red wine

• 1.5 kg short ribs
• 2 cups of red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the ribs and fry until brown on all sides. Remove the ribs from the pan and set aside. Add the onion and garlic to the same pan and fry until soft. Add the tomato puree and fry for another 2 minutes. Add the red wine, beef stock, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Return the ribs to the pan and simmer for 2-3 hours until tender.

Short ribs with BBQ sauce

• 1.5 kg short ribs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 150°C. Mix the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper in a bowl. Place the ribs in a large baking dish and pour the sauce over the ribs. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 to 3 hours until the ribs are done. Remove the foil and bake the ribs for another 30 minutes to caramelize the sauce.

Asian short ribs

• 1.5 kg short ribs
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Mix the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, brown sugar, garlic and ginger in a bowl. Place the ribs in a large baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover the ribs with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours. Preheat the oven to 150°C. Remove the foil from the baking dish and bake the ribs for about 2 hours until done. Turn the ribs halfway through. Serve the ribs with rice and steamed vegetables.

Short ribs with red pepper and paprika

• 1.5 kg short ribs
• 1 red pepper, finely chopped
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 150°C. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ribs and fry until brown on all sides. Remove the ribs from the pan and set aside. Add the red pepper, paprika and garlic to the same pan and fry until soft. Add the beef stock and bring to the boil. Return the ribs to the pan and cover with aluminum foil. Bake the ribs in the oven for 2 to 3 hours until the ribs are done. Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes to thicken the sauce. Season the ribs with salt and pepper before serving.

Frequently asked questions about short ribs

What are short ribs?

Short ribs are pieces of meat cut from the ribs of a beef. They are often characterized by their rich, meaty flavor and contain a combination of tender meat, fat and bone.

How should you prepare short ribs?

There are many ways to prepare short ribs, including baking, braising, grilling and smoking. The most important thing is to cook the meat slowly at a low temperature to make it as tender as possible.

What sauces go well with short ribs?

There are many sauces that go well with short ribs, including BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce and chimichurri. Each sauce can add a unique flavor and texture to the meat.

Can short ribs be cooked in the oven?

Yes, short ribs can be cooked in the oven. Bake them at a low temperature (about 140-150 degrees Celsius) for a few hours until they are soft and tender.

Where can I buy short ribs?

Short ribs are available at most butchers and supermarkets. To ensure you're buying good quality meat, look at the labels and look for cuts with plenty of meat and good marbling of fat.

Short rib tips

To ensure that your short ribs are always perfect, we have listed a few useful tips and tricks for you. It is best to let the short ribs come to room temperature before preparing them. This way the ribs will cook more evenly. In addition, it is important not to cut away the fat from the short ribs before cooking them, because this provides extra flavor and juiciness. It is also useful to let the meat rest for a while after cooking before cutting the dish, so that the juices can distribute properly and the meat becomes extra tender.

In short, short ribs are a fantastic dish that you can prepare in different ways. Whether you like slow cooking, grilling or sous-vide cooking, there is always a way that suits your taste and preferences. With the right marinade, sauce and a few handy tips and tricks, you can prepare the perfect short ribs in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get started and surprise your friends and family with a delicious meal!