Everything you need to know about short ribs

Short ribs are one of the most popular dishes in the culinary world. These delicious and succulent cuts of meat are perfect for anyone who enjoys a good meal. Whether you're an experienced chef or just enjoy cooking, preparing short ribs is a great way to hone your culinary skills. In this ultimate guide, we'll delve into what short ribs are, where to buy them, the best way to prepare and cook them, which sauces and side dishes pair best with them, common mistakes when preparing short ribs, and helpful tips and tricks for preparing the perfect short ribs. In short, everything you need to know about short ribs!

What are short ribs anyway?

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

Preparing 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 them. A good marinade not only adds flavor but also makes the meat more tender. Numerous marinades are available, from Asian to Mexican flavors. After marinating, it's 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 involves cooking the short ribs at a low temperature for a long period of time. Slow cooking makes the meat 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 pair well with short ribs and enhance the meat's flavors. We've listed a few examples below.

Garlic : Adds an aromatic and savory flavor to the meat.

Ginger : gives a spicy and fresh flavour 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 : adds a deep, caramel-like flavor that complements the meat's taste.

Red wine : Adds a rich, fruity flavor that complements the rich flavor of the ribs.

Vinegar : Helps tenderize the meat and adds acidity to the marinade.

Worcestershire sauce : Adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the flavor of the meat.

Cayenne pepper : adds a spicy flavor that enhances the meat's flavor and pairs well with the rich flavor of the ribs.

How to prepare short ribs

There are many different ways to prepare short ribs, and each method creates a unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular cooking methods are baking, braising, grilling, and smoking. Baking and braising are perfect for creating tender, soft meat with a deep, rich flavor. Grilling creates a flavorful crust and adds a smoky flavor. Smoking is a slow process that allows the meat to absorb the smoky flavor and create a particularly rich flavor. Regardless of which method you choose, it's 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 delicious barbecue experience, short ribs are the perfect choice! Short ribs are a favorite of many barbecue enthusiasts because they're buttery-tender and juicy, with a rich, full flavor that's 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 make sure the meat doesn't dry out. But if you get it right, you'll be rewarded with a deliciously flavorful meal that you'll want to make again and again!

Sauces and side dishes

Now that you know how to cook short ribs, it's time to figure out which sauces and side dishes pair best with them. One of the most popular sauces is barbecue sauce, but countless others are also available, such as teriyaki sauce, chimichurri, and romesco. Side dishes like mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, and corn on the cob are great choices for short ribs.

Common mistakes

But before you start preparing your own short ribs, it's helpful to know some common mistakes. One of the most common mistakes is cooking the ribs at too high a temperature. This can make the meat tough and dry. Another common mistake is not marinating the meat, which makes the ribs less flavorful. Also, make sure you don't overcook or undercook the ribs, or you risk them being unpalatable.

Sous vide short ribs

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

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Make sous vide short ribs
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Short ribs recipes

Want to try 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 honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped

Combine all ingredients (except the 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 (300°F). Remove the foil from the baking dish and bake the ribs for about 2 hours, or until cooked through. Sprinkle with scallions before serving.

Short ribs with red wine

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

Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the ribs and brown them on all sides. Remove the ribs from the pan and set aside. Add the onion and garlic to the same pan and cook until tender. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the red wine, beef stock, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Return the ribs to the pan and simmer for 2-3 hours, or 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 300°F (150°C). Combine 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 them. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are cooked through. Remove the foil and bake 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 honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Combine 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 (300°F). Remove the foil and bake the ribs for about 2 hours, or until cooked through. 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 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ribs and brown them on all sides. Remove the ribs from the skillet and set aside. Add the red pepper, bell pepper, and garlic to the same skillet and cook until tender. Add the beef stock and bring to a boil. Return the ribs to the skillet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake the ribs in the oven for 2 to 3 hours, or until tender. 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 cuts of meat cut from the rib cage of a beefsteak. They are often characterized by their rich, meaty flavor and contain a combination of tender meat, fat, and bone.

How do you prepare short ribs?

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

Which sauces go well with short ribs?

There are many sauces that pair well with short ribs, including BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, and chimichurri. Each sauce can impart 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 (around 140-150 degrees Celsius) for a few hours until tender and soft.

Where can I buy short ribs?

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

Tips short ribs

To ensure your short ribs are always perfect, we've compiled a few handy tips and tricks for you. For example, it's best to let the short ribs come to room temperature before cooking. This way, they'll cook more evenly. It's also important not to trim the fat from the short ribs before cooking, as this adds flavor and juiciness. It's also helpful to let the meat rest for a while after cooking before carving, allowing the juices to redistribute and making the meat extra tender.

In short, short ribs are a fantastic dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether you enjoy slow cooking, grilling, or sous vide cooking, there's sure to be a method that suits your taste and preferences. With the right marinade, sauce, and a few handy tips and tricks, you'll be preparing perfect short ribs in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get started and surprise your friends and family with a delicious meal!