How to Braise Beef Short Ribs - Food Wishes

How to Braise Beef Short Ribs - Food Wishes is a medium American (Korean‑Inspired) recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Wishes on YouTube.

Prep: 12 hrs 15 min | Cook: 3 hrs 30 min | Total: 16 hrs 5 min

Cost: $16.48 total, $4.12 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 lb Beef Short Ribs (English cut) (bone‑in, large pieces with plenty of meat)
  • 2 Tbsp Kosher Salt (generously season the ribs)
  • 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (mixed with salt)
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adds heat)
  • 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) (adds sweet‑spicy depth)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 stalks Celery (sliced thin)
  • 1 Yellow Onion (large, sliced)
  • 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste (adds umami and color)
  • 2 cup Apple Cider (hard cider preferred for flavor)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (for browning)
  • 2 Green Onions (sliced for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season and Marinate Ribs

    Pat the short ribs dry, then rub them all over with kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne, gochujang, minced garlic, sliced celery, and sliced onion. Massage the mixture into every crevice until fully coated.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Overnight Rest

    Cover the seasoned ribs tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 8‑12 hours) to let the flavors soak in.

    Time: PT12H

  3. Preheat Oven

    Remove ribs from the fridge, let sit at room temperature 20 minutes, then preheat the oven to 325°F.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 325°F

  4. Brown the Ribs

    Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over high heat. Add the ribs in a single layer and brown on all sides, about 2‑3 minutes per side, until a deep mahogany crust forms.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: high

  5. Saute Aromatics

    Remove the ribs to a plate. Reduce heat to medium and add the reserved onion‑celery‑garlic mixture to the pot. Stir and sauté until the onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Add Tomato Paste

    Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly and sticks to the bottom, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Deglaze and Reduce Braising Liquid

    Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, add an extra tablespoon of gochujang, and stir to dissolve any fond. Raise heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce the liquid by roughly half, about 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: high

  8. Braise in Oven

    Return the browned ribs to the pot, nestling them into the reduced liquid. Cover tightly with the lid and place the pot in the preheated oven. Braise for 3 hours, flipping the ribs once at the 1½‑hour mark.

    Time: PT3H

    Temperature: 325°F

  9. Finish the Sauce

    After the ribs are tender, remove them with tongs and loosely cover with foil. Return the pot to the stovetop over medium‑high heat and reduce the sauce an additional 3‑4 minutes. Skim off excess fat if desired, then taste and adjust seasoning.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium-high

  10. Serve

    Plate the short ribs, spoon the glossy sauce over them, and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve alongside mashed or scalloped potatoes.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
550
Protein
35g
Carbohydrates
20g
Fat
35g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Soy (in gochujang), Potential wheat (if gochujang contains wheat)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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How to Braise Beef Short Ribs - Food Wishes

Recipe by Food Wishes

A fool‑proof technique for perfectly tender, flavorful beef short ribs. The ribs are seasoned with salt, pepper, cayenne and Korean gochujang, marinated overnight, then browned, braised with apple cider and chicken broth, and finished with a reduced, rich sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes for a comforting dinner.

MediumAmerican (Korean‑Inspired)Serves 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15h 41m
Prep
15m
Cook
1h 55m
Cleanup
17h 51m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.48
Total cost
$4.12
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season and coat the ribs thoroughly
  • Brown the ribs to develop fond
  • Reduce the braising liquid before adding the meat
  • Flip the ribs halfway through oven braising
  • Final reduction and fat skimming of the sauce

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil carefully to avoid splatter burns
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot Dutch oven
  • Allow the pot to cool before cleaning to prevent burns

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of braised beef short ribs in American cuisine?

A

Braised short ribs have roots in European braising traditions but became a staple in American comfort food, especially in the Midwest where beef is abundant. The slow‑cooked, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture reflects a heritage of hearty, family‑style meals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of braised short ribs in Korean‑influenced American cooking?

A

Korean‑inspired versions often incorporate gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and sometimes Korean pear for sweetness. In contrast, classic American braises rely on red wine, herbs, and mirepoix. The fusion adds a sweet‑spicy depth while keeping the braising technique unchanged.

cultural
Q

How is braised beef short ribs traditionally served in the United States?

A

They are typically served hot, smothered in their rich sauce, alongside starches like mashed potatoes, polenta, or buttered noodles, and often garnished with fresh herbs or sliced green onions for color and freshness.

cultural
Q

On what occasions are braised short ribs commonly prepared in American households?

A

Braised short ribs are popular for holiday meals, weekend family gatherings, and special occasions such as birthdays or game‑day feasts because they can be prepared ahead and provide a luxurious, comforting centerpiece.

cultural
Q

What makes braised beef short ribs special in American comfort‑food cuisine?

A

The combination of a sturdy, collagen‑rich cut with a low‑and‑slow braise creates gelatin‑rich sauce and tender meat, delivering a luxurious mouthfeel that epitomizes comfort food. The technique transforms a tough cut into a melt‑in‑the‑mouth dish.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making braised beef short ribs?

A

Common errors include skipping the initial sear (which reduces flavor), not allowing the braising liquid to reduce before adding the meat (resulting in a watery sauce), and over‑cooking so the meat falls off the bone. Also, neglecting to flip the ribs halfway can lead to uneven texture.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe deglaze with apple cider instead of red wine?

A

Apple cider adds a bright acidity and subtle sweetness that complements the gochujang’s heat, while still providing the necessary acidity for tenderizing. Red wine would give a deeper, earthier profile but isn’t essential for the technique.

technical
Q

Can I make these braised short ribs ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After braising, let the ribs cool, then refrigerate in the same pot or an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the ribs with sauce; they reheat well on the stovetop over low heat.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the short ribs are done?

A

The meat should be fork‑tender, pulling away from the bone with minimal resistance, and the sauce should be glossy, slightly thickened, and clinging to the ribs. The exterior should have a deep brown crust from the initial sear.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food Wishes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Food Wishes, hosted by Chef John, specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step cooking tutorials that blend humor with clear culinary techniques, covering a wide range of cuisines and classic comfort dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Food Wishes' approach to Korean‑inspired American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Food Wishes focuses on simplifying complex flavor profiles—like using gochujang in an American braise—while maintaining authentic taste. Chef John often adds narrative humor and practical tips, making fusion dishes feel accessible to home cooks.

channel

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