Braised Short Ribs
Braised Short Ribs is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Tasty on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 3 hrs | Total: 3 hrs 35 min
Cost: $30.28 total, $7.57 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 lb Beef Short Ribs (bone‑in, trimmed)
- 2 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for dredging)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, high smoke point)
- 1 large Onion (peeled and diced)
- 2 Carrots (peeled and cut into 1‑inch pieces)
- 2 Celery Stalks (cut into 1‑inch pieces)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Red Wine (dry, such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 2 cup Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
- 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste (concentrated)
- 4 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 1 Bay Leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Season and Flour the Ribs
Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels, season generously with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece in the All‑Purpose Flour, shaking off excess.
Time: PT5M
Sear the Ribs
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat until it just begins to smoke. Working in batches, add the ribs and sear 3‑4 minutes per side until deep brown, about 8 minutes total. Transfer browned ribs to a plate.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium‑high
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: medium
Deglaze with Red Wine
Pour 1 cup red wine into the skillet, stirring to dissolve the fond. Let the wine reduce by half, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑high
Combine Ingredients in Dutch Oven
Place the seared ribs back into the Dutch oven. Add the sautéed vegetables, tomato paste, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, 2 cups beef broth, and any pan juices. Stir gently to combine.
Time: PT4M
Braise in the Oven
Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it in a pre‑heated oven at 300°F (150°C). Braise for 2 hours 45 minutes, or until the meat is fork‑tender.
Time: PT2H45M
Temperature: 300°F
Finish and Serve
Remove the pot from the oven. Transfer ribs to a serving platter and skim excess fat from the surface of the sauce. Optionally, thicken the sauce by simmering uncovered for 5 minutes. Serve the ribs with mashed potatoes, noodles, or your favorite side.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 32 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fat
- 36 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: High‑Protein, Contains Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Beef Short Ribs: Beef Chuck Roast (cut into 2‑inch pieces)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Cornstarch (for gluten‑free)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnips
- Instead of Celery Stalks: Leek
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Red Wine: Beef broth, non‑alcoholic red wine
- Instead of Beef Broth: Chicken broth, vegetable broth
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Crushed tomatoes (1/4 cup)
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: Dried thyme (1 tsp)
- Instead of Bay Leaf: Dried oregano (1/2 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Oven‑Safe Dutch Oven or Heavy‑Bottomed Pot
- Stovetop Skillet
- Tongs
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle or Large Spoon (optional)
- Oven Mitts or Heat‑Resistant Gloves
- Timer (optional)
- Fork (for testing tenderness) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Flouring and searing the short ribs to develop a deep brown crust.
- Deglazing the pan with red wine to capture the fond.
- Braising at a low, steady oven temperature until the meat is fork‑tender.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Pat the meat dry before flouring – moisture prevents a good crust.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to the braising liquid for a subtle sweet‑acid balance.
- Use a heavy‑bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.
Troubleshooting
Ribs are tough after the braise.
Ensure the oven temperature is low (300°F) and the cooking time reaches at least 2 hours 45 minutes. If still tough, continue braising in 15‑minute increments.
Sauce is too thin.
Remove the lid for the last 10 minutes of cooking to reduce, or stir in a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 Tbsp cold water.
Ribs are not browned enough.
Make sure the skillet is smoking hot before adding the meat and avoid crowding the pan; brown each batch for a full 3‑4 minutes per side.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool within 2 hours; store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The ribs improve in flavor after a night in the refrigerator; reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
- You can fully assemble the dish (ribs, vegetables, liquid) a day ahead and refrigerate uncovered; bake the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of braised short ribs in American comfort food cuisine?
Braised short ribs have become a staple of American comfort cooking, especially in the Midwest and Southern regions, where slow‑cooked beef dishes were traditionally used to stretch tougher cuts into hearty meals for families.
What are the traditional regional variations of braised short ribs in American cuisine?
In the Midwest, short ribs are often braised with beer and root vegetables, while in the South they may be cooked with tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, or a touch of brown sugar for a sweeter glaze.
How is braised short ribs traditionally served in American home cooking?
They are typically served hot over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or creamy polenta, with the rich braising sauce spooned over the side.
What occasions or celebrations is braised short ribs traditionally associated with in American culture?
Braised short ribs are popular for Sunday family dinners, holiday gatherings, and pot‑luck events because the dish can be prepared ahead and feeds a crowd.
What makes braised short ribs special or unique in American cuisine?
The combination of a deep, caramelized crust from flour‑dredging and searing, followed by low‑and‑slow braising, transforms a relatively inexpensive cut into a melt‑in‑the‑mouth delicacy that epitomizes comfort food.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making braised short ribs?
Common errors include overcrowding the pan while searing, using too high an oven temperature, and not allowing enough braising time, all of which can result in a dry or tough final product.
Why does this braised short ribs recipe use flour for dredging instead of cornstarch?
Flour creates a richer brown crust and contributes to thickening the sauce during braising, whereas cornstarch would give a lighter coating and less flavor development.
Can I make braised short ribs ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, the ribs improve after a night in the refrigerator. Cool them quickly, store in an airtight container, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in a low oven before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when braising short ribs?
The meat should be deeply browned on the outside, and a fork should slide into the bone with little resistance, indicating a tender, fall‑off‑the‑bone texture.
How do I know when braised short ribs are done cooking?
Insert a fork or skewer into the thickest part of the meat; it should meet little to no resistance and the meat should pull away from the bone easily.
What does the YouTube channel Tasty specialize in?
The YouTube channel Tasty specializes in fast‑paced, visually engaging recipe videos that cover a wide range of cuisines, focusing on approachable home‑cooking techniques and quick‑look instructions.
How does the YouTube channel Tasty's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Tasty emphasizes concise, step‑by‑step visual storytelling with minimal narration, using bright overhead shots and quick cuts, which makes classic comfort dishes like braised short ribs feel modern and accessible compared to more talk‑heavy tutorial channels.
Last updated: August 21, 2026






