how to cook beef short ribs

To cook beef short ribs, a popular and effective method is braising, which involves searing the ribs first, then slowly cooking them in a flavorful liquid until tender and fall-off-the-bone. Here is a detailed basic process:

1. Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the ribs on all sides in a hot pan or Dutch oven with oil until a deep golden brown crust forms.
3. Remove the ribs and sauté aromatic vegetables (such as onion, carrot, celery, garlic, shallot) in the same pot.
4. Add tomato paste and cook briefly, then deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up browned bits for flavor.
5. Return the ribs to the pot and add beef stock to cover the ribs. Add herbs like thyme and rosemary.
6. Cover and braise at low heat (either on the stove or in an oven at about 325-350°F) for about 2 to 3 hours until ribs are tender and fall off the bone.
7. Remove ribs, strain the sauce, reduce it if needed, and optionally add butter for richness before serving with the ribs.

Alternative methods include slow cooking in a slow cooker or baking ribs in the oven covered with foil at a low temperature (around 275°F) for 3.5 to 4 hours until tender, then finishing with a barbecue sauce glaze under the broiler if desired. Serve with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a hearty meal.