Bone In Short Rib Recipe

I’ve discovered that nothing quite beats the satisfying aroma of slow-cooked meat filling my kitchen on a chilly evening. That’s why this bone in short rib recipe, with its deep, rich color and incredible tenderness, has become a family favorite. Perfect for busy families, it transforms simple ingredients into an easy dinner idea that feels gourmet without the fuss. When I need a hearty meal but have a full evening, this recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone deliciousness.

Ingredient Essentials & Healthy Upgrades

Crafting this incredible bone in short rib recipe begins with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips for making it even better for your family.

• Bone-In Beef Short Ribs: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs), cut into 7-8 cm (3-inch) pieces. These are the star for deep, savory flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Aromatics: 1 large onion (chopped), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 4 cloves garlic (minced). These vegetables form the aromatic base, adding sweetness and depth. (You can swap celery for bell peppers if that’s what’s on hand for a different sweet note.)
• Fats: 30 ml (2 tablespoons) vegetable oil, for searing and sautéing.
• Flavor Boosters:
  • 30 g (2 tablespoons) tomato paste, for rich umami.
  • 15 g (1 tablespoon) sweet smoked paprika, giving that signature smoky aroma. (Hot paprika works too for a spicier kick!)
  • 120 ml (1/2 cup) balsamic vinegar, for deglazing and adding a tangy-sweet complexity.
  • 720 ml (3 cups) beef broth, ensure it’s low-sodium for better flavor control. This is key for braising and forming the sauce.
  • 120 g (4 oz) dried Mission figs, stemmed and quartered, creating a unique sweet and savory glaze.
  • 30 ml (2 tablespoons) maple syrup, to balance the glaze’s flavors.
• Seasoning: 7 g (1 tablespoon) fine sea salt, 1 g (1/2 teaspoon) black pepper.
• Garnish: 5 g (1/4 cup) fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, for a fresh finish.

Premium Options

• Opt for grass-fed beef short ribs for superior flavor and enhanced nutrients.
• Choose organic vegetables and a high-quality, low-sodium beef broth to elevate your healthy eating.

Substitutions for Trending Diets

• Keto/Low-Carb: Serve your bone in short rib recipe with cauliflower mash or roasted asparagus instead of traditional potatoes. Verify your beef broth has no added sugars.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your beef broth is certified GF.
• Dairy-Free: The recipe is naturally dairy-free.
• Heart-Healthy: Trim any excess visible fat from the short ribs before searing, and monitor your salt intake by using low-sodium broth.

Freshness, Seasonality & Sourcing Notes

• Select short ribs with good marbling, which contributes to tenderness, but avoid excessive external fat.
• Look for firm, vibrant, fresh vegetables at your local market.
• Source your beef from a trusted butcher or a reputable grocery store known for quality meats.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to achieve perfectly tender bone-in short ribs with a luscious glaze.

1. Sear the Ribs (10-15 minutes): First, preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Pat your short ribs very dry; this helps achieve a beautiful sear. Season them generously with salt and pepper until coated. Heat 30 ml (2 tablespoons) vegetable oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the ribs in batches, turning occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they’re deeply browned and caramelized. Remove the seared ribs and set them aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics (8-10 minutes): Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and take on a light golden color. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and sweet smoked paprika; cook for just 2 more minutes until incredibly fragrant.
3. Build Flavor (5 minutes): Pour in the 120 ml (1/2 cup) balsamic vinegar, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the vinegar reduce by half, which takes about 2-3 minutes, until it looks syrupy. This step builds incredible depth for our bone in short rib recipe.
4. Combine & Simmer: Stir in the 720 ml (3 cups) beef broth and the quartered dried figs. Return the seared bone in short ribs to the pot, making sure they are mostly submerged in the rich liquid. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, just a few bubbles breaking the surface.
5. Cook to Perfection: Cover the Dutch oven tightly with its lid and transfer it to your preheated 150°C (300°F) oven. Braise for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the short ribs are incredibly fork-tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone. Alternatively, for a stovetop method, cover and simmer gently on low heat for 3-4 hours, until equally tender. For faster results, try the Instant Pot: cook on high pressure for 60-75 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes until it sighs.
6. Rest & Serve: Carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Using tongs, transfer the bone in short ribs to a plate and loosely tent them with foil to keep warm. Next, pour the braising liquid and vegetables through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate saucepan. Discard any large, fibrous bits from the sieve, but press on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Transfer the cooked figs and any soft vegetable solids from the sieve back into the strained braising liquid. Using an immersion blender (or stand blender), blend the liquid until it’s wonderfully smooth. This naturally thickens the sauce and infuses it with that rich fig flavor. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens to a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon. Stir in the maple syrup, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Skim any excess fat from the surface. Serve the tender short ribs with a generous pool of this glossy fig and paprika glaze, garnished with fresh parsley.

Variations for Common Appliances

• Slow Cooker: After searing the ribs and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat is falling off the bone.

Quick Fixes for Common Cooking Errors

• If your ribs are still tough after the recommended cooking time, they simply need more time! Continue braising in the oven or on the stovetop until they reach that perfect fall-off-the-bone tenderness. I’ve found patience is key for this dish.
• If your sauce is too thin, remove the ribs and simmer the sauce uncovered to reduce and thicken naturally. For a quicker fix, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then slowly stir this slurry into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Best Occasions & Serving Inspiration

This versatile dish fits perfectly into many scenarios:

• Situations: Ideal for Weekday Dinners, Sunday Family Meals, Cozy Gatherings, or Packed Lunches (shredded).
• Pairings: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, a crisp side salad, or crusty bread.
• Storage & Reheating: Refrigerate 3-4 days; freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on stovetop or in oven at 300°F (150°C).

Health & Lifestyle Benefits

This healthy meal offers several advantages for a balanced lifestyle:

• Protein Power: An excellent source of protein, ideal for high-protein meals that keep you full.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: A satisfying meal appealing to all ages, providing a comforting and balanced dinner.
• Versatility for Diets: Easily adapts to various eating plans, supporting easy healthy dinner ideas.
• Supports Weight Management: With lean cuts and portion control, it fits into weight loss meal prep with healthy sides.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: A wonderful gluten-free recipe, naturally free of gluten when using compliant broth and sides.

Budget & Meal Planning Advantages

This family-friendly recipe offers smart budgeting and meal planning benefits.

Category	Time
Active Prep	20-30 minutes
Passive Cook (Oven/Stovetop)	3-4 hours
Passive Cook (Instant Pot)	1-1.5 hours

• Approximate Cost Per Serving: $4-$7, depending on meat source and sales. Great value!
• Batch Cooking & Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy or freeze. Shred leftovers for quick sandwiches, tacos, or pasta.

Ingredient Shopping & Online Delivery

Sourcing quality ingredients for your bone in short rib recipe is simple with various options:

• Where to Buy Bone-In Short Ribs: Local supermarkets, butcher shops, farmers markets, or online services like ButcherBox or Crowd Cow.
• Organic vs. Conventional: Consider organic ingredients for higher welfare if budget permits; conventional is an accessible alternative.
• Specialty Mentions: Look at health food stores or meal kit boxes for gourmet short rib selections.

Pro Tips & Adjustments

Enhance your bone in short rib recipe with these practical tips and easy adjustments:

• Flavor & Presentation Upgrades: Garnish with fresh parsley/chives. Add balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
• Adjustments: For spice, add red pepper flakes. Swirl in butter for richness. Taste and adjust salt last.
• Allergy-Friendly Swaps: Verify broth is gluten-free and low-sodium. Replace wine with extra beef broth or non-alcoholic red wine.

FAQs

Is a bone in short rib recipe good for weight loss?

Yes, when prepared with lean cuts, trimmed fat, and served with non-starchy vegetables, a bone in short rib recipe can be a satisfying part of a weight loss-friendly diet. Portion control is always key for any hearty meal.

Can I order short ribs online?

Absolutely! Many online meat delivery services and major grocery chains offer high-quality bone-in short ribs for convenient home delivery. Check reputable sites like ButcherBox or Crowd Cow to source premium cuts right to your door.

How long does a bone in short rib recipe last in the fridge/freezer?

Cooked short ribs last safely for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In the freezer, they maintain quality for up to 3 months, making them perfect for meal prep. Just thaw and reheat gently.

What’s a healthy substitute for short ribs?

For a similar hearty, braised dish, consider beef chuck roast, lamb shanks, or even a robust cut of beef stew meat. For a plant-based option, thick-cut portobello mushrooms or seitan can offer a savory, satisfying texture.

Do I need to sear bone-in short ribs?

Searing the short ribs before braising is highly recommended for this bone in short rib recipe. It creates a rich, caramelized crust that significantly enhances the depth of flavor and color of your finished dish. This crucial step is truly worth it.

Can I make this bone in short rib recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, a slow cooker is an excellent method for this bone in short rib recipe! After browning the ribs and sautéing aromatics, transfer everything. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender. I find this especially handy for busy weeknights!

This bone in short rib recipe delivers incredible flavor, saves money, and offers ultimate convenience, proving that gourmet comfort food can be simple for family dinners. Pin this meal prep recipe for your next cozy gathering or easy weeknight solution!

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