11 Braised Short Ribs Recipes for Tender Meat
There’s something magical about braised short ribs—the way tough, flavorful cuts transform into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness after hours of slow simmering. My love affair with them started in my childhood kitchen, where my Italian grandmother would spend Sunday afternoons coaxing beef short ribs in a pot of red wine, tomatoes, and herbs. The aroma would fill the house, drawing everyone to the table for a feast that felt like a warm hug.
Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, pushing boundaries with global flavors to elevate this classic. From spicy chipotle twists to creamy coconut curries, these recipes have become my go-to for impressing dinner guests or cozy weeknight comfort. In today’s fast-paced world, braising is a reminder to slow down, letting time create depth and satisfaction that’s hard to beat.
Classic Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
These timeless short ribs are braised in a rich red wine sauce with carrots, onions, and garlic for ultimate comfort. Ingredients: 4 lbs bone-in short ribs, 2 cups red wine, 4 carrots (chopped), 2 onions (sliced), 4 garlic cloves, 2 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, salt, pepper, thyme sprigs.
Season ribs and sear in a Dutch oven over high heat. Add veggies, garlic, tomato paste, wine, and broth; bring to boil, then simmer covered at 325°F for 3 hours until fork-tender. The low-and-slow braise breaks down collagen for silky meat, packed with antioxidants from wine and veggies for heart-healthy indulgence.
Asian-Inspired Soy Ginger Braised Short Ribs
Infused with umami from soy, ginger, and star anise, these ribs offer an exotic twist. Ingredients: 4 lbs short ribs, ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup ginger (sliced), 4 star anise, 1 cup beef broth, ¼ cup brown sugar, 4 green onions, sesame oil.
Sear ribs, then braise with all ingredients in a pot at 300°F for 3-4 hours. Benefits include tender meat rich in ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties and soy’s protein boost, perfect for gut-friendly fermented flavors.
Smoky BBQ Braised Short Ribs
A fusion of braising and barbecue, using liquid smoke and tangy sauce for fall-off-the-bone results. Ingredients: 4 lbs short ribs, 2 cups BBQ sauce, 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 cup beef broth, smoked paprika, liquid smoke.
Brown ribs, add sauce mixture and braise covered at 325°F for 3.5 hours. Shred or serve whole—the collagen melt yields ultra-tender meat, with vinegar aiding digestion and antioxidants from spices.
Mushroom and Thyme Braised Short Ribs
Earthy mushrooms and fresh thyme create a savory, woodsy depth. Ingredients: 4 lbs short ribs, 1 lb mixed mushrooms, 4 thyme sprigs, 2 cups beef broth, 1 onion, 3 garlic cloves, ½ cup cream (optional).
Sear ribs, sauté mushrooms and aromatics, deglaze with broth, braise at 300°F for 3 hours. Mushrooms add umami and vitamin D, while thyme supports immunity for a nourishing, low-carb meal.
Spicy Chipotle Mexican Braised Short Ribs
Bold chipotle and cumin bring south-of-the-border heat. Ingredients: 4 lbs short ribs, 4 chipotle peppers in adobo, 1 tbsp cumin, 2 cups beef broth, 1 onion, 4 garlic cloves, lime juice, cilantro.
Sear meat, blend chipotles into broth with spices, braise at 325°F for 3 hours. Capsaicin in chipotles boosts metabolism, delivering tender, flavorful protein ideal for meal prep.
Italian Tomato Herb Braised Short Ribs
Sun-dried tomatoes and oregano evoke Nonna’s kitchen. Ingredients: 4 lbs short ribs, 28 oz crushed tomatoes, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tbsp oregano, 1 cup red wine, 2 onions, basil.
Brown ribs, add tomatoes and wine, braise low at 300°F for 3-4 hours. Lycopene from tomatoes promotes skin health, paired with tender ribs for antioxidant-rich comfort.
Root Vegetable Braised Short Ribs
Hearty parsnips, turnips, and carrots make this a one-pot wonder. Ingredients: 4 lbs short ribs, 4 carrots, 2 parsnips, 2 turnips (chopped), 2 cups beef broth, 1 onion, rosemary.
Sear ribs, toss in veggies and broth, braise at 325°F for 3.5 hours. Root veggies provide fiber and vitamins A/C, enhancing tenderness for a wholesome, filling dish.
Coffee Braised Short Ribs
Bold coffee adds a mocha depth with cocoa notes. Ingredients: 4 lbs short ribs, 2 cups strong coffee, 1 cup beef broth, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 onion, garlic, brown sugar.
Sear, combine with coffee mixture, braise at 300°F for 3 hours. Coffee’s antioxidants fight inflammation, yielding rich, tender meat with a unique savory edge.
Stout Beer Braised Short Ribs
Malty stout beer tenderizes with caramelized richness. Ingredients: 4 lbs short ribs, 2 bottles stout beer, 2 cups beef broth, 2 onions, 3 garlic cloves, mustard seeds.
Brown ribs, add beer and broth, simmer covered at 325°F for 3-4 hours. Beer’s B vitamins aid energy, perfect for pub-style tender ribs full of flavor.
Coconut Curry Braised Short Ribs
Thai-inspired curry paste and coconut milk for creamy spice. Ingredients: 4 lbs short ribs, 2 cans coconut milk, 3 tbsp red curry paste, 1 lemongrass stalk, lime, cilantro.
Sear ribs, stir in curry paste and coconut milk, braise at 300°F for 3 hours. Coconut’s healthy fats support satiety, creating exotic, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Balsamic Fig Braised Short Ribs
Sweet figs and tangy balsamic for gourmet elegance. Ingredients: 4 lbs short ribs, 1 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 cup dried figs, 2 cups beef broth, shallots, rosemary.
Sear, add balsamic-fig mixture, braise low at 325°F for 3.5 hours. Figs offer fiber and minerals, balancing sweetness for sophisticated, incredibly tender results.
Whether you’re craving classic comfort or bold adventures, these 11 braised short ribs recipes guarantee fork-tender bliss with minimal effort—just set it and forget it. Grab your Dutch oven, pick a favorite (or try them all!), and elevate your next meal into something unforgettable. Your taste buds will thank you!
