Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone Perfection are the kind of dish that makes you want to throw on your favorite sweater and curl up by the fireplace. Imagine rich, tender meat that just falls apart at the slightest touch, enveloped in a fragrant apple cider glaze that dances around your taste buds. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have your family eagerly gathering around the table, ready to dig in. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe.
Every bite of these short ribs tells a story. I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends during a chilly autumn evening. As they dug into their plates, their eyes widened with delight and disbelief at how deliciously succulent the meat was. cozy butternut squash recipe It felt like a warm hug after a long day—perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday feasts.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs are easy to prepare yet impressively flavorful, making weeknight dinners feel special
- The stunning presentation will have everyone asking for seconds
- Plus, this versatile dish is perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations
I’ll never forget my friend Sarah’s reaction when she took her first bite. She declared it “life-changing,” and let me tell you, who doesn’t want to be known as the life-changer in their circle?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Bone-In Short Ribs: Choose well-marbled ribs for maximum flavor and tenderness; they’ll melt in your mouth. savory turkey melt sliders.
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Apple Cider: Go for fresh cider; it adds a sweet and tangy depth that pairs beautifully with beef.
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Onions: Use yellow onions for their sweetness; they caramelize beautifully during cooking.
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Garlic: Fresh cloves bring an aromatic punch; don’t skimp on this flavor powerhouse.
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Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels; it enriches the braising liquid wonderfully.
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Thyme & Rosemary: Fresh herbs elevate the dish’s aroma; be generous with them!
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; adjust according to your taste.
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Carrots: They add vibrant color and sweetness; cut them into thick chunks so they hold up during cooking.
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Olive Oil: A splash is needed for searing those beautiful short ribs until browned and crispy on the outside.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. cheesy stuffed flank steak.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This sets the stage for slow-cooking magic. For more inspiration, check out this ground beef casserole recipe.
Sear the Ribs: In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear each short rib until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Once browned, remove ribs from pot and set aside. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent and fragrant, then add minced garlic.
Add Carrots and Herbs: Toss in carrot chunks along with fresh thyme and rosemary. Stir them around until they become aromatic—about 2 minutes should do it!
Pour in Apple Cider: Add apple cider and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot—trust me, those bits pack flavor! Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Combine Broth and Ribs: Pour in beef broth next before returning short ribs to the pot. Ensure they’re submerged in liquid because nobody likes dry meat!
Braise Away: Cover with a lid and transfer to preheated oven. Let it braise for about 3 hours or until fork-tender—the smell will drive you wild!
Serve It Up: Once cooked, remove from oven carefully! Let rest briefly before serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. crispy baked sweet potatoes.
And there you have it! A comforting dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Enjoy every morsel of those Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs that are sure to impress!
You Must Know
- The secret to these Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs is the balance of sweet and savory
- The aroma of simmering ribs will make your kitchen feel like a cozy autumn day, while the tender meat practically melts in your mouth
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the short ribs first to lock in flavor, then braise them slowly in apple cider for ultimate tenderness and richness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in root vegetables like carrots or potatoes for a hearty one-pot meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover short ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve tenderness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best results, choose well-marbled short ribs for rich flavor
- Braising at low temperatures allows the meat to become tender without drying out
- Always let the ribs rest before serving; this enhances their juiciness
Sharing my first experience making Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs was unforgettable, as my friends devoured them and begged for the recipe.
FAQ
What cut of beef is best for braising?
Short ribs are ideal due to their rich marbling and flavor when cooked low and slow.
Can I use other liquids besides apple cider?
Absolutely! Substitute red wine or broth for a different flavor profile while maintaining moisture.
How do I know when the short ribs are done?
They should be fork-tender, meaning they easily fall apart when you poke them with a fork.
Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. These tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs are infused with a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze, creating an irresistible dish that will have your family gathering around the table. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is ideal for cozy gatherings or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs bone-in short ribs
- 2 cups fresh apple cider
- 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large carrots, cut into thick chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs until golden brown on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove from pot.
- Sauté onions in the same pot until translucent. Add minced garlic and stir for an additional minute.
- Add carrot chunks, thyme, and rosemary; cook for about 2 minutes until aromatic.
- Pour in apple cider and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes.
- Return short ribs to the pot and add beef broth, ensuring they are submerged.
- Cover and braise in the oven for about 3 hours or until fork-tender.
- Let rest briefly before serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
