Quick and Easy: How to Cook Braised Short Ribs Like a Chef

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Braised Short Ribs

Most home cooks shy away from braised short ribs because they believe it needs 4-5 hours to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

This common myth needs busting. The right techniques and tools can help you create tender, flavorful braised short ribs in half the traditional time. Restaurant-quality results are possible in just 45 minutes – no exaggeration.

Traditional recipes keep you stuck in the kitchen all Sunday. Our speed-braising technique delivers rich, complex flavors you’d expect from a high-end steakhouse. We’ve perfected this method through countless tests, and it works beautifully whether you use a pressure cooker or dutch oven.

Want to make the best braised short ribs of your life without sacrificing your entire day? Let’s tuck into our foolproof method!

Essential Equipment and Ingredients for Quick Braising

The perfect braised short ribs start with a well-equipped kitchen and quality ingredients. Success comes from having the right tools and knowing what to look for in your ingredients.

Time-Saving Tools and Equipment

A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven is the life-blood of braising [1]. Here are the tools you need to braise quickly:

  • Dutch oven or braiser (for even heat distribution)
  • Sturdy tongs to handle meat
  • Fine-mesh strainer to prepare sauce
  • Large cutting board to prep
  • Gravy separator to add finishing touches
Braised Short Ribs

Choosing the Right Cut of Short Ribs

Short ribs should have at least an inch and a half of meat above the bones [2]. Look for meat with visible marbling, but stay away from pieces that have thick fat caps – they can make your meat tough and dry. English-cut ribs about four inches long work best for quick braising and make your dish look amazing [2].

Quick Substitutes for Traditional Ingredients

You have several excellent alternatives that work great if short ribs aren’t in stock [3]:

  1. Beef Chuck Roast – Perfect 1:1 substitute
  2. Beef Brisket – Equally flavorful alternative
  3. Beef Plate Short Ribs – Similar marbling and taste
  4. Flanken Ribs – Great for faster cooking

A good-value full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot makes an excellent braising liquid [4]. The cooking process changes the flavor completely, so there’s no need for expensive wine. You can mix low-sodium beef broth with a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce if you want a non-alcoholic version [4].

Fast-Track Preparation Methods

We’ve become skilled at preparing braised short ribs quickly without losing flavor. Our quick method helps you get restaurant-quality results in less time than traditional cooking.

30-Minute Prep Shortcuts

Smart organization is the foundation of quick preparation. Here’s our tested process:

  1. Pat the meat dry with paper towels [5]
  2. Season generously while the pan heats up
  3. Prepare vegetables while meat comes to room temperature
  4. Set up your workspace with all ingredients measured

Quick Seasoning Techniques

A well-crafted dry rub is your secret weapon that maximizes flavor in minimum time. The dry rub has multiple purposes – it boosts flavor, creates a delicious crust, and helps develop that coveted bark on the meat [5]. You’ll get the best results if you:

  • Apply the rub generously on all sides
  • Press the seasonings firmly into the meat
  • Let rest for 15 minutes before cooking [5]
  • Add coffee grounds to create extra depth [6]

Time-Saving Browning Tips

Browning is a vital step, and we found some excellent shortcuts. To cite an instance, you can get beautiful browning in your oven at 450-500 degrees, which saves much time compared to traditional stovetop methods [7].

The stovetop method works best with small batches – just two or three ribs at a time [8]. This might seem counterintuitive for saving time, but a crowded pan extends the browning process and stops that perfect crust from forming.

Cross-cut short ribs cook up the quickest while keeping excellent flavor [9]. Note that you should avoid moving the meat during browning – each side needs time to develop a rich crust before turning [8].

Speed Braising Techniques

Let’s dive into the quickest ways to make tender, flavorful braised short ribs now that our ingredients and prep work are ready. These speed-braising techniques will change how you approach this classic dish.

Pressure Cooker Method (45 Minutes)

A pressure cooker serves as the secret weapon for quick braising. You can achieve fall-off-the-bone tender short ribs in just 45 minutes [10] with this foolproof process:

  1. Brown the seasoned ribs in the pressure cooker
  2. Add your braising liquid
  3. Seal and cook at high pressure
  4. Allow natural release for 15 minutes [11]

Dutch Oven Express Method (90 Minutes)

Traditional braising enthusiasts can achieve excellent results in about 90 minutes with our Dutch oven express method. The process starts at a higher temperature of 350°F [12] and then reduces to 325°F for the final stretch. This approach creates a rich, concentrated sauce that glazes the meat perfectly.

Signs of Perfect Doneness

Your short ribs will show these clear signs when they’re cooked perfectly:

  • The meat pulls away from the bone visibly [13]
  • A fork slides in and out cleanly [14]
  • The internal temperature reaches 200-205°F [15]
  • The meat needs 20 minutes of rest before serving [13]

Pro Tip: The sauce becomes cleaner and more refined when you make these ahead and refrigerate overnight. The fat solidifies on top, making it easier to remove [16].

Braised Short Ribs recipe

Quick Sauce and Serving Solutions

The final steps to create perfect braised short ribs focus on the sauce and presentation. These finishing touches will lift your dish from good to extraordinary.

15-Minute Sauce Reduction

Once your short ribs become tender, you can create that restaurant-quality sauce. Take out the meat and strain out the vegetables and herbs [17]. The remaining liquid should simmer at medium heat. Whisk it occasionally until it reduces by half – this usually takes about 15 minutes [17]. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon to achieve extra richness [4].

Fast Plating Techniques

Your presentation doesn’t need complexity to impress. Here are our favorite serving combinations:

  • Over creamy mashed potatoes with the reduced sauce
  • Atop polenta with roasted vegetables
  • Among sautéed asparagus or broccolini [17]

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Cooks

Braised short ribs taste better the next day! Here’s how to prepare them ahead:

  1. Cool the ribs in their liquid at room temperature [18]
  2. Store in an airtight container to last 4-5 days [2]
  3. Take off the solidified fat from the top [19]
  4. Heat gently over medium heat until warm [18]

You can store the Braised short ribs with their sauce in a freezer-safe container up to 3 months [20]. The key is removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn [21].

Pro Tip: Your guests will love ribs reheated in a 350°F oven for about an hour before dinner [22]. This relaxed method lets you enjoy your company while the meat warms perfectly.

Conclusion

Braised Short Ribs recipes

Speed-braising has revolutionized how we cook braised short ribs. Our techniques deliver amazing results in a fraction of the usual time. You can choose between a quick 45-minute pressure cooker method or a 90-minute Dutch oven approach to create tender, flavorful short ribs.

The right ingredients, tools, and preparation methods will transform your results. Successful braising depends on several elements. You need well-marbled meat, proper browning techniques, precise temperature control, and patience while reducing the sauce.

These restaurant-worthy braised short ribs could become your signature dish at home. Our simple recipe serves as your starting point. You can experiment with seasonings and side dishes to create your perfect version. As you become skilled at quick braising, you’ll bring steakhouse quality meals to your dinner table any night of the week.

FAQs

Q1. How long should I cook braised short ribs for optimal tenderness? Short ribs become more tender with longer cooking times. For the best results, braise them low and slow until the meat easily pulls away from the bone and a fork can be inserted without resistance.

Q2. What’s the best method for braising short ribs? For quick and delicious results, use either a pressure cooker method (about 45 minutes) or a Dutch oven express method (about 90 minutes). Both techniques yield tender, flavorful meat in significantly less time than traditional methods.

Q3. Should short ribs be covered while cooking? Yes, braised short ribs should be covered tightly during braising to prevent steam from escaping. This ensures the meat becomes moist, soft, and fork-tender over the cooking period.

Q4. How can I tell when my braised short ribs are perfectly cooked? Perfectly cooked braised short ribs will visibly pull away from the bone, and a fork should insert and remove cleanly. For precise measurement, the internal temperature should reach 200-205°F. Always let the meat rest for about 20 minutes before serving.

Q5. What’s the best way to prepare the sauce for braised short ribs? After cooking, strain out the vegetables and herbs from the braising liquid. Simmer the remaining liquid for about 15 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it reduces by half. For extra richness, continue reducing until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

References

[1] – https://food52.com/blog/27814-best-braising-tools-cookware
[2] – https://www.seriouseats.com/red-wine-braised-beef-short-ribs-recipe
[3] – https://gustomeadow.com/short-ribs-substitutes/
[4] – https://www.recipetineats.com/braised-beef-short-ribs-in-red-wine-sauce/
[5] – https://www.hollishomestead.com/flavorful-simple-dry-rub-recipe-for-beef-short-ribs/
[6] – https://www.thehungrybites.com/dry-rub-for-beef/
[7] – https://www.begreedyeats.com/dinner/red-wine-braised-beef-short-ribs
[8] – https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/braised-short-ribs-with-gravy/?srsltid=AfmBOopcRddf2qswJhZqUb-008_ZcLYWRmbP9INHokvLOB4yGMZwAOqH
[9] – https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/quick-short-ribs?srsltid=AfmBOorHXqhh0ZCONh4WLJKaqF50rCBoI9MrK1jRGVzTv3TLVoaI1I0R
[10] – https://www.seriouseats.com/pressure-cooker-red-wine-braised-short-ribs-recipe
[11] – https://amindfullmom.com/instant-pot-short-ribs/
[12] – https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/braised-short-ribs/
[13] – https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-braised-short-ribs-105868
[14] – https://www.sweetpbbq.com/dutch-oven-braised-short-ribs-that-promise-to-please/
[15] – https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1184408/how-do-i-know-when-beef-short-ribs-are-done
[16] – https://www.dadcooksdinner.com/pressure-cooker-short-ribs/
[17] – https://britacooks.substack.com/p/red-wine-braised-short-ribs-aka-marry
[18] – https://marydisomma.com/blogs/recipes/marys-favorite-slow-braised-short-ribs-in-red-wine-sauce?srsltid=AfmBOorIcfApnonKBy7FM24GjAKHk_BFl2iamO_Glv6aBoP3fN84EJOU
[19] – https://backroadjournal.wordpress.com/2023/12/16/braised-short-ribs-prepared-ahead-for-easy-entertaining/
[20] – https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/red-wine-braised-short-ribs.html
[21] – https://somuchfoodblog.com/red-wine-braised-short-ribs/
[22] – https://www.agardenforthehouse.com/make-ahead-braised-short-ribs/