There’s something incredibly comforting about coming home to the smell of apple cider braised short ribs wafting through the kitchen. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day! The rich flavor of the beef combined with the sweetness of the apple cider creates this heavenly balance that just makes me swoon every time. I remember the first time I tried this dish at a cozy little restaurant and I was instantly hooked! I couldn’t wait to recreate it at home, and trust me, it’s become a staple in my kitchen. The tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs paired with creamy mashed potatoes are a match made in heaven. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. So, if you’re ready to impress your family or friends (or just treat yourself!), let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs that practically melt in your mouth.
- A rich flavor profile that balances the savory beef with the sweetness of apple cider.
- Simple preparation that allows you to set it and forget it while it braises in the oven.
- Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering.
- Gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
- It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup for you—win-win!
Ingredients for Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these apple cider braised short ribs as delicious as possible. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 lbs short ribs: Look for well-marbled short ribs for the best flavor and tenderness. Bone-in is my favorite as it adds extra richness to the dish.
- 2 cups apple cider: Choose a good quality, unfiltered apple cider for that deep, sweet flavor. This will be the star of the show!
- 1 large onion, chopped: A yellow or sweet onion works great here, adding a lovely sweetness when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic will give a wonderful aroma and depth to the dish. Don’t skimp on this!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is for searing the ribs. Use extra virgin for a richer flavor.
- 2 sprigs thyme: Fresh thyme adds an earthy note that perfectly complements the apple cider. Feel free to use dried thyme if that’s what you have, just halve the amount.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A good seasoning is crucial! I recommend starting with a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper, then adjusting as needed.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re well on your way to creating a dish that’s not just a meal but an experience! Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs
Getting these apple cider braised short ribs just right is all about taking your time and following a few simple steps. Trust me, the results are totally worth it! Let’s break it down together.
Preheat and Season
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Preheating is essential because it helps the ribs cook evenly right from the start. While that’s warming up, grab your short ribs and generously season them with about a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper. This seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor of the meat, so don’t rush this step!
Searing the Short Ribs
Now, let’s get those ribs seared to perfection! In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you’ll see a shimmer), carefully add the short ribs. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned. This caramelization adds a rich depth of flavor. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot—if needed, work in batches!
Sautéing the Aromatics
Once your ribs are browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside. In the same pot, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. This is where the magic happens—the aroma will be amazing! Stir occasionally to prevent burning; we want them to be tender and flavorful.
Braising Process
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour in the 2 cups of apple cider, scraping the bottom of the pot to release all those delicious browned bits—this is where a lot of flavors live! Add the short ribs back to the pot along with the sprigs of thyme. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to your preheated oven. Let it braise for about 3 hours, or until the ribs are fork-tender and ready to melt in your mouth. This low and slow cooking is what makes them so irresistible!
Tips for Success
To ensure your apple cider braised short ribs turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips that have worked wonders for me! First, don’t skip the searing step—this caramelization is crucial for flavor. Also, make sure your pot is large enough to avoid overcrowding; this helps the ribs brown evenly. If you find the ribs are tough after 3 hours, don’t panic! Just give them a bit more time in the oven. Lastly, let the dish rest for a few minutes after taking it out; this allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite even more delicious. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Knowing the nutritional values of your dishes is super helpful, especially when you’re trying to keep track of what you’re eating! For these apple cider braised short ribs, here are the estimated values per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But overall, this dish is a great source of protein and will definitely fill you up with that hearty goodness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
When it comes to storing leftovers of these delicious apple cider braised short ribs, it’s all about keeping that flavor intact! First, let the ribs cool down to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation in the container, which can make things soggy. I like to place the ribs in an airtight container, making sure to include some of the braising liquid to keep them moist. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the short ribs! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or freezer bags to avoid freezer burn. They’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
For reheating, I recommend gently warming them in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 20-30 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash more apple cider or broth to keep things saucy. Just be careful not to overheat them, as you want to maintain that tender texture. Enjoy those leftovers just as much as the first time around!
FAQ About Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs
Can I use another type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While short ribs are my favorite for this apple cider braised dish, you can definitely use chuck roast or even pork ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut you choose.
What can I serve with apple cider braised short ribs?
These ribs are fantastic with creamy mashed potatoes, but you can also pair them with polenta, rice, or even a nice crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make great side dishes too!
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! If you prefer using a slow cooker, you can sear the ribs first as usual, then transfer everything to the slow cooker instead of the oven. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for about 4 hours, until the meat is tender. You’ll still get that amazing flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the ribs cool completely, then place them in an airtight container with some of the braising liquid. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, or you can freeze them for 2-3 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I add vegetables to the braise?
Definitely! Adding root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or parsnips can enhance the dish beautifully. Just toss them in with the ribs before braising, and they’ll soak up all that amazing flavor!
Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs: 5 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Temps Total: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Tender short ribs braised in apple cider for a rich flavor.
Ingrédients
- 4 lbs short ribs
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 sprigs thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Season short ribs with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear short ribs on all sides until browned.
- Remove ribs and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to pot; sauté until soft.
- Pour in apple cider and scrape bottom of pot.
- Add short ribs back to pot with thyme.
- Cover and transfer pot to oven.
- Braise for 3 hours until ribs are tender.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes.
- Can be made a day ahead and reheated.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 3 hours
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Braising
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 8g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 30g
- Graisses Saturées: 12g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 15g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 12g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 35g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 100mg
Mots-clés: apple cider braised short ribs
