Cooks on a budget love beef short ribs. They're an affordable cut that, with careful slow cooking, can be transformed into something truly spectacular. If you never know quite what to do with ribs, read on. These cooking ideas might just inspire you to make amazing meals that the whole family will love.
What are beef short ribs and how do they differ from other beef cuts?
Short ribs come from a cow's lower rib cage. They're a bone-in cut that needs long, slow cooking to become soft and meltingly tender. In contrast with prime cuts like steaks, short ribs contain a lot of collagen and connective tissue. This means they cannot be cooked quickly. They're a meatier choice than back ribs, making them a satisfying choice for bone-in beef recipes.
Easy beef short rib recipes
Beef short ribs have a robust taste, which means they stand up well to different kinds of seasoning. Lovers of bold flavours can try these Thai-style sticky ribs, while these Greek-style ribs are infused with the warm flavours of the Mediterranean. In winter, beef short ribs can also be used for cosy British comfort food, served on a bed of mashed potatoes alongside roasted root veggies.
How to cook beef short ribs in the oven
Slow cooking is the secret to tender beef short ribs. While they take a little time, the method itself is simple. A quick sear followed by a long, gentle cook in the oven allows the meat to become meltingly tender, while the cooking liquid develops into a rich, flavourful sauce.
Here’s how to cook beef short ribs in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 160°C. Season the short ribs as you wish. Use simple salt and pepper, or add herbs, spices or a rub to achieve a particular flavour profile.
- Sear the ribs over a high heat on the stove until brown on all sides.
- Add to a sturdy oven-proof dish with some kind of liquid (stock and red wine are both traditional). The liquid should cover about three-quarters of the beef.
- Cover tightly and cook for 3 to 4 hours.
- When the meat comes away from the bone, the short ribs are ready. Let them stand for 10 minutes while you skim the liquid from the pan. Then cook it on the stove, letting it bubble until it thickens into a sauce.
Baked beef short ribs vs braised beef short ribs
Braising short ribs means cooking them in liquid. If the pan is tightly covered, it traps the steam inside. This cooking method is a great way to produce an incredibly tender rack of ribs.
By contrast, baked short ribs are cooked dry, so they are directly exposed to the heat of the oven. This method gives a barbecue-style result, suitable for a BBQ menu. However, it can be trickier to get tender results, so if you're new to cooking short ribs, stick with braising.
Slow-cooked beef short ribs and other cooking methods
If you have a slow cooker, use it to braise short ribs. Do your meal prep in advance, seasoning and browning the ribs, then store them in the fridge until you're ready. You can leave them cooking all day. After 6 to 8 hours, the ribs will be ready. As a bonus, your kitchen will smell amazing!
A pressure cooker allows you to cook short ribs more quickly. Set it to high pressure, and the meat may be ready in just 45 minutes, which is handy when you're in a hurry. You can also cook short ribs on the barbecue. They're particularly good if you have a smoker, which will infuse them with an authentic BBQ flavour.
Serving, storing and reheating beef ribs
Beef short ribs go well with all kinds of flavours. A traditional red wine gravy works on a bed of mashed potatoes — or polenta, for an Italian twist. Serve some root veg on the side, and you have the perfect winter warmer. In summer, keep it light by pairing beef short ribs with coleslaw or salad. A Waldorf salad works particularly well, as the crunchy ingredients like apple, celery and walnuts provide some textural contrast.
Feel free to experiment with more exotic flavours, too. Beef short ribs are a barbecue favourite, so try serving them with American BBQ side dishes. For something more exciting, go for Korean side dishes. Punchy kimchi and pickled veg will taste amazing alongside tender short ribs.
Cooking beef short ribs in the oven FAQs
How long do beef short ribs take in the oven?
Beef short ribs require long, slow cooking, so they usually take 3 to 4 hours in the oven. Cook them at 160°C to 170°C, and give them long enough for the tough connective tissue to melt.
Should beef short ribs be covered when baking?
Yes. Cover them tightly with aluminium foil or a lid. Doing this traps the steam inside, so the short ribs will braise. This helps them to become incredibly tender.
What temperature should beef short ribs be cooked at?
It's important not to cook short ribs at too high a temperature, or they will remain tough and hard to eat. Cooking them at 160°C to 170°C gives the best results.
Can you overcook beef short ribs?
Yes. Eventually, short ribs will start to dry out, with the meat developing an unpleasant stringy texture. They normally need 3 to 4 hours, so don't cook them for too long.
What should you serve with beef short ribs?
Beef short ribs go great with mashed potatoes for a hearty British classic, or polenta for an Italian twist. Serve them with root veggies in winter, or go for a tangy coleslaw on a hot summer's day.