Braise
Dan Barber's Braised Short Ribs
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130 Reviews
Erin
January 23, 2024
I've made this multiple times and it is one of the best things I've ever eaten. Makes me feel like a good cook (which I'm normally not!) I split the cooking into 2 days as Amanda recommends, so I can skim the fat. I also think it goes best with a cheesy polenta. (Mmm...I need to make it again soon!)
Phoebe T.
March 3, 2023
This may be one of the best dinner recipes we ever had.
Followed directions but made a day ahead so I could skim the fat and, as suggested by one reviewer, I increased the sauce ingredients.
I may now add tamarind concentrate to any soup or stew recipe.
Followed directions but made a day ahead so I could skim the fat and, as suggested by one reviewer, I increased the sauce ingredients.
I may now add tamarind concentrate to any soup or stew recipe.
Amanda H.
March 5, 2023
So great to hear you liked the recipe -- and sounds like making it a day ahead is the way to go. Flavor is probably more settled then as well.
Melanie
February 13, 2023
Made these per the recipe for early Valentine's dinner to serve with buttery mashed potatoes and garlicky broccolini. So, so good! I started early in the day, separated the meat from the broth to cool the broth to room temp, then stuck in the freezer for just one hour and easily removed the hardened fat on top of the broth. Added a tad bit more salt upon completion. So easy! After that, reduced broth and added meat back in to briefly heat. Highly recommend this recipe!!
Tamara
January 26, 2023
This is an absolutely delicious meal. Short ribs from Sam’s worked beautifully. Couldn’t find Madeira locally so just increased the red wine. Still delicious. It was perfect with my Col. Pabst malted Worcestershire sauce. Will give a try again soon with the Madeira.
Gray F.
January 18, 2023
This would be a slam dunk for Sous Vide - 140°F for 48 hrs. Prolly skip the chicken stock all together and reduce the red wine and madeira separately before assembling everything in the pouch. Brown the ribs before assembly.
Other additions to consider are dried porcini mushroom powder, marmite and the darkest miso you can find (I generally use Hacho Miso), in some combination.
When done, degrease the juice and reduce, if necessary.
-Gray
Gray
Other additions to consider are dried porcini mushroom powder, marmite and the darkest miso you can find (I generally use Hacho Miso), in some combination.
When done, degrease the juice and reduce, if necessary.
-Gray
Gray
les C.
January 18, 2023
I get the same results as sous vide when braising low and slow at 225 in the oven,plus it makes the house smell amazing and there is no need to sear after sous vide.I have owned a immersion circulator for many years.
[email protected]
January 18, 2023
On Day 2 - Do the ribs stay in the pot the entire time the sauce is being reduced, or do you add them for the last 30-60 minutes?
Teresa
January 18, 2023
Any ideas on subbing for tamarind? Couple of years ago I had similar and fabulous using prunes. We were at winery in Tuscany and obviously a very old well loved prep …are you familiar?
JS
January 18, 2023
Hi, Amanda! I'm late to the party, but would love to make this! Do you have any suggestions for a non-alcoholic substitute for madeira? Thanks in advance.
les C.
January 18, 2023
Sure no problem at all,you may also consider sherry vinegar which probably has similar flavor profile as madeira
JS
January 18, 2023
Thanks, Amanda! I have been using a combination of beef broth and pomegranate juice instead of red wine - I'm not as familiar with madeira.
les C.
January 18, 2023
Would love to make this dish but the price of short ribs here in norcal is $9.99-$12.99 lb. depending on what type of beef and grade.So 5lbs. of ribs si going to be pricey,maybe I`ll just use chuck instead.Our Costco sells prime grade chuck currently @ $7.99 lb.
kmforster
November 21, 2022
Made exactly as written - absolutely stunning. No "twists," no unexpected flavors - just wonderful, savory-yet-lively sauce and meltingly tender short ribs. For anyone concerned about ingredients like brown sugar, tamarind paste or Madeira: Don't be. It all melds together into a delicious sauce that does not taste sweet or fruity at all. Five stars all the way. This is my new go-to for short ribs. Thank you for posting the recipe!
Jenna M.
December 20, 2021
This is the best thing I’ve ever cooked. Absolutely delicious! Thanks for such a great recipe. They’re so good that they are making their way into Christmas dinner this year as the main dish.
salena
November 30, 2021
Beyond good. I made this with bison short ribs. The flavors were superb. Added more wine and served it over egg noodles. Amazing gravy and amazing dinner.
Christopher F.
January 15, 2021
Quick question as I’m excited to try this recipe, what’s the fruit garnish on top?
Christopher F.
January 18, 2021
HA! Now I see it, thank you! Making them now, I will let you know how they turn out. : )
acegal
August 13, 2020
Nice, but I'd double or triple the tamarind concentrate and add more worcestershire as well. Needs more tang.
JKF I.
February 20, 2020
Amanda, have you adapted this recipe for Instant Pots?
BTW, I'm a longstanding fan. Your article about bringing a delicious meal aboard airplanes has become our default--usually prosciutto, olives, some good bread and a clementine. (We live near Murrays. :-))
BTW, I'm a longstanding fan. Your article about bringing a delicious meal aboard airplanes has become our default--usually prosciutto, olives, some good bread and a clementine. (We live near Murrays. :-))
Amanda H.
February 20, 2020
I haven't tried it in an Instant Pot, though I'm sure it could be adapted easily. Thank you so much for your note and for remembering that article from so long ago! I still bring good food on planes and am thankfully a less anxious traveler now. Your plane menu sounds great.
Eric M.
January 18, 2020
Thank you for an amazing recipe. I've been experimenting with short ribs over the last few months and the experiment is OVER! These were the best braised short ribs Ive ever made. The suggestion to braise a day ahead and serve the next day was spot on. I used a 5qt Staub cocette and followed the recipe pretty closely, used about 3 cups of stock to cover the ribs. in the oven for 5 hours... perfection. the liquid reduced in about an hour and a half... thanks again so much!
Amanda H.
January 19, 2020
Thanks for sharing your experience with the recipe, and so happy you like it!
beth
December 26, 2019
Made this for Christmas Dinner. Followed the recipe as written. prep and cooked day before makes skimming fat the easiest. Reduced braising liquid for one hour, retuned meat to reheat. Served with mashed potatoes and roasted brussel sprouts. Many requested copies of the recipe. Thank you for sharing this was a wonderful and memorable meal. I will be making this again.
Jessica
December 27, 2018
This recipe is great! I've made it about 10 times. I think it is really important to make it the day before you plan to eat it because it takes about 5-6 hours for prep, browning the meat, and braising it, and then cooling it enough to go in the fridge. Then the next day, after scraping off the fat, it has taken up to 3 hours to reduce the braising liquid. I have served it mostly with brown buttered egg noodles or hasselback potatoes (the Kenji Lopez-Alt recipe).
Shiloh G.
May 27, 2016
So, after the ribs have braised and you remove them from the sauce it "settles" do you reheat the ribs in the sauce while thickening it on the stovetop?
Amanda H.
May 31, 2016
If you're serving the ribs and sauce right after you finish the braising, then there's no need to reheat the ribs in the sauce. But if you let them rest (in the fridge) for a day, then I'd reheat the ribs in the sauce while thickening it. Remove the ribs as soon as they're warmed through, then finish cooking the sauce.
cooking44
January 23, 2016
Fixed this yesterday and substituted Pedro Ximenez Dulce Sherry for the Madeira. Shredded the meat off the bone. Fabulous. Will definitely make again.
Demington
January 21, 2016
Has anyone tried it with oxtails? What amendments did you make to the original recipe? I am very interested in trying an oxtail something-or-other...
Bethany W.
January 28, 2015
This was my first short ribs recipe, and it was amazing. I served with goat cheese polenta the first night, and with roasted potatoes the second. It is perfect and flavorful, one of the best dishes I've ever made.
Sue
October 20, 2014
Variations on this have become my go to recipe for beef stew and I can say it continues to be great. On different occassions have made it with beef shin and with chuck, have replaced the madeira wih applie cider, increased the amount of onions and carrots, etc. And it continues to be just wonderful. Thanks!
Sue
April 16, 2014
Just made these and they were fantastic. My shortribs were quite large and so took closer to 5.5 hours to get really tender and the sauce took a long time to thicken down, but otherwise, this is a recipe to make again and again. The flavors were perfectly balanced between sweet and savory and rich. Thanks!
Toledo K.
March 4, 2014
Just made these this weekend. They were delicious and very tender. One of my diners must have said 5 times, "this meat is so tender." This will go in my "tried and true" file.
William B.
February 19, 2014
The best way to make short ribs that will melt in your mouth every time is a pressure cooker.
jenny
February 16, 2014
I made this last weekend for 10 guests, and it was fairy successful! They were very tasty, but perhaps could have been more tender. Am going to give it another shot for another party, and wanted some more advice - I don't have a dutch oven, so after pan frying I put all the ribs and veg/wine in a shallow baking tray covered with foil. The braising liquid came about 2/3 of the way over the ribs... is it important that the ribs are totally submerged?
Second question is that my ribs seemed cooked after 2 hours at 200 degrees f. I was worried about cooking longer incase they disintegrated. Would it have been better to keep going? Many thanks for anyone who can respond with advice and suggestions! Jenny
Second question is that my ribs seemed cooked after 2 hours at 200 degrees f. I was worried about cooking longer incase they disintegrated. Would it have been better to keep going? Many thanks for anyone who can respond with advice and suggestions! Jenny
Amanda H.
February 16, 2014
Hi Jenny! It sounds like they needed more time to loosen up -- the way to tell the ribs are done is to insert a fork into the beef, and it should show no resistance. Sometimes when I make this, the bones do fall out, but I don't mind. I just serve it without the bones then. As far as the liquid goes, ideally they would be submerged but having the amount of cooking liquid you describe should have been fine. I think it's more about the cooking time. Also did you cook them a day in advance? I find that's helpful -- the flavors and textures seem to improve the next day. Thanks for trying out the recipe, and I hope they turn out better next time!
jenny
February 18, 2014
Thanks for replying! I didn't have the time to cook the day before the dinner, but this week I def will. And I'll leave them in the oven for much longer this time. Thanks again for your feedback!!
jenny
March 8, 2014
I gave the recipe another shot, and this time it worked so much better - a combination of getting them better 'prepped' by the butcher, and longer cooking time. Excellent recipe!
GPeaslee
February 12, 2014
This was fantastic, even without the tamarind and Madeira and with me eyeballing the measurements. I was inattentive and let the sauce reduce so long that the sugars from the wine caramelized, which, once I'd thinned it with extra chicken stock, turned out to be a delicious mistake.
I_Fortuna
January 28, 2014
I love short ribs but I have a hard time finding them in this small town. I usually make mine this way using a pressure cooker. I chop up a large onion and saute it fairly well, brown the ribs and cover them with cream sherry. You won't believe the sauce that is created this simple way. Your recipe is great and if I have a chance to find the ingredients online I would like to try your method. I bet it is terrific.
riegelhaupt1
January 26, 2014
can I use Oxtails instead of Ribs?
Amanda H.
January 26, 2014
I've never done it with oxtails but I don't see why not -- it sounds good. Oxtails are underrated! The cooking time may change slightly so just test them more often.
paula
January 6, 2014
I found myself nodding yes, yes, yes to your intro. I've been looking for a (new, untested of course!) recipe for a dinner party on Sunday. A dinner party also featuring a chef. Thanks for the great find!
Laurelb
December 6, 2013
When I make this the bones all fall out before serving. Am I using the wrong kind of ribs?
Amanda H.
December 15, 2013
That sometimes happens when I make it as well. I find that when I used smaller short ribs it happens less, but that's just an observation. I just pull out the bones and serve it without.
Ipanema G.
December 3, 2013
Want to make these this week so don't have time to order tamarind on line (we live in a remote area without close access to a store that would carry it). Can another spice be substituted or would leaving it out ruin it?
Amanda H.
December 3, 2013
I recently made them and left out the tamarind, and they turned out just fine!
allison969
January 19, 2014
If you can't find tamarind, a tablespoon or two of lime juice is an OK substitute.
Joe C.
March 31, 2018
Or u can just use tomato paste, and I like to use equal amounts of chicken stock and beef broth, nice balance,and I really like some dried porcini mushrooms before placing in the oven,for a nice earthy flavor, and I finish with fresh mushrooms cut rather large,and great over some parm.polenta. Serve Proudly !
ichabod
April 5, 2013
Folks, did you use short ribs that were English cut or flanken? When I make short ribs, I normally use flanken. However, this picture looks like the English cut was used.
JohnL
January 4, 2014
For some reason I've never cared for flanken cut beef ribs, just seems like they're all bone. But for some reason I love the flanken style pork ribs I get at my Asian market. I cut them apart into little individual bitesize riblets and I make either Chinese spicy ribs with cumin hot peppers szechuan peppercorn and cilantro, or I do my old standby, Irene Kuo's 1-2-3-4-5 Spareribs. Its old school Chinese, but I still love it. I think I'll post that recipe on the site. It hits the spot when I'm craving sweet & sour.
MaryDD
March 1, 2013
"You end up flubbing at least 40% of the menu. You sit with a furrowed brow throughout the meal. You nearly end your marriage before the guests arrive"
When I read this I laughed out loud because that is exactly what I have done a number of times and if my husband read this he would know exactly what you're talking about as well! He has to put up with my hysteria even though I only have myself to blame. Glad I'm not the only one, thank you.
When I read this I laughed out loud because that is exactly what I have done a number of times and if my husband read this he would know exactly what you're talking about as well! He has to put up with my hysteria even though I only have myself to blame. Glad I'm not the only one, thank you.
phyllis
February 3, 2013
I cooked these Friday night for dinner last night (Saturday). I made sure the short ribs were well trimmed, and when I finished cooking them, I separated the liquid from the meat and refrigerated overnight. I was able to easily skim off the fat before reheating. I also strained out the vegetables and onions before boiling down. My sauce never became syrupy but the flavors were fused and with mashed potatoes and a salad, it was a delicious meal. Thanks so much for sharing both your story and your recipe, Amanda.
htan
January 17, 2013
made these for christmas - they were delicious! I bought my short ribs from Whole Foods. The only negative comment is that they were REALLY fatty. I don't know if it was just the particular ribs I got but I even braised them the day before and skinned the fat but there was still a lot of fat on the rib itself. Like enough where you can see and taste it. Trust me, I'm all for fatty goodness but it was a little too much. Maybe I should have braised longer, but after 4 hours they were already falling off the bone. Must have been a fatty cow.
Amanda H.
January 17, 2013
Not sure what to recommend other than trimming them more next time. Glad you did the day 2 skimming.
JohnL
January 4, 2014
Sometimes, when I'm in the mood to fuss over beef short ribs, I chill them overnight. Then I roll up my sleeves and pull out the bones and trim away all the gristle and fat. Then you can enjoy perfect little morsels of short rib heaven. I like a little bit of that short rib fat, but I know sometimes it can be too much.
Foodelf
December 3, 2012
Great recipe with an interesting twist ... I would never have thought of adding tamarind! Today I made some pasties with some of the leftover bounty - so savoury and delicious.
Laurelb
November 17, 2012
Wow. Loved these. Company worthy for sure. Served with roasted root veg and that's all you really need with this.
GabrielleW2000
November 11, 2012
I love the story behind the recipe!! Very amusing and the recipe looks excellent, also! One question: Where do you find tamarind paste or concentrate?? Help!!
donna51
November 11, 2012
Hi! If i made this recipe the day before like most people recommend.....how long and at what temp. should i reheat the ribs? This recipe looks amazing!!
Amanda H.
November 11, 2012
I usually let the ribs come to room temperature, then reheat in a 200 degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes.
tracey181
August 15, 2012
Is it silly to make these for a dinner party in August? Short ribs always seem like such a cold weather food but these look great!
Amanda H.
August 15, 2012
I think it would be ok, as long as you serve it with lighter salads and a fruit dessert. But I'd also recommend making it again in January!
deanna1001
February 9, 2012
Dan Barber is possibly my favorite all time chef and any recipe of his is guaranteed to rock. This was a perfect Super Bowl meal. I did it over two days and took my time reducing and defatting. Sublime. Thanks Amanda for the story and the recipe. Loved both.
BBQDita
November 11, 2012
Could you explain your process before serving the ribs after taking 2 days to reduce? What method/time did you use to re-warm the meat?? Sounds delish, and would love to try!! :-)
Amanda H.
November 11, 2012
Sure -- just to be clear, you can make the ribs one day, then lift off the fat the next day before reheating. To reheat the dish, I let it come to room temperature and then warm it in a 200 degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes. Hope you like it!
BBQDita
November 11, 2012
Thank you SO much! I got the extra day to let the fats harden, but didn't want to ruin excellent ribs by reheating it wrong! :-)
fitsxarts
January 24, 2012
this is spectacular. reducing the sauce took a while but totally worth the wait. beautiful, rich sweet and sour flavor.
ChefJune
January 6, 2012
Dear Amanda: I just discovered this recipe! I must have twenty-leven recipes for braised short ribs, because I love them so, and MUST make them at least once a winter. Thank you SO much for posting Dan's recipe. This is definitely the version I'm making for 2012. I've never eaten anything he made that I didn't want to eat again. And again. And again! xoxo, June
Carol S.
November 28, 2011
I'm about to post a photo of these gorgeous short ribs sitting on buttery polenta. This is a marvelous dish. Thank you, Dan Barber and food52!
lorigoldsby
April 17, 2011
If Dan won't come, you would have a bevy of food52 bloggers knocking themselves out to sit at your table! You are so kind to invite a favorite chef or cook...nothing saddens me more than when someone says, "I couldn't invite you over for dinner, I'd be too intimidated!" great recipe--good tips on the proper braising method. Newer ovens and good cooking equipment can really alter a recipe !! (conversely, dorm kitchens/starter apartment kitchens also require a fearless plunge into an "I'll wing it" philosophy) Now tell us about one of your stellar successes!
Amanda H.
April 18, 2011
Sorry, that was actually me, Amanda. Was signed in as Sarah so I could upload one of her photos!
Chicago M.
March 24, 2011
The first thing I look at for any braised meat dish recipe is the oven temperature. I would say that 99% of the time, the oven temp called for in the recipe is 325+. In my Le Creueset pots, with lid on, 325+ produces a cauldron of bubbling lava that inevitably turns my food tough in no time flat. It was very refreshing to see this recipe call for a much calmer 225.
asabnis
March 9, 2011
Made this with a few twists...yummy!
Lightly coated ribs in oil, seasoned with salt and sichuan pepper, and browned ribs in a 500 F oven on a wire rack for 25 minutes, turning. This is an easy way to be rid of some fat.
Swapped mollasses for brown sugar.
Used dry sherry for want of madeira.
Added a few coins of ginger, 3 star anise, and cinnamon sticks to the liquid.
Added 1/4 cup soy sauce to the liquid.
Over brown rice.
Thanks!
Lightly coated ribs in oil, seasoned with salt and sichuan pepper, and browned ribs in a 500 F oven on a wire rack for 25 minutes, turning. This is an easy way to be rid of some fat.
Swapped mollasses for brown sugar.
Used dry sherry for want of madeira.
Added a few coins of ginger, 3 star anise, and cinnamon sticks to the liquid.
Added 1/4 cup soy sauce to the liquid.
Over brown rice.
Thanks!
The M.
January 8, 2013
just tried a modification of this with the molasses, ginger and stew beef shanks meat...was amazing. making it a day ahead with long long braise at low low temp was a real plus.
Annabambina
February 10, 2011
Hi Amanda!! I am ordering short ribs from a local grass-fed beef purveyor through my CSA. I want to be able to feed 3 people. Will 2 pounds be too little? Should I go with 3?
Annabambina
February 10, 2011
How could I forget about leftovers?! If there are any, looks like I'll be hoarding them :P Thanks, Amanda.
familydinners
February 9, 2011
Made these tonight for dinner. Everyone said it was one of the best dinners ever. The three year olds said "yummy meat!" I used the boneless ribs from Costco and they were wonderful. I'll definately make this again.
Amanda H.
February 9, 2011
So glad to hear it -- and your 3 year olds are clearly off to the races if they're eating short ribs already. Bravo!
Rhonda35
January 26, 2011
Ha! That is exactly what I do when I have a dinner party, catering job, Christmas Eve dinner for 20, etc. Must be in the genes! I've gotten pretty good at choosing the recipes, though, so that I don't have too many last minute scares. Anyway, I'm going to make these for tonight. It's cold, rainy and later turning to ice/snow...perfect short ribs weather, don't you agree?
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