Would boneless short ribs be okay or is bone-in essential?

Of course you can use boneless, but, I recall an old saying "the closer the bone, the sweeter the meat" which really means tastier not necessarily sweeter. I always buy meats with the bone. Not only do you get more flavor, it also makes a better presentation.

I bought boneless ribs not long ago because the bone in didn't look as meaty as they normally do. They turned out really well. I've also been using them for beef stew for two and it's awesome. Bones add flavor and a rich texture, but I have found the boneless have enough fat and collagen to be perfectly good.

Hi Molly - boneless would be fine! The liquid won't be quite as rich and it probably won't need to cook for quite as long, but they're definitely ok to use! Hope you enjoy it. :)