Table of Contents
Introduction
Beer braised short ribs are an all-around comfort food that marries beef with the undertones of beer. This is a slow cooked beef short rib with full flavor beer based liquid until cooked tender and falling off the bone. It’s comforting and indulgent enough that it feels like a meal. The really interesting, magical thing about beer braised short ribs is today, I want to share a bit of creativity and how to make them at home, very, very easily.
Understanding Beef Short Ribs
Types of Short Ribs
- English Style: The meaty ribs run parallel to the bone they are thick. Because their meat content is substantial, they are ideal for braising.
- Flanken Style: Thus, they are thinner and are cut across multiple bones. Although they are typically grilled, they will do great for braising in shorter cooking times.
Selection Tips
Choose well marbled short ribs with lots of fat running throughout the meat. The fat in this will render down when cooking and keeps the meat moist and gives it flavour. Whenever possible, select fresh, high quality beef, and when in doubt, ask your butcher what cut would most appropriate for your particular recipe.
The Role of Beer in Braising
Flavor Enhancement
Beer adds depth and complexity to the dish. The flavors vary, depending on what kind of beer you use from malty and sweet to bitter and nutty. The richness of the savory taste of beef is complemented by this interplay.
Tenderizing Effect
Beer gets most of its tenderizing power from the alcohol and carbonation. The ribs then cook slowly and the beer helps break down those tough connective tissue so the meat melts off from the bones.
Beer Selection
Commonly dark beers such as stouts, porters or brown ales are used. The robust flavors of these beers hold up nicely to the hearty beef. Amber or lager beers are better alternatives, if you lean on a milder taste.
Ingredients and Preparation
Essential Ingredients
- Beef Short Ribs: 3-4 pounds.
- Aromatics: Vegetables including onions, carrots, celery and garlic.
- Braising Liquid: Beer, beef stock and tomato paste formations.
- Seasonings: Some basic spices that go well with beef are – salt, black pepper powder, thyme, and bay leaf and if you prefer adding some extra flavor to the meat, additives like smoked paprika or cumin.
Beer Braised Short Ribs Preparation Step-by-Step
Sear the Ribs:
Take the short ribs and using paper towel pat them to remove the surface moisture. Season also with adequate salt and pepper. Heat a large heavy based pan or an oven with a few spoons of oil for medium-high.
Also, be careful not to overcrowd the ribs when searing them because you want all sides browned. This step helps to grow a tasty skin and tendons and secured fluids in. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
To it, you should add chopped onions, carrots and celery in the same pot. Stir until it becomes tender and release the aroma for about 5- 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for a further one minute.
Deglaze with Beer:
To deglaze, add the beer into the pot and stir up the dark-coloured particles stuck at the base of the pot with a spatula. These bits are highly flavoured and will and can boost the flavoured of the sauce.
Combine Ingredients:
Now put the seared ribs back into the pot. Stir in beef stock, tomato paste, thyme and a bay leaf. This should just ensure that the liquid reaches the ribs and do so to a midpoint level. This step is to season the beans with salt and pepper if necessary.
Slow Cook:
Pour the mixture into the pot and return it to the oven at 325°F (165°C) and bake covered. Steam for 1.5 – 2 hours then flip the ribs and steam further for additional 1 – 1.5 hours. It is also important to glance now and again just to make sure the liquid level is sufficient.
Cooking Equipment
Dutch Oven
Braising is the gold standard of a Dutch oven. This slow cooker is well constructed, and its tight fitting lid retains the moisture to cook meat slowly.
Alternatives
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, but want to try the recipe, you can transfer it to a slow cooker or an oven proof pot covered with tinfoil. These methods just require you to adjust the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions for Beer Braised Short Ribs
Accompaniments
- Mashed Potatoes: They’re creamy and buttery, and are just such a great pair with the rich sauce.
- Polenta: For a luscious, soft alternative that soaks up the braising liquid.
- Crusty Bread: Great for picking up each last drop of the wonderful sauce.
Garnishes
To add a fresh touch, store the ribs loosely wrapped in the fridge to put a little moisture back into them overnight then rearrange to fit the pan you were originally going to use, give it a good sprinkle of chopped parsley, thyme or even grated lemon zest over the ribs before serving. It uses up your garnish, making the dish a bit less frowny, and it’s a pop of color.
Variations and Substitutions
Alternative Liquids
- Red Wine: To make the sauce deeper and richer, swap beer for red wine.
- Root Beer: If you prefer the liquid to add a slight sweetness and a twang of spice, use root beer as the liquid to braise the meat in.
Flavor Additions
- Chili Flakes: A little chili flakes add a subtle heat.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms sautéed with add an earthier under tone to the dish.
- Herbs: If you’re wanting something a little different, why not use rosemary or sage instead of thyme for the aromatic profile?
Tips for Cooking Beer Braised Short Ribs
Importance of Searing
Never skip the searing step! It’s important for the depth of flavor and savory flavor needed for the entire dish to develop.
Benefits of Slow Cooking
Patience is key. Cooking the ribs on low and slow temperature, helps break down the collagen and the meat becomes tender and juicy.
Skimming Fat
Once it’s braised, let it rest for a few minutes. Skim excess fat from the surface of the sauce with a spoon. It gets the presentation a bit cleaner and more refined.
Conclusion
The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to beer braised short ribs is savoring. Both of these sandwiches pack the hearty satisfaction of tender beef but with the unique complexities of beer infused flavors. This dish will impress for any kind of special occasion or even as a cozy family dinner. It’s a straightforward recipe with steps cooks of all levels can easily comprehend and versatile serving options so good, it’s still a favorite among my readers. Are you ready for the magic of beer braised short ribs? Give it a try today with your ingredients gathered!