How to Cook Beef Short Ribs Fast – A Quick and Easy Guide

Beef short ribs are a delicious cut of meat that can take a long time to cook properly Traditional recipes call for slowly braising the ribs for hours until the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender But who has time for that on a busy weeknight? Follow this quick and easy guide to learn how to prepare beef short ribs in the oven in just a couple of hours,

Why Take the Time to Cook Short Ribs?

Short ribs come from the plate primal cut on the cow, below the rib and above the brisket. They contain a high amount of tough connective tissue, which must be broken down through moist cooking methods like braising. When cooked properly, the connective tissue melts into succulent, beefy richness. The meat pulls cleanly off the bone in tender morsels.

While short ribs do require time to reach their full potential, the hands-off cooking method and amazing depth of flavor make them worth the effort. Here are some tips to cut down the cook time while still achieving fall-off-the-bone results:

Tips for Cooking Short Ribs Fast

Skip the Sear

Many recipes call for searing the ribs to develop browned flavors before braising. However this step can be skipped to save time. Season the ribs and place them straight into the braising liquid.

Use a Heavy Pot

Choose a heavy, oven-safe pot like a Dutch oven to braise the ribs. The thick material will distribute heat evenly and retain moisture.

Brown the Aromatics

Skip searing the ribs, but do brown the aromatics like onions and garlic in the pot first. Then deglaze with a bit of liquid to pick up all the flavorful browned bits.

Use Plenty of Liquid

Make sure the braising liquid covers the ribs halfway. Water stock or beer work well. The liquid helps break down connective tissue and keeps the meat juicy.

Use a Higher Temperature

Crank up the oven heat to at least 350°F, or use a pressure cooker to further reduce cook time. High, steady heat will soften the ribs quickly.

Skip Extra Ingredients

Keep the braising liquid simple to avoid dirtying extra dishes. Water or stock and basic aromatics like onion and garlic will do. Resist adding lots of herbs, tomatoes or other veg.

Test Doneness Early

Start checking for doneness after 1 1/2 hours. Use a fork to test – the meat should start sliding off the bones when ready.

Step-by-Step Method for Fast Short Ribs

Follow these simple steps for beef short ribs with melt-in-your-mouth texture in just 2-3 hours:

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs beef short ribs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3-4 cups beef broth or stock
• Generous amount of salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Season the Ribs: Pat the short ribs dry and generously season all over with salt and pepper. Set aside while you prep the remaining ingredients.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes until starting to soften. Add the garlic and sauté 30 seconds more.

3. Add Liquid and Ribs: Pour in the beef broth and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the short ribs bone-side down in a single layer. The liquid should come about halfway up the ribs. If needed, add more to cover.

4. Braise in the Oven: Cover the pot and place in a 350°F oven. Braise for 2-3 hours until fork-tender.

5. Make Sauce: Carefully remove the ribs to a plate. Defat the braising liquid using a fat separator. Pour liquid into a saucepan and simmer over med-high heat until reduced to a sauce consistency, about 5-10 minutes.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Return the ribs to the sauce to coat. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice or egg noodles. Garnish with parsley.

Recipe Variations

Once you master the basic method, try these tasty variations:

• Use red wine, beer or coffee instead of broth for the braising liquid.
• Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika or other spices to the ribs.
• Sauté mushrooms, carrots or other vegetables with the aromatics.
• Shred leftover ribs to make tacos, sandwiches, pizza topping or pasta sauce.

What to Serve with Short Ribs

Here are some classic side dishes that pair deliciously with braised short ribs:

• Buttery mashed potatoes or potato purée – a must for soaking up the rich sauce
• Egg noodles or rice – serve the ribs and sauce over the top
• Roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips or Brussels sprouts
• Simple salad of mixed greens with a vinaigrette dressing
• Crusty bread for dipping in the sauce
• Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro or green onions for garnish

Following these handy tips will allow you to enjoy incredible beef short ribs any night of the week without spending all day cooking. Trust me, once you try tender, succulent ribs prepared with this fast method, you’ll never go back! Just be sure to make extra – the irresistible leftovers are almost better the second day.