Beef short ribs are a treasured cut of meat that, when cooked properly, become sublimely tender and flavorful. However, achieving that ideal texture and taste requires time and the right cooking techniques. So how long does it really take to transform tough ribs into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness? Let’s dive into the details and get answers.
First, what exactly are beef short ribs? They come from the rib section of the cow and consist of a portion of the rib bone attached to plenty of rich, marbled meat. There are two main types
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English cut – sliced parallel to the bone into thick rectangular slabs perfect for grilling
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Flanken cut – sliced across the bone into thinner strips ideal for stews and braising
Both deliver great taste and tenderness, but flanken ribs cook faster due to their thinner profile.
Now, onto that all-important cooking time question. Traditional braising methods require 2.5 to 4 hours of gentle simmering to reach perfection. This extended cooking breaks down the collagen-rich connective tissues responsible for the meat’s signature succulence. Rushing the process won’t yield the same results.
However, there are strategies to reduce the cook time substantially while still delivering delicious short ribs:
Quick Cooking Methods to Slash Short Ribs Cook Time
Pressure Cooking
- Cuts cook time down to 45 mins – 1 hour.
- The high pressure environment tenderizes meat rapidly.
- Use an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker.
High Heat Oven Braising
- Reduce time to 1.5 hours at 300°F.
- Sear ribs first to enhance flavor.
- Braise in broth, wine and aromatics.
Grilling
- 5-7 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
- Flanken ribs work best.
- Char and caramelization adds flavor.
While these quick cooking techniques speed up the process considerably, the cooking time can still vary based on:
- Thickness and cut of ribs
- Amount of ribs
- Adding extra liquids
Your best bet is to utilize a meat thermometer and cook until the ribs reach an internal temp of around 203°F when done. This ensures they reach the ideal tenderness regardless of cut or quantity.
Flavor-Enhancing Hacks for Deeper Taste
Beyond cook time, certain preparation methods can seriously ramp up the end flavor:
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Marinating for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, before cooking infuses a ton of flavor. Soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar make a killer Asian marinade.
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Dry rubbed spices like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper penetrate deep into the meat too. Apply them generously before cooking.
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Searing before braising gives you that nice caramelized crust which adds depth.
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Deglazing the pan with wine or broth loosens up all those tasty browned bits. Incorporate that liquid into the braise.
Match Made in Heaven: Side Dishes for Short Ribs
To complete the meal, what should you serve alongside these succulent short ribs? Here are some sensational pairings:
- Creamy potato dishes like mashed potatoes or potato gratin
- Roasted or glazed carrots and other veggies
- Egg noodles or pasta
- Fresh, vibrant salads
- Crusty bread for soaking up juices
Hearty short ribs pair perfectly with bright, refreshing sides to create a beautifully balanced plate.
Pro-Tips for Short Ribs Success
After all this, what are some final tips and tricks to ensure short rib greatness every time?
- Use a heavy bottomed Dutch oven or pot to maintain even heat
- When braising, make sure liquid covers at least halfway up ribs
- Resist urge to keep checking or stirring ribs while cooking
- Let cooked ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
- Use leftover braising liquid as a flavorful stock base
The key is being patient through the longer cook time and letting the low, slow heat properly tenderize these tough cuts into fork-tender perfection. Follow these guidelines and you’ll be rewarded with the ultimate beefy, buttery texture in every juicy, savory bite.
So what’s the magic number for cooking time? For classic braising, allow 2.5 to 4 hours, and at least 45 minutes for quick methods. This ensures all those connective tissues transform into melt-in-your-mouth tender bliss. Use flavor-boosting techniques like marinades and rubs, partner with bright sides, and employ heavy duty cookware for the best results.
Now get ready to impress your family or guests with the most scrumptious beef short ribs they’ve ever tasted! Dig in and savor the beefy, rich flavors in those sublimely tender morsels. Your patience will be rewarded with pure comfort food heaven. Happy braising!
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Pro tip: make in advance
If you’re a first timer or worried about cook timing for a scheduled meal (re: whether it will take longer for the beef to become fall-apart tender), make it earlier in the day or even the day before…or the day before! As with all slow cooked things (like stews, shanks), the flavour gets better with time and it’s really straightforward to reheat.
That makes this a sensational dinner party option! It plates up really elegantly, posh restaurant style – and I have options below for fine-dining type sides instead of the hearty finger-licking type sides pictured (Coleslaw and steamed corn, classic BBQ sides)
Here’s a close up look at the homemade Barbecue Sauce you end up with in the pan. The beauty of this method of cooking is that the juices from the ribs mix in with the sauce, so you’re essentially making it with the ultimate money-can’t-buy beef stock!
ANOTHER PRO TIP: For a posh restaurant experience, strain the sauce to make it silky smooth. I do this for VIPs only.
In the recipe video, I make this entirely in the oven, including the caramelisation at the end. But if it were warmer weather, I would have finished it on the BBQ! I’ve included directions for grilling in the recipe.
Rustic Finger Lickin’ Good Barbecue Sides
I don’t know what it is about sides with mayo based dressings, but they just go so well with anything glazed with barbecue sauce!
Slow Cooking Beef Short Ribs | Gordon Ramsay
FAQ
How long does it take for short ribs to get done?
… smoker or grill, meat side up, and smoke until ribs reach 180°F (82°C) on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the middle of the meat, about 4 to 5 hours
How long to cook beef short rib?
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Come Grill With Mehttps://comegrillwithme.comHow To Cook BBQ Beef Short Ribs – Come Grill With MeMay 24, 2021 — Low and slow beef short ribs need at least 5-6 hours if not more to be tender. … Keep spraying them every 45 minutes until you reach an internal t…
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Reddit · r/Cookinghttps://www.reddit.comHow long to braise short ribs and what temp : r/CookingJul 1, 2022
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The Kitchnhttps://www.thekitchn.comHow To Braise Beef Short Ribs in a Dutch Oven – The KitchnHeat the oven and season the meat. … Cover and place in the oven. … Braise in the oven until the meat is very tender and pulling away from the bone, 2 to 2 …
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RecipeTin Eatshttps://www.recipetineats.comBraised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce – RecipeTin EatsFeb 6, 2019 — How long does it take to braise beef short ribs? The time it takes for the beef to become fall apart tender varies depending on what cooking method y…
How long to cook beef short ribs in the oven?
- Temperature: 300-325°F.
- Time: 2.5-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and the fat has broken down.
- Process: Cover the short ribs with liquid (broth or water), then cover the pot and bake.
How long to cook ribs at 350 in the oven?
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Initial Cooking:Place the ribs on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake covered for about 1.5-2 hours at 350°F.
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Checking for Doneness:The ribs should be fork-tender and the meat should pull away easily from the bones.
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Optional Broiling:Once cooked, remove the foil, brush with your favorite barbecue sauce, and broil for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce, says Allrecipes.
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Temperature Considerations:While 350°F is a common temperature, some recipes suggest cooking at 300-325°F for a slightly longer time to ensure the ribs remain tender and juicy.
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Low and Slow Method:You can also use a low and slow method, cooking the ribs at 275°F for a longer period, which can result in fall-off-the-bone tenderness, according to Reddit.
How long to cook Short ribs in oven?
Cooking time for short ribs in the oven depends on the size of the ribs and the temperature you’re cooking them at. As a general rule, short ribs should be cooked for about 3 hours at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if your ribs are thicker or thinner than average, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do you cook beef short ribs?
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for savory, mouthwatering beef short ribs: Before preparing the ingredients, preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, arrange the braising rack to the bottom third of the oven for the best heat distribution. Many people may not know where exactly to put the ribs once it’s time to cook.
How long do you cook Short ribs at 350?
As a general rule, short ribs should be cooked for about 3 hours at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if your ribs are thicker or thinner than average, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can check if your short ribs are done by piercing them with a fork. If the meat is tender and falls apart easily, they’re done.
How long to cook Frozen short ribs?
If you are starting with frozen short ribs, it is important to take into account their frozen state when determining the cooking time. Frozen meat requires more time to cook through compared to thawed or fresh meat. For frozen short ribs, it is recommended to cook them in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 2 to 2.5 hours.
What should you do before baking the short ribs?
Preheat oven to 325°F. Season short ribs all over with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat oil in skillet. Brown ribs on all sides until crusted, about 2 minutes per side. Place ribs in baking dish. Add onions, beef broth, wine, bay leaves and thyme. Tightly cover dish with foil. Bake 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours until fork tender.
How do you cook boneless short ribs?
To cook boneless short ribs, cover them in a dry rub and slowly bake in a low-temperature oven. Boneless short ribs are available at grocery and butcher shops and will be less fatty than bone-in ribs.