Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs (Print Version)

Beef short ribs braised with apple cider, vegetables, and herbs for a tender, deeply flavorful main course.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
03 - 2 celery stalks, diced
04 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

06 - 2 cups apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
07 - 1 cup beef broth
08 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Aromatics & Herbs

09 - 2 sprigs fresh thyme
10 - 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
11 - 2 bay leaves

→ Seasonings

12 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
13 - Salt, to taste
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Optional

15 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F.
02 - Pat short ribs dry with paper towels and season liberally with salt and pepper on all sides.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until a deep brown crust forms, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate.
04 - Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables soften. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to darken slightly.
06 - Pour in apple cider and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pot with a wooden spoon.
07 - Return short ribs to the pot. Add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring liquid to a gentle simmer.
08 - Cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2½ to 3 hours, or until meat is fork-tender.
09 - Remove short ribs and vegetables to a platter. Skim excess fat from the surface of the sauce. Simmer sauce on the stovetop to reduce slightly if desired. For added brightness, stir in apple cider vinegar if using. Serve short ribs with sauce spooned over the top.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or rustic bread for a hearty meal.
02 - If apple cider is unavailable, substitute apple juice and reduce sugar in the rest of the dish.
03 - A tablespoon of cold butter whisked into the sauce just before serving adds extra richness.
04 - Flavors deepen after refrigeration; leftovers reheat well.

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