Cider Braised Short Ribs with Vegetables

Cider Braised Short Ribs with Vegetables

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Tender & Flavorful Dish

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a well-cooked braised dish, and Cider Braised Short Ribs are the perfect example. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef pairs perfectly with the earthy sweetness of cider, creating a rich and flavorful dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or serving guests, this dish is sure to wow everyone around the table.

Have you ever had that feeling when you take a bite of something so tender, it practically falls apart in your mouth? That’s exactly what you can expect with these Cider Braised Short Ribs. Braised low and slow in apple cider, the ribs absorb all those wonderful flavors, becoming incredibly juicy and tender. And while this may sound like a dish reserved for special occasions, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home, with minimal preparation required.

If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting meals, you might also enjoy our Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Both dishes bring rich, deep flavors, but while beef stew is more of a soupy comfort dish, these short ribs shine as a beautiful main course. Ready to give this dish a try? Let’s jump into the recipe!

What is Cider Braised Short Ribs?

Now, you might be wondering, Why cider? Well, cider isn’t just for sipping! When combined with short ribs, it creates a deeply flavorful braising liquid that infuses the meat with a subtly sweet, yet savory profile. Cider Braised Short Ribs is exactly what it sounds like—a cut of beef short ribs slowly simmered in a mixture of cider, vegetables, and seasonings until they are fall-off-the-bone tender.

But what makes this recipe so special? It’s all about that sweet and savory contrast. The cider adds a subtle sweetness that balances the rich, beefy flavor of the short ribs. The result? A dish that’s perfectly balanced and loaded with flavor, making it a standout choice for any dinner.

It’s like the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—and this dish, with its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, is sure to win over anyone at your table. Ready to make some cider magic? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Cider Braised Short Ribs with Vegetables

Why You’ll Love This Cider Braised Short Ribs

When you take a bite of Cider Braised Short Ribs, you’re in for a treat. Here’s why this dish is a must-try:

  1. Fall-Off-The-Bone Tenderness: The secret to perfect short ribs is braising them slowly in a flavorful liquid. The cider and seasonings break down the meat, making it so tender that it practically falls off the bone with the gentlest touch.
  2. An Impressive, Yet Simple Meal: This dish looks like it took hours to prepare, but in reality, it’s fairly simple to make. It’s the kind of recipe that requires minimal hands-on time, but delivers a dish that’s perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
  3. Budget-Friendly Comfort Food: While short ribs can seem like a splurge, braising them in cider and vegetables makes them an incredibly economical choice for a hearty meal. Plus, you’ll end up with enough tender, flavorful meat to feed a crowd.

If you love Slow Cooker Beef Stew for its rich flavors and tender meat, this recipe for cider braised short ribs offers a similar comfort, but with the added depth of cider. Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Cider Braised Short Ribs

Quick Overview

This recipe for Cider Braised Short Ribs is as easy as it is delicious. Simply brown the ribs to develop flavor, then braise them in a mixture of apple cider, vegetables, and seasonings. The braising process ensures that the meat becomes tender and juicy, soaking up all the flavors in the pot. This dish requires minimal effort, but the results are absolutely spectacular.

Key Ingredients for Cider Braised Short Ribs

Here’s what you’ll need for this dish:

  • For the Ribs:
    • 4-6 bone-in short ribs (about 3 lbs)
    • Salt and pepper (to taste)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For the Braising Liquid:
    • 2 cups apple cider (preferably not sweetened)
    • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
    • 1/2 cup dry white wine
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 large onion, sliced
    • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
    • 2 celery stalks, chopped
    • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
    • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Cider Braised Short Ribs with Vegetables

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brown the Short Ribs: Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs and brown them on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Once browned, remove the ribs and set them aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine cook down for about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the Cider and Broth: Pour in the apple cider, beef broth, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Braise the Short Ribs: Return the browned short ribs to the pot, making sure they’re mostly submerged in the braising liquid. Add the rosemary and thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C). Braise for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender.
  6. Finishing Touches: Once the short ribs are tender, remove the pot from the oven. Discard the herb sprigs and skim any excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid. If you want a thicker sauce, you can simmer the liquid on the stove for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
  7. Serve: Serve the short ribs with the vegetables and a generous spoonful of the cider sauce. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Cider Braised Short Ribs with Vegetables

What to Serve Cider Braised Short Ribs With

Pairing sides with these Cider Braised Short Ribs is easy—this dish is rich and flavorful, so you’ll want sides that complement it without overwhelming the flavors.

  • Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the rich, tender short ribs and the savory cider sauce.
  • Roasted Root Vegetables: Roasted parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets make a colorful and flavorful side that works perfectly with this dish.
  • Crusty Bread: A thick slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious cider sauce.
  • Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans with almonds add a nice crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the ribs.

Top Tips for Perfecting Cider Braised Short Ribs

  • Brown the Meat Well: Don’t rush the browning process—it’s key to developing deep, rich flavors in the final dish.
  • Use Unsweetened Cider: Look for an unsweetened apple cider to avoid making the dish too sweet. The cider should provide a subtle sweetness without overpowering the savory elements.
  • Adjust the Braise Time: Depending on the size of your short ribs, the braising time may vary. Aim for tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. If the ribs aren’t tender enough after the suggested time, cover and braise for an additional 30 minutes.
Cider Braised Short Ribs with Vegetables

Storing and Reheating Tips

  • Storing: Allow any leftover Cider Braised Short Ribs to cool completely before storing. Place the ribs and vegetables in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: This dish freezes well! Simply cool it completely and transfer the short ribs and braising liquid to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: To reheat, gently simmer the ribs in the braising liquid on the stove until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Recipe Schema Markup

  • Preparation Time: PT20M
  • Cooking Time: PT2H45M
  • Total Time: PT3H5M
  • Type of Recipe: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American
  • Keywords: cider braised short ribs, short ribs recipe, braised beef, fall-off-the-bone short ribs, comforting dinner
  • Recipe Yield: 4 servings
  • Calories: 500 per serving (approx.)

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 4-6 bone-in short ribs (about 3 lbs)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Pros:

  • Fall-off-the-bone tenderness
  • Rich and flavorful cider sauce
  • Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time
  • Budget-friendly comfort food
Cider Braised Short Ribs with Vegetables

Cons:

  • Takes a few hours to cook
  • Requires oven time

Recipe Instructions

  1. Brown short ribs on all sides, remove from pot.
  2. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
  3. Deglaze with white wine, add cider, broth, mustard, and sugar.
  4. Return ribs to pot, add rosemary and thyme, and braise in the oven for 2.5-3 hours.
  5. Skim fat, discard herb sprigs, and serve with vegetables.

Now, you’re all set to make this delicious Cider Braised Short Ribs dish! Enjoy the tender, juicy flavors and make it the highlight of your next meal.

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