5 Delicious 2-Pound Short Ribs Recipes to Try Today

Ah, short ribs. These tender, flavorful pieces of beef are perfect for any occasion, especially when you have around 2 pounds to work with. Here's an exploration of five delectable short ribs recipes that you can try today. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes are designed to highlight the delicious potential of short ribs, creating dishes that are as satisfying to cook as they are to eat.

The Classic Braised Short Ribs

Braising is the go-to method for many when it comes to cooking short ribs, known for its ability to melt the collagen into gelatin, resulting in fork-tender meat. Here’s a classic braised short rib recipe:

• Ingredients:
• 2 pounds of beef short ribs
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• Thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pan, sear the ribs on all sides until browned. Remove the ribs and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
4. Add the beef broth and red wine, scraping the bottom to release the fond (the tasty bits stuck to the pan).
5. Return the ribs to the pan, add herbs, cover, and transfer to the oven to braise for about 2.5 to 3 hours.

💡 Note: The braising liquid can be reduced to make a rich sauce to serve with the ribs.

Korean BBQ Galbi

Korean BBQ short ribs, or Galbi, offer a sweeter, tangier profile. Here’s how to make them:

• Ingredients:
• 2 pounds of flanken-cut short ribs (thinly sliced with bone)
• 1 Asian pear, grated
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Steps:

1. Whisk together the Asian pear, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to create the marinade.
2. Marinate the ribs in this mixture for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Grill the ribs over high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side or until caramelized.
4. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Red Wine Short Ribs with Polenta

A rich, wine-infused dish that pairs beautifully with creamy polenta:

• Ingredients:
• 2 pounds beef short ribs
• 1 bottle of good quality red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 2 cups beef stock
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
• Salt, pepper, and olive oil

Steps:

1. Brown the seasoned short ribs in a Dutch oven or heavy pot.
2. Add onions to the pot and cook until caramelized. Stir in tomato paste.
3. Pour in the red wine and stock, add herbs, then bring to a simmer.
4. Braise at 325°F (160°C) for about 3 hours.
5. Serve the ribs over creamy polenta.

💡 Note: The red wine you choose will greatly influence the flavor, so opt for one you'd enjoy drinking.

Miso Glazed Short Ribs

A twist on traditional methods, this recipe incorporates miso paste:

• Ingredients:
• 2 pounds beef short ribs
• 1/3 cup white miso paste
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

Steps:

1. Combine the miso, mirin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and ginger to make the glaze.
2. Marinate the ribs in half the glaze for a few hours.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 2 hours, basting occasionally with the glaze.
4. Broil for the last 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

Slow Cooker Short Rib Tacos

A simple, crowd-pleasing recipe for those using a slow cooker:

• Ingredients:
• 2 pounds boneless short ribs
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 chipotle in adobo sauce
• 1 teaspoon each of cumin and smoked paprika
• Tortillas, toppings (salsa, avocado, cilantro)

Steps:

1. Season the ribs and place them in the slow cooker.
2. Add onions, garlic, tomatoes, chipotle, and spices.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours until the meat falls apart.
4. Shred the meat, serve in tortillas with desired toppings.

In these five recipes, we’ve explored various ways to elevate the humble short rib. From braising to marinating, from rich wine reductions to sweet miso glazes, each method brings out the best in short ribs, offering a variety of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a new culinary adventure, these recipes provide options that are easy to follow and rich in taste.

Can I cook short ribs faster?

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Yes, with techniques like sous-vide or using an Instant Pot, you can cook short ribs more quickly. However, for the traditional depth of flavor, slow cooking is preferred.

How do I know when short ribs are done?

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The meat should be tender enough to fall off the bone or be easily shredded with a fork. Cooking times can vary, but most recipes call for at least 2-3 hours at low heat.

What can I serve with short ribs?

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Short ribs pair well with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, roasted root vegetables, or even a simple salad for a lighter touch.