Rachael Ray's 5 Best Short Rib Recipes Revealed

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the rich, tender allure of braised short ribs. Rachael Ray, renowned for her culinary expertise and her zest for making home cooking accessible to all, has a particular affinity for this hearty cut of meat. Today, we're unveiling Rachael Ray's top 5 short rib recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food at its finest.

1. Braised Beef Short Ribs with Red Wine Reduction

One of Rachael’s classic dishes, this recipe involves braising beef short ribs in a rich sauce made from red wine, beef stock, and an assortment of aromatics. Here’s how you can recreate it:

• Ingredients: Beef short ribs, red wine, beef stock, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
• Preparation:
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Season ribs with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet until browned on all sides.
  3. Add in chopped vegetables, sauté until softened, then mix in tomato paste, cook briefly, and deglaze with red wine.
  4. Add beef stock, bring to a boil, transfer everything to an ovenproof dish.
  5. Cover and braise in the oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours or until the meat is fork-tender.
• Presentation: Serve over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes.

⭐ Note: Red wine brings out the robust flavor in short ribs. Choose a hearty variety like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for the best results.

2. Short Rib Ragu with Pappardelle

Turn your short ribs into a luxurious pasta sauce with this elegant yet easy-to-follow recipe:

• Ingredients: Short ribs, onions, garlic, canned tomatoes, rosemary, dried porcini mushrooms, pasta (pappardelle), Parmesan cheese.
• Preparation:
  1. Brown short ribs, then cook onions and garlic in the same pot.
  2. Add tomatoes, rosemary, and rehydrated porcini mushrooms with their soaking liquid.
  3. Braise low and slow for hours, shred the meat, and mix back into the sauce.
  4. Cook pasta to al dente, toss with ragu, and serve with freshly grated Parmesan.

⭐ Note: Porcini mushrooms add an earthy depth to the ragu. If unavailable, try using a mix of fresh mushrooms.

3. Short Rib and Vegetable Stew

This rustic stew is perfect for a chilly evening, filled with chunks of short ribs, root vegetables, and savory herbs:

• Ingredients: Beef short ribs, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, pearl onions, beef stock, red wine vinegar, thyme, bay leaves, flour for thickening.
• Preparation:
  1. Brown short ribs, set aside, then cook onions and flour in the rendered fat.
  2. Add beef stock, vinegar, and herbs, bring to a simmer.
  3. Add vegetables and browned ribs, braise for hours until everything is tender.

⭐ Note: Adding vinegar or a splash of citrus juice at the end enhances the flavors significantly.

4. Guinness Braised Short Ribs

Rachael incorporates her love for Irish cuisine with this beer-infused braise:

• Ingredients: Beef short ribs, Guinness beer, beef stock, onions, garlic, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, rosemary, and thyme.
• Preparation:
  1. Season and sear the short ribs, remove from the pan.
  2. Cook onions and garlic, add mustard and sugar, then deglaze with Guinness.
  3. Add beef stock and herbs, return the ribs to the pot, and braise in the oven.

5. Asian-Style Short Ribs with Ginger and Scallions

For a twist on the traditional, Rachael spices up her short ribs with Asian flavors:

• Ingredients: Beef short ribs, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, scallions, sesame seeds.
• Preparation:
  1. Marinate the ribs in a mix of soy, vinegar, hoisin, ginger, and garlic.
  2. Braise or slow-cook until the meat is falling off the bone.
  3. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds before serving.

In wrapping up, these short rib recipes by Rachael Ray demonstrate her ability to transform an often overlooked cut into something truly remarkable. With her simple yet innovative techniques, you can make these dishes that cater to both your taste buds and your desire for hearty, soul-warming meals. Each recipe captures the essence of comfort food, ensuring that your kitchen will be filled with enticing aromas and your table with satisfied diners.

How long does it take to braise short ribs?

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Short ribs require slow cooking to become tender. Braising them for about 2.5 to 3 hours at 325°F (165°C) or until they are fork-tender is ideal.

Can I prepare short ribs in advance?

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Absolutely! Short ribs reheat beautifully. Prepare them a day or two ahead and gently reheat before serving to enhance flavors.

What are the best accompaniments for short ribs?

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Pair short ribs with sides like creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles to soak up the rich sauce.