Beef Short Rib Recipes

Discover the best beef short rib recipes that’ll transform your cooking game. From perfect marinades to slow cooker shortcuts, these beef short rib recipes deliver restaurant-quality results every time.

The Ultimate Beef Short Rib Recipes Guide

There’s something absolutely magical about beef short ribs when they’re cooked properly. These meaty cuts transform from tough, chewy pieces into fall-off-the-bone masterpieces that’ll have your family and friends begging for the recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, mastering beef short rib recipes opens up a world of incredible flavours and textures.

Here at The Rub BBQ, we’ve been perfecting our beef short rib techniques since our early days serving up authentic smoked meats across Milton Keynes. From our humble beginnings at StrEAT Food NN (where we sold out in just 2 hours!) to becoming one of the most trusted caterers in Milton Keynes, we’ve learned exactly what makes these cuts so special – and we’re sharing all our secrets with you.

The variety of beef short ribs is what makes them so delicious. There’s a beef short rib recipe for every occasion and ability level, whether you’re looking for the true BBQ smokiness, the ease of slow cooker cooking, or the consistent results of oven baking.

Here’s what we’re covering:

• Understanding Beef Short Ribs
• Essential Marinades for Beef Short Ribs
• How to Make Beef Short Ribs (The Foundations)
• BBQ Beef Short Ribs Recipe
• Beef Short Rib Recipe in the Slow Cooker
• Baked Beef Short Ribs Recipe
• Best Sides for Beef Short Ribs
• Pro Tips from Professional Pitmasters

Understanding Beef Short Ribs

Before diving into specific beef short rib recipes, it’s crucial to understand what you’re working with. Beef short ribs come from the chuck, plate, or rib areas of beef cattle, and they’re known for their rich marbling and connective tissue – exactly what makes them perfect for slow cooking methods.

Types of Short Rib Cuts

English Cut Short Ribs are cut parallel to the rib bone, giving you those classic rectangular pieces with one bone per portion. These are ideal for braising and slow cooking, making them perfect for our upcoming beef short rib recipe variations.

Flanken Cut Short Ribs are sliced across the bones, creating strips with multiple cross-sections of bone. These cook faster and work brilliantly for grilling or quick braising methods.

Boneless Short Ribs offer convenience and even cooking, though you’ll miss out on some of the flavour that bones provide during the cooking process.

Why Short Ribs Need Special Treatment

Because short ribs contain a lot of collagen, they need to be cooked slowly and low to break down the stiff fibres and produce soft, smooth flesh. If you rush the process, the results will be chewy and unsatisfying. If you take your time, you’ll produce something genuinely amazing.

Essential Marinades for Beef Short Ribs

A great marinade for beef short ribs serves two purposes: adding flavour and helping to tenderise the meat. While the long cooking process will handle most of the tenderising work, a good marinade creates layers of flavour that penetrate deep into the meat.

Classic Red Wine Marinade

This traditional European-inspired marinade for beef short ribs combines the acidity of red wine with aromatic vegetables and herbs:

• 750ml red wine (use something you’d drink)
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 bay leaves
• Black peppercorns

Combine everything and marinate your short ribs for 4-24 hours. The wine’s acidity helps break down proteins whilst the vegetables add complex, savoury notes.

Korean-Style Galbi Marinade

This Asian-inspired marinade for beef short ribs creates incredible depth of flavour:

• 200ml soy sauce
• 100ml brown sugar
• 4 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 Asian pear, grated
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 piece ginger, grated
• 2 spring onions, chopped

The fruit enzymes help tenderise whilst creating that perfect sweet-salty balance that makes Korean BBQ so addictive.

How to Make Beef Short Ribs: The Foundation

Regardless of which specific beef short rib recipe you choose, certain fundamental techniques apply across all methods:

Preparation Steps

Trimming: Remove excess surface fat, leaving about 1/4 inch for flavour and moisture. Don’t go overboard – that fat renders down beautifully during cooking.

Seasoning: Season generously with salt at least 40 minutes before cooking, or ideally overnight. This allows the salt to penetrate and enhance the meat’s natural flavours.

Searing: In order to generate rich tastes through the Maillard reaction, the majority of beef short rib recipes benefit from early searing. Make sure the pan is heated enough, and keep the meat in place until the crust is golden-brown.

Temperature and Timing Guidelines

The Food Standards Agency recommends cooking beef to safe internal temperatures, but with short ribs, we’re looking for much more than just safety – we want that perfect tender texture that only comes from proper low-and-slow cooking.

Target internal temperatures around 195-203°F (90-95°C) for that fall-apart tenderness. This might seem high, but the connective tissue needs this heat to fully break down into gelatin.

BBQ Beef Short Ribs Recipe

This BBQ beef short ribs recipe represents everything we’ve learned during our years serving authentic smoked meats. It’s the same method we use for our catering events, scaled down for home cooking.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs beef short ribs (English cut)
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Apple or cherry wood chips

Method:

Step 1: The Rub
Mix all dry ingredients to create your rub. Apply generously to the short ribs, ensuring even coverage. Let them rest at room temperature for 1 hour, or refrigerate overnight.

Step 2: Prepare Your Smoker
Set up your smoker for indirect cooking at 225°F (107°C). If using a standard BBQ, create a two-zone setup with coals on one side.

Step 3: The Smoke
Place short ribs on the cooler side of your grill, bone-side down. Add wood chips for that authentic smoky flavour. Cook for 6-8 hours, maintaining a steady temperature.

Step 4: The Wrap
After 4-5 hours, when the meat has developed a good bark, wrap it in butcher paper or foil with a splash of beef stock. This prevents stalling and helps push through the final cooking phase.

Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once probe-tender (the thermometer slides in like butter), remove and rest for 30 minutes before serving.

This BBQ beef short ribs recipe takes a bit of time, but it delivers restaurant-quality results that’ll impress any guest. It’s the very same technique we use when catering events across the region. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our previous article on 10 BBQ recipes for a crowd that are guaranteed to get people talking.

Beef Short Rib Recipe in the Slow Cooker

Convenience sometimes wins over tradition, and not everyone has access to a smoker. With very little hands-on time, this slow cooker beef short rib recipe produces amazing results.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef short ribs
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 500ml beef stock
• 250ml red wine
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Step 1: Sear the Ribs
Heat oil in a large pan and sear short ribs on all sides until golden brown. This step is crucial for developing flavour in your slow cooker recipe.

Step 2: Build the Base
Transfer ribs to your slow cooker. In the same pan, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute.

Step 3: Deglaze and Combine
Add wine to the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Pour this mixture over the ribs, then add stock, bay leaves, and thyme.

Step 4: Slow Cook
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the meat falls off the bone.

Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove ribs and strain the cooking liquid. Reduce in a pan for a glossy sauce, then serve over the tender meat.

This beef short rib recipe in the slow cooker proves you don’t need professional equipment to achieve amazing results. It’s perfect for busy weekdays when you want something special without the fuss.

Baked Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Sometimes the oven provides the most consistent, reliable results. This baked beef short ribs recipe combines the convenience of oven cooking with techniques that ensure perfect tenderness every time.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs beef short ribs
• 3 tbsp plain flour
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 onions, roughly chopped
• 4 carrots, cut into chunks
• 1 bottle red wine (750ml)
• 500ml beef stock
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Salt and black pepper

Method:

Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan). Season short ribs with salt and pepper, then dust lightly with flour.

Step 2: Initial Browning
Heat oil in a large, oven-safe casserole dish. Brown the short ribs on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build Flavour Base
In the same dish, cook onions and carrots until softened and lightly browned. Add tomato paste and garlic, cooking for another minute.

Step 4: Braising Liquid
Pour in wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add stock, bay leaves, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Oven Braising
Return short ribs to the dish, ensuring they’re mostly covered by liquid. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the oven.

Step 6: Long, Slow Cooking
Braise for 3-4 hours, checking occasionally and adding more stock if needed. The meat should be fork-tender when done.

This baked beef short ribs recipe delivers consistent results every time, making it perfect for dinner parties or Sunday family meals when you want something impressive but manageable.

Best Sides for Beef Short Ribs

Balance is key when selecting the ideal sides for beef short ribs; you want to serve them alongside the robust, rich flavours without overpowering them. Our tried-and-true favourites from years of catering experience are as follows:

Classic Comfort Sides

Roasted root vegetables bring natural sweetness and varied textures. Carrots, parsnips, and turnips roasted until caramelised create beautiful colour and complementary flavours.

Yorkshire puddings may not seem like much, but they are excellent at absorbing thick sauces and gravies. They also include the classic British comfort meal component.

Creamy mashed potatoes remain the ultimate pairing. The smooth, buttery texture provides the perfect contrast to the meat’s intensity whilst absorbing all those delicious cooking juices.

Fresh and Light Options

A simple green salad with sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. The acidity helps cleanse the palate between bites of rich meat.

Steamed seasonal vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus provide colour, nutrition, and textural contrast without overwhelming the dish.

Grain and Starch Sides

Creamy polenta offers a smooth, corn-flavoured base that pairs beautifully with braised short ribs and their cooking juices.

Wild rice pilaf provides nutty flavours and interesting textures that complement rather than compete with the meat.

Crusty bread is essential for mopping up every last drop of those incredible cooking juices – don’t let any flavour go to waste!

Pro Tips from Professional Pitmasters

After years of perfecting our craft and serving thousands of satisfied customers at our food truck in Milton Keynes, we’ve picked up some insider secrets that make all the difference:

Temperature is Everything

Invest in a good meat thermometer – preferably one with remote monitoring. Consistent temperature control separates amateur cooks from professionals. Short ribs are forgiving, but maintaining steady heat produces the best results.

Don’t Rush the Process

The biggest mistake home cooks make is rushing. Proper beef short rib recipes require patience. That connective tissue needs time to break down properly – there’s no shortcut to perfection.

Save Those Cooking Juices

Never throw away your short ribs’ drippings or braising liquid. After straining and reducing, you will have the most amazing sauce you have ever tasted. Concentrated tastes that money cannot purchase are present in this liquid gold.

Plan Ahead

The following day, short ribs taste even better. Deeper, more complex flavours are produced when the flavours combine and evolve. Your stress levels will appreciate it if you prepare them in advance for dinner parties.

Choose Quality Meat

Not all short ribs are created equal. Look for well-marbled pieces with good fat distribution. Quality ingredients make quality results – it’s that simple.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even experienced cooks sometimes face challenges with beef short rib recipes. Here’s how to avoid and fix common problems:

Tough, Chewy Results

Usually caused by insufficient cooking time or temperature. Short ribs need to reach that magic 195-203°F internal temperature for proper texture. If they’re tough, keep cooking – they’re not done yet.

Dry Meat

Occurs frequently while cooking at an excessively high temperature or when there is insufficient braising liquid. For the ideal short ribs, it’s all about slow and low.

Bland Flavours

Proper seasoning and searing are crucial. Don’t skip the browning step – it develops complex flavours that can’t be achieved any other way.

Greasy Results

Caused by not skimming fat during cooking or serving immediately without resting. Let cooked short ribs rest, then remove surface fat before serving.

Regional Variations and International Inspiration

While we specialise in authentic BBQ-style beef short ribs here in Milton Keynes, these cuts are celebrated worldwide, each culture bringing unique approaches:

Korean Galbi

Korean-style short ribs showcase how marinades can transform familiar ingredients into something completely different. The sweet-salty balance creates addictive flavours that have made Korean BBQ incredibly popular across Britain.

Jewish-Style Braised Short Ribs

Traditional Jewish cooking often features slow-braised short ribs with onions and root vegetables, creating comfort food that’s been warming families for generations.

Caribbean Jerk Short Ribs

Jerk seasoning brings heat and tropical flavours to short ribs, proving these versatile cuts work with virtually any flavour profile.

Italian Brasato

Northern Italian cuisine features wine-braised short ribs that showcase how European techniques create elegant, sophisticated results.

Making It Work for Large Groups

As expert caterers in Milton Keynes, we’re used to scaling up our recipes for big gatherings. Here’s what works whether you’re preparing food for a family get-together or thinking about using these strategies for your own catering business:

Batch Cooking Strategies

Proper equipment and careful planning are necessary for large batches. You can increase quantity without sacrificing quality by using multiple slow cookers or large roasting tins.

Make-Ahead Advantages

Short ribs actually improve when made ahead, making them perfect for entertaining. Prepare them completely the day before, then gently reheat for service.

Cost Considerations

When feeding large groups of people, short ribs are a great value. The serving size and enjoyment factor make them cost-effective for special occasions, even though they are not the cheapest cut.

Seasonal Considerations and Menu Planning

Different seasons call for different approaches to beef short rib recipes:

Winter Warming

Cold months are perfect for rich, warming braises. Serve with hearty sides like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for ultimate comfort.

Summer Adaptations

BBQ beef short ribs shine in warmer weather. The outdoor cooking process and smoky flavours capture that perfect summer vibe without heating up your kitchen.

Spring and Autumn Balance

Transitional seasons work well with lighter sides and fresh accompaniments that balance the rich meat without overwhelming spring appetites.

Ready to Master Beef Short Rib Recipes?

Whether you choose the authentic smokiness of BBQ methods, the convenience of slow cooker techniques, or the reliability of oven braising, success comes from understanding the fundamentals and having patience with the process.

The best sides for beef short ribs complement without competing, creating balanced plates that satisfy completely. And with the right marinade for beef short ribs, you’re building flavours that penetrate deep into the meat for maximum impact.

Remember, great beef short rib recipes aren’t just about following instructions – they’re about understanding your ingredients, respecting the process, and taking pride in creating something truly special.