French Style Braised Short Ribs Recipe | Tender & Flavorful
I have to tell you, the first time I made French Style Braised Short Ribs, it felt like magic unfolding in my kitchen. The succulent beef falls off the bone, infused with the deep, rich flavor of red wine and fresh herbs. There’s something special about taking simple ingredients and transforming them into a gourmet dish that makes you feel like you’re dining in a quaint Parisian bistro.
From the first buttery bite, I knew this was a recipe worth sharing. It’s a slow-cooked masterpiece, perfect for impressing guests or savoring a special night in. You can also enjoy similar comfort with Easy Rotisserie Chicken Tacos Recipe if you’re looking for a quicker weeknight option.
If you’ve never tried braising before, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through every step so you can experience the same delicious reward I did. Fancy yet comforting, this recipe will win over your heart and taste buds. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Before jumping into the details, here are a few reasons I know you’ll adore these braised short ribs as much as I do.
It’s Easy to Make
Despite its sophisticated flavors, this recipe involves straightforward techniques and simple steps. Browning the ribs, simmering the wine, and tossing everything in the oven does most of the hard work for you. Minimal effort, maximum reward! For another hands-on meal with rich flavor, you might enjoy trying Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos Recipe.
Packed with Flavor
The combination of tender beef, aromatic vegetables, bold red wine, and fresh herbs creates a taste explosion. Every bite is rich, savory, and overflowing with layers of flavor that’ll make you reach for seconds.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These braised short ribs are as versatile as they come. Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or making a cozy Sunday supper, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Highly Customizable
You can tweak this recipe to your liking! Want a non-alcoholic version? Use beef stock instead of wine. Prefer a different veggie combo? Go for it. The flexibility means you can make this dish your own.
Ultimate Comfort Food
There’s nothing like scooping up a forkful of meltingly tender meat paired with a silky, reduced sauce. This dish is comfort food, redefined with a gourmet twist.
Cooking Time
Here’s what you need to set aside for this masterpiece:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
Ingredients
You’ll need the following to create this stunning dish:
- Beef short ribs (bone-in)
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic cloves
- Bold red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon)
- Beef broth
- Bay leaves
- Fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper
Variations
Looking to adapt the recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences? Here are some alternative options:
- Swap red wine for beef stock for an alcohol-free version.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of short ribs for a lighter protein option.
- Add mushrooms for an earthy depth of flavor.
- Replace fresh thyme with rosemary or dried thyme if that’s what you have on hand.
Equipment You’ll Need
Make sure your kitchen is stocked with the following:
- Large Dutch Oven: Perfect for browning, braising, and serving.
- Tongs: To easily flip and handle the short ribs.
- Chef’s Knife: For chopping vegetables.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for prepping your ingredients.
- Fine-Mesh Sieve: For straining and refining your sauce.
How to Make French Style Braised Short Ribs?
Making these braised short ribs is an enjoyable process. Follow these steps, and you’ll end up with restaurant-quality results every time!
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it’s heating, pat your short ribs dry with paper towels. This helps create a beautiful sear. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
Step 2: Sear the Ribs
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your short ribs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear each side until deeply golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Set the ribs aside.
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
Using the same pot, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in minced garlic and stir for an extra minute until fragrant. The aroma is unbeatable!
Step 4: Add the Wine
Nestle the seared ribs back into the pot, among the sautéed vegetables. Pour in your full bottle of red wine, ensuring the liquid covers the meat. Then toss in bay leaves and sprigs of fresh thyme for that classic French flair.
Step 5: Slow Braise in the Oven
Bring the wine to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and transfer to your preheated oven. Allow it to cook low and slow for 3 to 3.5 hours. During this time, the meat transforms into the most tender, flavorful bite you’ve ever had.
Step 6: Create the Sauce
When the ribs are done, carefully remove them from the pot. Strain the remaining liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate saucepan. Simmer on medium heat until the liquid reduces by half. This concentrated sauce is pure gold.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Serve your short ribs with a generous drizzle of the rich sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for that elegant finishing touch. Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies, and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Room Temperature Meat: Bring your ribs to room temp before cooking to ensure even searing.
- Don’t Skip Searing: Browning the meat creates a flavorful crust and locks in juices.
- Skim Fat Off Sauce: After braising, skim excess fat off the surface for a more refined sauce.
- Make It Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
How to Serve French Style Braised Short Ribs?
Presentation is everything! Serve these ribs on a large platter with the sauce poured over the top. Pop in a sprig of thyme or a dusting of parsley for freshness. Pair with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty baguettes to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables or a light salad also work beautifully as side dishes.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the basic nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 36g
Make Ahead and Storage
Braised short ribs are perfect for prepping ahead.
If you want to take the stress out of hosting, make these a day in advance! Once cooked, allow the ribs to cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. The flavors develop overnight, making the dish even tastier the next day.
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze braised short ribs for up to 3 months. Freeze with the sauce in a freezer-safe container to lock in flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.
