When I first made Short Rib Marbella Recipe, I was blown away by how rich and flavorful the dish turned out. The combination of tender short ribs, savory olives, and sweet prunes created something magical in my kitchen. I couldn’t help but smile as the aroma filled the air while it slow-cooked.
Every bite was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and I knew I had to make this again. You can also enjoy similar treats like Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies Recipe for a sweet finish after dinner. This recipe feels cozy yet special every time I serve it to friends or family.
Ingredients Section
Here’s what you’ll need to make this deeply flavorful Short Rib Marbella. I’ve included helpful tips so you get the best results:
- 2 pounds short ribs, bone-in (about 4 pieces) – Bone-in ribs give more depth and richness to the sauce than boneless cuts.
- 1 cup red wine – Adds acidity and flavor complexity; choose a wine you’d enjoy drinking.
- ½ cup red wine vinegar – Enhances the savory balance and helps tenderize the meat.
- 1 cup leeks, white bulb, diced – Sweet and aromatic; avoid frozen leeks because fresh has better texture and flavor.
- 1½ cups prunes, pitted and halved – Prunes provide natural sweetness and a luxurious sauce texture.
- 1 cup ripe green olives, pitted, whole – Briny olives contrast beautifully with the sweetness of prunes.
- ¼ cup capers – Adds tangy, salty bursts that cut through the rich meatiness.
- 2 tablespoons caper brine – Brine boosts the briny punch without extra salt.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced or pressed – Fresh garlic adds savory depth and aroma.
- 2 bay leaves – Earthy aromatics that mellow and deepen flavors.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano – Adds herbal warmth; use fresh oregano only if you have plenty available.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar – Sweetens gently and helps caramelize the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Enriches and rounds out the sauce texture.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Always adjust seasoning after cooking.
Note: Serves 4 people
Variations
If you want to make Short Rib Marbella your own, here are some great variations to try:
- Dairy-free – Swap butter with dairy-free margarine or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Lower sugar – Reduce brown sugar or replace it with a sugar substitute.
- Add more vegetables – Carrots or celery add extra body and flavor.
- Spicy twist – Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili for heat.
- Alcohol-free – Replace wine with beef broth plus a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long this recipe will take:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 45 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Dutch oven – Allows searing and braising in one pot.
- Sharp knife – For preparing vegetables and trimming ingredients evenly.
- Wooden spoon – Helps scrape flavorful bits while cooking.
- Oven mitts – For safely handling hot cookware.
- Lid or foil – Keeps moisture in during braising.
How to Make Short Rib Marbella Recipe
This recipe is easier than it looks and rewards slow cooking with incredible flavor. Take your time with each step so every layer builds richness. Soon, your kitchen will smell amazing and dinner will feel special.
Prepare and Season
Pat the short ribs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning ensures the meat stays flavorful during slow cooking. This step builds the foundation of the dish.
Sear the Ribs
Heat oil in a Dutch oven and brown ribs on all sides. A deep sear locks in juices and creates caramelized bits that flavor the sauce. Don’t rush this step for best results.
Sauté Aromatics
Add diced leeks and half of the prunes, cooking until softened and fragrant. The prunes begin releasing sweetness while leeks provide gentle onion flavor. This balances later salty ingredients.
Deglaze With Wine and Vinegar
Pour in wine and vinegar, scraping the browned bits from the pot bottom. These bits hold concentrated flavor that enriches the braising liquid. Let the liquid simmer briefly.
Add Remaining Flavorings
Stir in olives, capers, caper brine, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, and brown sugar. Together they create the signature sweet-salty Marbella taste. Everything should be evenly mixed.
Braise
Return the ribs to the pot, cover, and cook in the oven until the meat becomes tender. Slow cooking allows flavors to deepen while the meat becomes fork-tender. Patience makes the dish perfect.
Make the Sauce
Remove ribs and strain the cooking liquid, then simmer it until slightly thickened. Whisk in butter for a glossy finish. Return olives, prunes, and vegetables to the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Place ribs on a serving dish and spoon sauce generously over them. The rich sauce and tender meat create a restaurant-quality meal. Serve immediately while warm.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience making this dish multiple times:
- I always take extra time searing ribs well because it dramatically improves flavor.
- I let the sauce reduce slowly before adding butter so it becomes silky, not oily.
- I taste and adjust seasoning at the end since flavors concentrate while cooking.
- I sometimes make it a day ahead because the flavors improve overnight.
How to Serve Short Rib Marbella Recipe
Short Rib Marbella pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or roasted vegetables to soak up the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for brightness and color. Serving with crusty bread or a glass of red wine also elevates the experience.
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 715
- Protein: 48.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fat: 24.6 g
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigerating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors actually improve after resting, making this dish perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Freezing
Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop or in a low oven until heated through. Slow reheating keeps the meat tender and prevents drying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish wins people over quickly for many reasons:
- Complex flavor balance makes every bite exciting and comforting.
- Elegant enough for guests but simple enough for home cooking.
- Great make-ahead option for stress-free entertaining.
- Pairs well with many side dishes.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Short Rib Marbella Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the short ribs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning ensures the meat stays flavorful during slow cooking. This step builds the foundation of the dish.
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven and brown ribs on all sides. A deep sear locks in juices and creates caramelized bits that flavor the sauce. Don’t rush this step for best results.
- Add diced leeks and half of the prunes, cooking until softened and fragrant. The prunes begin releasing sweetness while leeks provide gentle onion flavor. This balances later salty ingredients.
- Pour in wine and vinegar, scraping the browned bits from the pot bottom. These bits hold concentrated flavor that enriches the braising liquid. Let the liquid simmer briefly.
- Stir in olives, capers, caper brine, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, and brown sugar. Together they create the signature sweet-salty Marbella taste. Everything should be evenly mixed.
- Return the ribs to the pot, cover, and cook in the oven until the meat becomes tender. Slow cooking allows flavors to deepen while the meat becomes fork-tender. Patience makes the dish perfect.
- Remove ribs and strain the cooking liquid, then simmer it until slightly thickened. Whisk in butter for a glossy finish. Return olives, prunes, and
- Place ribs on a serving dish and spoon sauce generously over them. The rich sauce and tender meat create a restaurant-quality meal. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- I always take extra time searing ribs well because it dramatically improves flavor.
- I let the sauce reduce slowly before adding butter so it becomes silky, not oily.
- I taste and adjust seasoning at the end since flavors concentrate while cooking.
- I sometimes make it a day ahead because the flavors improve overnight.
