Craving a feast that warms the soul and tantalizes the taste buds? Let me take you on a culinary journey with Korean Braised Short Ribs—a dish that combines tender beef with rich flavors, perfect for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner party. This recipe is all about the art of slow cooking, which transforms simple ingredients into an exquisite meal.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef short ribs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1 onion, sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- Black pepper, to taste
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Equipments
- Slow cooker or large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Korean Braised Short Ribs – Step By Step
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Chop the onions, mince the garlic and ginger, and trim any excess fat from the beef short ribs if needed. It’s important to have everything ready since this will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, mirin, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir until the brown sugar is fully dissolved. This sauce will serve as the marinade and braising liquid for the ribs, providing a sweet, savory base enriched by the umami flavors from soy sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Ribs
Heat a small amount of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the beef short ribs on all sides until they develop a rich brown crust. This caramelization adds depth of flavor and seals in the juices, ensuring your ribs stay tender during the slow cooking process.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Ribs
Place the seared ribs in a slow cooker or large pot. Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, and ginger. Pour the prepared sauce over the ribs, ensuring they are completely submerged. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the ribs are tender and fall off the bone easily.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once cooked, remove the ribs from the pot and skim any excess fat from the sauce. Serve the ribs hot, with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish. The final presentation is crucial for making your dish as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate!
How to Serve Korean Braised Short Ribs
These ribs are traditionally served with steamed white or brown rice, but they also pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for complimenting textures. Don’t forget a side of kimchi to add a spicy, tangy balance to the rich flavors of the ribs.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To make your Korean Braised Short Ribs truly unforgettable, choose high-quality, well-marbled short ribs. Ensure you allow the dish to simmer long enough for the flavors to meld and the meat to become fork-tender. You might also consider adding a splash of rice vinegar at the end to brighten the dish.
High Protein Twist: Power-Packed Korean Braised Short Ribs
If you’re looking to boost your protein intake, consider adding tofu or tempeh chunks to the sauce toward the end of the cooking time. The soy products will absorb the rich flavors without overpowering the dish, providing additional texture and nutrients.
Another option is to pair the ribs with a hearty bean salad or serving on a bed of quinoa for a complete protein-packed meal.
Get Low Carb with Korean Braised Short Ribs
Looking to enjoy this dish while keeping carbs at bay? Switch out traditional rice with cauliflower rice. It will soak up the delicious sauce just as well without the extra carbs.
You could also serve the ribs over a bed of fresh spinach or kale. The greens will add a nutritious crunch and will complement the rich taste of the braised ribs beautifully.
Storage Instructions
To store leftovers, allow the ribs to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving, ideally on the stove to preserve the dish’s tenderness and flavor.
FAQs
- Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, the flavors are even better after a day, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.
- Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef? Absolutely! Both chicken and pork can be used to create variations of this dish.
- What can I use instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option? Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free substitutes for soy sauce.
- Is it necessary to sear the ribs before slow cooking? It’s highly recommended as it significantly enhances the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Can I substitute brown sugar with another sweetener? Maple syrup or honey are great alternatives for a slightly different flavor profile.
- What sides pair well with this dish? Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and kimchi are all excellent options.
Crafting the Perfect Korean Braised Short Ribs Experience
These Korean Braised Short Ribs capture the heart of Korean cuisine, where tradition and modern flair meet. I’m excited for you to bring this delicious dish to life in your kitchen. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your experience and any unique twists you tried. And, of course, I’m always thrilled to see your fabulous shares on social media!
Mouthwatering Korean Braised Short Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef short ribs
- soy sauce
- water
- brown sugar
- mirin
- onion
- garlic
- ginger
- sesame oil
- black pepper
- green onions
- sesame seeds
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare the ingredients by chopping onions, mincing garlic and ginger, and trimming beef ribs.
- Combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, mirin, sesame oil, and pepper in a bowl.
- Sear the ribs in sesame oil in a skillet until browned on all sides.
- Place ribs in a slow cooker with onions, garlic, ginger, and sauce. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Remove ribs, skim fat from sauce, and serve hot with sesame seeds and green onions.