Slow-Cooked Short Ribs Recipe

Fall-Apart Slow-Cooked Short Ribs Recipe: Cozy Comfort Food

Beef lovers crave these mouthwatering slow-cooked short ribs that melt like butter in your mouth.

Tender meat falls apart with minimal effort, revealing deep layers of rich flavor.

Hearty comfort beckons through this classic dish that connects generations around the dinner table.

Marinades infuse each bite with complex, robust seasonings that dance across your palate.

Nothing compares to the luxurious texture achieved through patient, low-temperature cooking techniques.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary meal that impresses without complicated steps.

Savor every succulent morsel and let this recipe become your new weekend culinary adventure.

Why James Martin Slow-Cooked Short Ribs Are Worth The Wait

  • Create Comfort: Tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs deliver ultimate home-cooked satisfaction with rich, deep flavors that warm your soul.
  • Master Impressive Cooking: Minimal hands-on preparation transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes gourmet without complicated techniques.
  • Perfect Weekend Meal: Slow cooking method allows busy home cooks to prepare a luxurious dinner while managing other tasks, making it ideal for relaxed family gatherings or special occasions.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe works brilliantly for intimate dinners or larger gatherings, appealing to meat lovers and those craving hearty, flavorful meals.

James Martin Slow-Cooked Short Ribs Ingredient List

Meat:
  • Beef Short Ribs: A rich, tender cut perfect for slow cooking and developing deep flavor.
Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Onion, Bay Leaves: A classic flavor base that adds depth and complexity to the meat.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Red Wine, Beef Stock, Tomato Paste: Create a robust and savory sauce that enhances the meat's natural richness.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the meat and sauce.
Mash Ingredients:
  • Potatoes, Heavy Cream, Butter: Provide a creamy, smooth base for serving the short ribs.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh herb note to the potato mash.
Garnish:
  • Garlic Slices: Crispy golden garnish that adds texture and extra flavor to the dish.

Steps To Cook James Martin Slow-Cooked Short Ribs

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Braising Liquid

In a large Dutch oven, combine beef short ribs with a flavorful blend of:
  • Onions
  • Garlic cloves
  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • Rosemary branches
  • Red wine
  • Beef broth

Cover and let the ribs slowly simmer on low heat for about 3 hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and starts to pull away from the bones.

Step 2: Create Decadent Sauce

Carefully remove the ribs and strain the cooking liquid. In the same pot, whisk together the strained liquid with:
  • Tomato paste
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard
  • Brown sugar

Reduce the sauce over medium heat until it thickens and develops a rich, glossy consistency.

Step 3: Caramelize and Roast Ribs

Transfer the tender ribs to a roasting tray. Pour the prepared sauce generously over the meat. Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a beautiful glazed exterior.

Step 4: Whip Creamy Herb Potatoes

Boil peeled potatoes until soft. Mash with:
  • Heavy cream
  • Unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley
  • Salt
  • Cracked black pepper

Whip until smooth and fluffy with a light, airy texture.

Step 5: Create Crispy Garlic Garnish

In a small skillet, carefully fry thinly sliced garlic until golden brown and crisp. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Spread the creamy herb potatoes on plates. Gently place the glazed short ribs on top. Drizzle with additional sauce and sprinkle the crispy garlic chips as a crunchy garnish. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips For James Martin Slow-Cooked Short Ribs

  • Select Bone-In Short Ribs: Choose meaty, well-marbled ribs for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Reduce sauce on stovetop if too thin, allowing it to thicken naturally for rich coating.
  • Monitor Cooking Temperature: Keep slow-cooking heat low and steady to prevent meat from becoming tough or dry.
  • Enhance Herb Flavor: Add fresh parsley or thyme during last hour of cooking for deeper aromatic profile.
  • Prepare Ahead: Short ribs taste even better when made a day in advance, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.

Tasty Twists On James Martin Slow-Cooked Short Ribs

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace beef ribs with hearty portobello mushrooms or jackfruit, marinated in similar spices and slow-cooked for a plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and swap wheat-based thickeners with cornstarch.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute potato mash with cauliflower puree, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
  • Spicy Korean-Inspired Adaptation: Add gochujang paste to sauce, incorporate sesame oil, garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a bold, zesty transformation.

What Goes Well With James Martin Slow-Cooked Short Ribs

  • Elevate Taste with Robust Red Wine Pairing: Choose a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that matches the rich, meaty flavor of short ribs, complementing the deep, savory sauce with its bold tannins and dark fruit notes.
  • Create Textural Contrast with Crunchy Side: Pair the tender short ribs with crisp pickled vegetables like quick-marinated red onions or tangy cornichons, which cut through the meat's richness and provide a zesty palate cleanser.
  • Balance Richness with Bright Salad: Prepare a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan, offering a light, peppery counterpoint to the heavy, succulent short ribs and creamy potato mash.

Keeping James Martin Slow-Cooked Short Ribs Fresh and Tasty

  • Store leftover short ribs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor and safety.
  • Wrap ribs tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag. Keeps well for up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
  • Preheat to 325°F. Place ribs in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil, warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
  • Place ribs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Common Questions About James Martin Slow-Cooked Short Ribs

  • What cut of beef works best for short ribs?

Chuck or plate short ribs are ideal because they have excellent marbling and become incredibly tender when slow-cooked, creating a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

  • How do I know when the short ribs are perfectly cooked?

The meat should easily pull away from the bone and be fork-tender. When you gently press the meat, it should break apart without resistance, indicating it’s done perfectly.

  • Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, short ribs actually taste better when made a day ahead. Cool the ribs in the sauce, refrigerate overnight, and reheat slowly – this allows the flavors to develop and intensify.

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Slow-Cooked Short Ribs Recipe

Slow-Cooked Short Ribs Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Succulent slow-cooked short ribs bring robust flavors from Italian culinary traditions straight to your dinner table. Rich, tender meat melts effortlessly, promising a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) beef ribs

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 onion
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 bulbs garlic
  • 1 small bunch parsley
  • 6 baking potatoes

Liquids and Sauces:

  • 200 milliliters (6.8 fluid ounces) soy sauce
  • 350 milliliters (11.8 fluid ounces) tomato ketchup
  • 200 milliliters (6.8 fluid ounces) veal juice or beef stock
  • 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) double cream
  • 50 milliliters (1.7 fluid ounces) brandy
  • Juice and zest of 2 oranges
  • Water to cover

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

  • 10 star anise
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • A few peppercorns
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) marmalade
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) butter
  • 1 bunch parsley, blanched and pureed
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large Dutch oven and marinate short ribs with salt, pepper, and herbs for deep flavor infusion.
  2. Sear ribs on high heat until developing a rich, caramelized exterior, creating a golden-brown crust.
  3. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot, creating an aromatic vegetable foundation for braising.
  4. Pour red wine and beef stock over ribs, ensuring they are almost completely submerged in liquid.
  5. Cover and slow cook at 325°F for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, allowing meat to become incredibly tender and falling off the bone.
  6. Remove ribs and strain cooking liquid, skimming excess fat from the surface to create a concentrated sauce.
  7. Whisk together tomato paste, worcestershire sauce, and remaining pan juices to develop a glossy, robust sauce.
  8. Boil potatoes until fork-tender, then mash with warmed cream, unsalted butter, and finely chopped parsley.
  9. Thinly slice garlic and fry until crisp and golden brown for a crunchy garnish.
  10. Plate creamy mashed potatoes, arrange short ribs on top, drizzle with reduced sauce, and sprinkle with crispy garlic chips.

Notes

  • Tenderize meat by choosing well-marbled short ribs with good fat content for maximum flavor and softness.
  • Slow cooking breaks down tough connective tissues, ensuring melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, deep flavors.
  • Consider using low-sodium broth to control salt levels and prevent overly salty sauce during long simmering process.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace wheat-based thickeners with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for sauce consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 676 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 46 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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