Soups and Stews
The Ultimate Guinness Braised Short Ribs Recipe
There is nothing quite like the smell of beef slow-cooking in dark stout on a cold Sunday afternoon. These short ribs are braised until they literally fall off the bone, bathed in a silky, mahogany gravy that begs to be served over a mountain of buttery mashed potatoes.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 180 min
- Serves
- 4
- Level
- Medium
- Per serving
- 845 kcal
Method
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Generously season the short ribs with salt and pepper on all sides.
In a large Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Brown the ribs in batches, making sure to get a deep crust on every side. Remove and set aside on a plate.
Lower the heat to medium and add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another 2 minutes until the paste turns a deep brick red.
Pour in the Guinness, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious brown bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot. Let the liquid bubble for 2 minutes.
Return the ribs and any juices to the pot. Add the beef stock, brown sugar, and thyme sprigs. The liquid should come about 3/4 of the way up the ribs.
Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is completely tender and pulling away from the bone.
Remove the ribs carefully. Strain the sauce or skim off the excess fat from the surface. Simmer the liquid on the stove for 10 minutes if you want a thicker gravy before serving.
Notes
Don't crowd the pan when browning the meat; if you do, the ribs will steam instead of crusting.
Short ribs are even better the next day. Make them a day ahead, refrigerate, and the hardened fat will be much easier to lift off the top.
If your sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a splash of water and whisk it into the boiling sauce for a glossy finish.
Always use bone-in ribs for this recipe; the marrow adds a depth of flavor that boneless ribs just can't match.
