Easy Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe | Tender & Juicy
As a seasoned home cook, I know how key it is to find the perfect dish. This recipe for Easy Boneless Beef Short Ribs is a game-changer. It offers tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that will make your taste buds sing!
Braising is the magic that turns boneless beef short ribs into a masterpiece. The slow cooking breaks down tough tissues, making the meat tender and juicy. You’ll love the mix of savory, smoky, and sweet flavors that make this dish a hit with your family.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Boneless Beef Short Ribs
Boneless beef short ribs are a tasty and versatile meat cut that’s become popular. They come from the chuck area, making them cheaper and easier to find. These ribs are great for slow-cooking, turning them into a tender and juicy dish.
What Are Boneless Short Ribs?
Boneless short ribs are a special cut of beef without bones. They’re often mistaken for rib meat, but they actually come from the chuck area. This makes them a more affordable choice, offering a similar taste and texture to ribeye roast.
Why Choose This Cut of Meat
Boneless beef short ribs are a great choice for several reasons. They’re cheaper than many other beef cuts, making them perfect for everyday meals. Their marbled texture stays tender and juicy, even after long cooking times. This makes them ideal for slow-cooking methods like braising, which tenderizes the meat and adds rich flavors.
Benefits of Oven Braising
Oven braising is a simple and effective way to cook boneless beef short ribs. The slow heat of the oven makes the meat tender and develops a tasty crust. It also breaks down the tough tissues, making the meat melt-in-your-mouth. Plus, the braising liquid can be turned into a delicious sauce, enhancing the dish even more.
Equipment and Kitchen Tools Needed
To make delicious slow cooker or oven-baked short ribs, you need some basic tools. You’ll need a 13-by-9-inch baking dish or a slow cooker. Also, have aluminum foil ready to cover the dish while it braises.
For seasoning the short ribs, a small jar or bowl is handy. It helps mix your spices and rubs evenly. If you’re making gravy, you’ll also need a fine-mesh strainer and a medium saucepan.
- 13-by-9-inch baking dish or slow cooker
- Aluminum foil
- Small jar or bowl for mixing seasonings
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional for making gravy)
- Medium saucepan (optional for making gravy)
The slow cooker is a good choice for cooking short ribs, taking 7-8 hours on low. Whether you use the oven or slow cooker, these tools will help you get tender and juicy short ribs.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Short Ribs
To make delicious barbecue short ribs or tender smoked short ribs, you need the right ingredients. Each part, from the main meat to the seasonings, is key. They help make the dish flavorful and tender.
Main Ingredients
The base of your short ribs recipe is the meat. Choose about 4 pounds of boneless beef short ribs for a rich taste. You’ll also need apple cider vinegar and hot pepper sauce to add to the flavor.
Seasonings and Spices
For a great seasoning mix, use kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and thyme. You can also add onion powder and chili powder for more flavor.
Optional Ingredients
- Barbecue sauce: Adding your favorite barbecue sauce can make the dish even better.
- Beef broth: It helps keep the short ribs moist and tender while cooking.
By picking and mixing these key ingredients, you’re on your way to making amazing short ribs. They’re sure to delight your family and friends.
Preparing Your Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Get ready to make a delicious dish with our boneless beef short ribs recipe! First, cut the beef short ribs in half. Make sure they fit well in your baking dish. Then, place them in a lightly greased baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Now, let’s make the tasty marinade. Mix vinegar, hot pepper sauce, and dry spices in a small jar. Pour this over the boneless beef short ribs and mix until they’re all coated.
To keep the ribs moist and tender, cover the dish with foil. Use a double layer to prevent moisture loss. This step is key to getting juicy and tasty boneless beef short ribs.
With your boneless beef short ribs all set, you’re on your way to a fantastic dish. Keep reading for the next steps in cooking!

Seasoning and Marinade Guide
Seasoning and marinade are key for boneless short ribs and braised short ribs. They can make your dish even better. The slow-cooking method makes the meat tender and juicy. But, the right seasoning or marinade adds a special touch.
Dry Rub Components
A dry rub for boneless short ribs is easy to make. Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin. This mix of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors makes the meat taste amazing.
Marinade Options
Marinating isn’t always needed because of the long cooking time. But, a quick marinade can add more flavor to your braised short ribs. Use apple cider vinegar, hot pepper sauce, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a tasty marinade.
“The key to mouthwatering boneless short ribs is to let them soak up the flavors of the marinade for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for the best results.”
Whether you choose seasoning or marinade, the slow cooking method is crucial. It makes your boneless short ribs or braised short ribs tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Cooking Methods and Temperature Guidelines
When cooking slow cooker short ribs and oven-baked short ribs, go for a low and slow method. This makes the beef tender and full of flavor.
To oven braise, heat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover the ribs and cook for 2.5 hours. Then, remove the cover and cook for another 30 minutes. This slow heating breaks down the meat, making it tender and juicy.
For a slow cooker, cook the slow cooker short ribs on low for 7-8 hours. This long, gentle cooking tenderizes the meat and brings out the flavors, making it fall-apart tender.
Whether you’re oven braising or slow cooking, the ribs should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare. This ensures the meat is safe and still tender and juicy.
Cooking Method | Temperature | Cook Time |
---|---|---|
Oven Braising | 300°F (150°C) | 2.5 hours covered, then 30 minutes uncovered |
Slow Cooker | Low | 7-8 hours |
Choosing any cooking method, the low and slow approach is key. It helps achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your boneless beef short ribs dish.

Step-by-Step Braising Process
Getting tender and flavorful braised short ribs is easy and rewarding. Start by seasoning the boneless beef short ribs with your favorite dry rub or marinade. Next, braise the ribs in the oven for about 3 hours at a low heat.
Initial Preparation
First, heat your oven to 300°F. Put the seasoned barbecue short ribs in a big pot or Dutch oven. Mix red wine and beef broth to cover the ribs a bit. Add garlic, onions, carrots, and herbs to boost the flavor.
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Place seasoned braised short ribs in a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven.
- Add a mixture of red wine and beef broth, ensuring the ribs are partially submerged.
- Incorporate any desired aromatic ingredients, such as garlic, onions, carrots, and herbs.
Braising Technique
Cover the pot with a tight lid or foil. Braise the boneless beef short ribs in the oven for about 2.5 hours. This slow cooking makes the meat tender and juicy. Halfway through, baste the ribs with the liquid for extra flavor.
Final Glazing
Remove the lid or foil carefully to avoid burns. Baste the braised short ribs with the liquid and cook for another 30 minutes. This lets the tops brown and caramelize. For a BBQ touch, brush with BBQ sauce and broil for 4-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
“The key to perfect braised short ribs is in the low and slow cooking method, which transforms the tough cut of meat into a meltingly tender and flavorful dish.”
Creating the Perfect Sauce
To make your beef ribs or smoked short ribs even better, create a tasty sauce. Start by straining the cooking liquids from the pan or Dutch oven. Then, reduce them over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes. This step makes the flavors stronger and turns the liquid into a delicious sauce.
For a thicker sauce, mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1.5 tablespoons cold water) towards the end. Or, serve the tender beef ribs with the braising liquid in small bowls. This way, your guests can dip the meat into the sauce for extra flavor.
The final sauce will make the beef ribs’ or smoked short ribs’ flavors even better. It will mix the savory, sweet, and umami notes perfectly. Adjust the seasoning as needed, and enjoy this tasty addition to your beef dish.