Maple Bourbon Braised Short Ribs for Ultimate Cozy Nights Recipe
Maple Bourbon Braised Short Ribs are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights. Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are slowly cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made with bourbon, maple syrup, fresh herbs, and vegetables. This hearty dish combines savory and sweet elements, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Ribs
- 3 pounds bone-in short ribs
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Braise
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons fresh chopped thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
- 1 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cups beef stock
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325ºF (170ºC) to ensure a perfect low and slow braise.
- Season and Dust: Generously season the short ribs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then lightly dust them with all-purpose flour to aid in browning.
- Sear the Ribs: Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs until browned on all sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped yellow onion, diced celery, and carrot. Sauté for about 6 minutes until tender and fragrant.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the tomato paste, fresh chopped thyme, and garlic. Cook briefly to release the aromas.
- Deglaze and Combine: Pour in the bourbon whiskey to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Add the maple syrup and beef stock, stirring to combine.
- Return Ribs and Braise: Place the seared short ribs back into the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Braise in Oven: Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 3 to 3½ hours, until the ribs are fork-tender.
- Serve: Serve the maple bourbon braised short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, spooning the rich, flavorful sauce over the top. Enjoy your ultimate cozy meal!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute beef stock with vegetable stock.
- If bourbon is not available, apple cider can be used as an alternative.
- Bone-in short ribs add deeper flavor, but boneless can be used in a pinch.
- Roasting the garlic before adding deepens the flavor but is optional.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste after cooking.
Keywords: maple bourbon short ribs, braised short ribs, cozy night recipe, slow cooked ribs, fall-off-the-bone ribs, bourbon recipes
