How To Cook Beef Short Ribs - The Perfect Classic Recipe

posted on

April 14, 2020

When it comes to cooking a great meal, you can't go wrong with beef short ribs. They contain irresistible hunks of rich, juicy meat and melty, tender fat caps that everyone loves.

They may not be as famous as pork ribs, but beef short ribs are versatile. You can easily cook them in many ways. Ribs aren't an expensive cut of meat either, making them quintessential for beef lovers on a budget.

If you want a beefy, deliciously comforting meal, read our step-by-step recipe for the perfect classic beef short ribs.

Ingredients for the Perfect Beef Short Ribs

There are many recipes across the internet for beef short ribs, ranging from BBQ short ribs to Korean-style short ribs with soy sauce. Although delicious, some of these are quite complicated, which can make it an expensive meal to make.

Our classic recipe contains very few ingredients. It consists of short ribs with salt and pepper. Despite the simplicity, these braised short ribs burst with flavor. This recipe is not only incredibly simple but inexpensive.

Some people prefer boneless short ribs, but the classic way of cooking them is with bone-in ribs.

Here are the ingredients you'll need for savory, mouthwatering beef short ribs:

  • 3 pounds of bone-in short ribs
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • One large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 3 cups of red wine (beef bone broth or beef stock are fine substitutes for the braising liquid)
  • Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or sage)
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How to Cook Perfect Beef Short Ribs: A Step-By-Step Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before preparing the ingredients, preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, arrange the braising rack to the bottom third of the oven for the best heat distribution.

Many people may not know where exactly to put the ribs once it's time to cook. As a general rule of thumb, the bottom or middle racks are best for things that need even heating throughout. With even heat distribution, you ensure that the tops and bottoms are not in danger of browning too quickly.

If cooking more than one thing at a time, such as a side dish for the short ribs, be sure to rotate the items between racks for the most even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Short Ribs

Brush each of the short ribs with the vegetable oil, then immediately follow with the Kosher salt and black pepper. Don't go too heavy with the seasoning, but be generous.

Seasoning is one of those things that are flexible based on taste. Salt and pepper are the only seasonings used in this recipe. However, you can add other spices and seasonings to make the flavors pop.

One popular spice mix to add is garam masala: it adds delicious Indian flavors to the dish without making it spicy or overwhelming. Try brining the short ribs in a garam masala rub overnight for a stronger flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Short Ribs

You will need to brown the short ribs before braising. Using a dutch oven or a sauté pan, add the short ribs on one layer and use medium-high heat to brown them. Sear them on each side and let them get a deep brown.

Browning is an art form that can take years of practice. It'll caramelize the meat and bring out beautifully rich flavors and colors.

Be careful with the timing, however: browning too quickly can result in scorched meat and a damaged pan; browning too slowly can make the meat dry.

Be sure to only brown for 3-4 minutes per side. Finally, the meat should be dry before browning; it will stick to the pan if wet and will not brown evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Onions

Turn on the stove to medium or medium-high heat. Then, add the onion and garlic to the pan and let the onions cook for about five minutes. You can add salt and pepper if you like, as well.

Onions are the backbone of almost any savory dish, and how you cook them can influence the recipe's outcome. As onions cook, they take on a sweeter aroma, so it can be easy to know when they have finished.

A note of caution: onions scorch easily. Some people like their onions almost blackened, but this can make them turn bitter. Make sure to stir frequently when softening the onions and watch to see when they become translucent.

Step 5: Add Braising Liquid and Simmer, Then Add Herbs

Add the red wine into the pan and bring it to a simmer. After the pan arrives at a simmer, add 4-5 sprigs of the herb of choice to the pan. If you don't want to use red wine, feel free to use beef stock or beef bone broth as your braising liquid instead.

Although some folks are familiar with cooking with red wine, others may not know which kind of red wine to choose. The best red wines to use for cooking are those with moderate tannins such as Pinot Noir. Cabernet Sauvignon is also suitable.

Generally, fruit-forward wines will become sweeter with reduction; you can achieve a sweeter sauce for braised short ribs by using Merlot.

Step 6: Braise the Short Ribs

Next, cover the pan and place it in the oven to braise. This process should take about 2-2.5 hours. When the meat has finished cooking, it should feel tender and pull away easily from the bone.

If you don't want to braise the meat, you can opt to put the contents of the pan in a slow cooker for about 8 hours on the "LOW" setting. The slow cooker process will take longer, but it's a good option for those who aren't in a rush or making this meal for dinner.

You also can cover the pan and cook the short ribs over low heat on the stovetop if desired.

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Step 7: Rest the Meat

As with any cut of meat, the short ribs need to rest before you can eat them. Rest the short ribs for about 20 minutes in a covered pan.

If you're new to cooking, you may not know why cooked meat needs to rest before serving. As meat cooks, the proteins within the meat set and push the meat's juices toward the center of the cut. By sitting away from heat before serving, the juices have a chance to redistribute throughout the meat.

Resting the meat allows you to have juicier and tenderer ribs. A general rule of thumb: Allow the meat to rest for one minute per quarter pound.

Last Step: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon the onion sauce over the ribs. Then, serve the short ribs by gently pulling them off of the bone. Enjoy your delicious, tender, and juicy braised short ribs!

Although technically, you can consider the onions a side dish for the short ribs, other sides go well with short ribs. Mashed potatoes or polenta are easy to make on the stovetop while the ribs cook in the oven.

You also can place vegetables on the top rack of the oven to roast while the short ribs cook on the lower racks.

Conclusion

As you can see, making the perfect short ribs is easy and fun. It doesn't matter if you prefer boneless short ribs or bone-in or short ribs with salt or with garam masala; this recipe can please any taste palette.

We hope our step-by-step guide has helped you learn how to make the perfect beef short ribs. Seven Sons Farms is passionate about selling high-quality meat products, and we love teaching about how to cook and enjoy it, too!

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Which cut of pork you choose and how to cook it, depends on a few things.  Before deciding which cut is right for you, consider the source. Pasture-raised, heritage breeds produce more flavorful pork with better nutritional content[1] than standard grocery store products.  But can you tell the difference between pasture-raised pork and industrially produced pork? Yes! Our pork is firm and darker pink in color (indicating the animal was pasture-raised). Pork meat that is pale in color, soft, or damp was most likely factory-farmed. As a bonus, all our pork is sugar-free and free from GMOs, nitrates, and antibiotics. Now that we’ve sorted that out, let’s talk about the different pork cuts!  Originally published in 2024, this article was updated and republished on November 27th, 2025. What Are the Main Pork Cuts? When you're shopping for pork, you'll encounter retail cuts from four main sections of the pig: the shoulder, loin, side (belly), and leg. 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What part of the pig is pork chops? Pork chops are cut from the loin, which runs along the back of the pig between the shoulder and the leg. Bone-in chops include a portion of the rib or backbone, while boneless chops are simply the loin muscle. The loin is one of the most tender sections of the pig, making chops a premium cut. What is the most tender cut of pork? Pork tenderloin is the most tender cut of pork. This long, narrow muscle runs along the backbone and doesn't get much exercise, resulting in exceptionally tender meat. It's mild in flavor and cooks quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant presentations. What are the best cuts of pork for slow cooking? Pork shoulder and pork butt are the best cuts of pork for slow cooking. These cuts come from the shoulder area and contain more connective tissue and marbling, which breaks down during long, slow cooking to create incredibly tender, flavorful meat. 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Footnotes1. https://practicalfarmers.org/research/fatty-acid-comparisons-of-grain-and-forage-fed-pork/

Chicken Liver vs. Beef Liver: What’s the Difference?

If you're looking for a nutrient-packed addition to your meals that won't break the bank, it's time to consider liver. Both chicken liver and beef liver are nutritional powerhouses, but they differ in taste, texture, and specific nutrient profiles—making each ideal for different preferences and health goals. Quick Comparison: Protein: Both deliver about 23g of protein per 100g servingKey Nutrients: Beef liver wins for vitamin A and copper; chicken liver has more iron and calciumTaste: Chicken liver is mild and creamy; beef liver is robust and intenseBest For: Chicken liver is perfect for liver beginners; beef liver suits those who love rich, meaty flavorsSustainability: Both are easy to prepare and support nose-to-tail eating, ensuring no part of the animal goes to waste Still undecided? Let's dive into the benefits of chicken liver vs. beef liver and see which suits your needs best!Originally published on May 1st, 2024, this article was updated and republished on November 20, 2025. 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These minerals help with liver detoxification, reducing the risk of issues like fatty liver disease.  Reduced risks of anemia: Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, in which your blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells. Luckily, beef and chicken liver are rich sources of iron, and vitamins C and B. These nutrients work together to keep your blood cells healthy and reduce the risk of anemia. You can read our post for more detailed information on the benefits of beef liver.  Beef Liver vs Chicken Liver: A Complete Comparison While you might think all liver is the same, there are a few key differences. We’ll discuss some of the main ones so you can make the right choice for your needs. Nutrition While all liver is delicious, we know that’s not the main draw for most people. It’s the nutritional profile. So, which is more nutritious?  When it comes to macronutrients, per 100g, they’re both pretty close. Beef liver has slightly more protein than chicken liver, but chicken has marginally fewer calories.  Macronutrients Beef Liver Chicken Liver ​Calories 191 calories 167 calories Carbohydrates 5.13 grams 0.87 grams Total Fat 5.26 grams 6.51 grams Protein 29.1 grams 24.5 grams (source: USDA 1 and 2) Beef and chicken livers’ micronutrients are where things get interesting. As you can see from a quick scan of the table below, beef liver is higher in nutrients like vitamin A, niacin, potassium, and copper. Chicken liver, on the other hand, has more iron and calcium.  Because of this, it’s impossible to say one is better than the other nutrition-wise. They’re both healthy in slightly different ways. Micronutrients  Beef Liver Chicken Liver Vitamin A 31,700 International Unit 13,300 International Unit Niacin 17.5 milligrams 11 milligrams Vitamin B6 1.02 milligrams 0.755 milligrams Calcium 6 milligrams 11 milligrams Iron 6.54 milligrams 11.6 milligrams Potassium 352 milligrams 263 milligrams Zinc 5.3 milligrams 3.98 milligrams Copper 14.3 milligrams 0.496 milligrams Selenium 36.1 micrograms 82.4 micrograms What Does Beef Liver Taste Like vs Chicken Liver? Taste and texture are where chicken and beef liver head in different directions.  Chicken liver has a mild, slightly sweet taste and a creamy, light texture. It’s the perfect option for people just venturing into the world of offal–or who don’t like strong, meaty flavors.  That’s where beef liver comes in. It has a beautifully distinct flavor: rich, complex, and intense. If you like rare steak, you’ll probably enjoy it.  You can also sneak beef liver into ground beef for a whole host of delicious, nutritious meals–without the acquired taste. Meals like ground beef and beef liver tacos, burgers, and meatballs are sure to be hit.  Cooking Both chicken and beef liver take just minutes to cook. For the best results, fry the liver in a skillet or air fryer for 4-6 minutes on high heat. Both should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. Just one word of caution: be wary of overcooking! You want the liver to be creamy and tender, not chewy and dry.  This applies more to beef liver, which cooks in slightly less time than chicken liver.  Tip: Soaking beef liver in a cup of milk for at least an hour before cooking can help keep it tender. Popular Recipes Whether you’re leaning more towards cooking with beef or chicken liver (or both), here are some recipe ideas for inspiration. Beef liver Beef liver with onions  Beef liver spaghetti bolognese Beef liver with mashed potatoes and a fig compote  Chicken liver Chicken liver pate  Sticky Chinese chicken liver stir fry  Chipotle chicken liver enchiladas Explore more chicken liver recipes in this article. Which Is Better: Chicken Liver or Beef Liver? Chicken and beef liver offer unique benefits, making it challenging to crown a definitive winner. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a milder taste and softer texture, chicken liver will likely be your best bet. But if you're a fan of red meat's rich, robust flavor, you’ll love beef liver! Whatever you choose, make sure you do your research on the meat supplier before buying. The health of the animal hugely impacts the nutritional quality and taste of the meat.  Factory-farmed liver often comes from animals raised on inadequate diets in overcrowded conditions. These animals are typically given antibiotics and growth hormones, which can stress their livers and diminish the quality of the meat. On the other hand, ethically sourced and humanely harvested meat comes from animals that enjoy optimal nutrition and stress-free conditions. These animals live in a naturally healthy environment, so no antibiotics or GMOs are needed. The result? The highest quality, most nutritious liver you can find. FAQs Which is healthier: chicken liver or beef liver? Both are incredibly healthy, just in different ways. Beef liver contains more vitamin A, niacin, and copper, while chicken liver has more iron and calcium. Your choice depends on your specific nutritional needs—both are nutrient-dense superfoods that support overall health. Is chicken liver high in protein? Yes! Chicken liver delivers approximately 23g of protein per 100g serving, making it an excellent high-protein food. It's also packed with B vitamins, iron, and other essential nutrients that support energy and muscle health. What does beef liver taste like? Beef liver has a rich, intense, and complex flavor that's more robust than chicken liver. It tastes similar to rare steak but with a distinctive mineral quality. The texture is creamy and dense when cooked properly, making it perfect for those who enjoy bold, meaty flavors. Which has more iron: chicken or beef liver? Chicken liver actually contains more iron than beef liver. While both are excellent sources of this essential mineral that helps prevent anemia, chicken liver edges ahead in iron content, making it particularly beneficial for those looking to boost their iron intake. Are chicken livers good for you? Chicken livers are incredibly nutritious and packed with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and choline. They're an excellent source of high-quality protein and support everything from energy levels to liver detoxification, making them a true superfood addition to your diet. Can you substitute chicken liver for beef liver in recipes? Yes, you can substitute chicken liver for beef liver in most recipes, though you'll notice differences in flavor and texture. Chicken liver has a milder taste and cooks slightly faster, so you may need to adjust cooking times. Both work well in pates, stir-fries, and pan-fried dishes, but beef liver holds up better in heartier preparations. Why should I choose pasture-raised liver? Pasture-raised liver comes from animals that live healthy, natural lives on regenerative farmland, which directly affects the meat's nutritional quality. When you choose ethically raised liver from farms like Seven Sons, you're supporting sustainable farming practices that improve soil health and respect the whole animal. Plus, our pasture-raised animals aren't given antibiotics or growth hormones, resulting in cleaner, more nutrient-rich organ meat that tastes better, too. Discover Our Range of Ethically Sourced Organ Meats Today! Ready to try chicken liver, beef liver, or both? Check out our organ meats, and make your order today.