Maple Bourbon Braised Short Ribs for Ultimate Cozy Nights Recipe

Introduction

Maple Bourbon Braised Short Ribs are the perfect dish for cozy nights when you crave something rich, tender, and full of deep flavors. Slow-cooked in a luscious maple and bourbon sauce, these ribs melt in your mouth and pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds bone-in short ribs
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 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, roasted and minced
• 1 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 cups beef stock

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325ºF (170ºC).
2. Step 2: Season the short ribs generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lightly dust them with flour.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same pot, sauté onion, celery, and carrot until tender, about 6 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in tomato paste, chopped thyme, roasted garlic, bourbon, maple syrup, and beef stock. Mix well to combine.
6. Step 6: Return the short ribs to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the oven.
7. Step 7: Braise in the oven for 3 to 3½ hours until the meat is fork-tender.
8. Step 8: Serve the tender short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes and spoon the rich sauce over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, substitute beef stock with vegetable stock without sacrificing depth of flavor.
• You can use dried thyme if fresh thyme is unavailable; reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
• Roasting the garlic before adding enhances the sweetness and complexity of the sauce.
• Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness if desired.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the oven covered with foil to keep the meat moist. Short ribs also freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless short ribs can be used, but bone-in ribs add extra flavor and richness to the braising liquid, improving the overall taste.

What can I substitute for bourbon?

If you prefer not to use bourbon, apple cider is a great substitute that maintains the sweetness and depth without the alcohol content.

Maple Bourbon Braised Short Ribs for Ultimate Cozy Nights Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 127 reviews

This Maple Bourbon Braised Short Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat perfect for cozy nights. Slow-cooked in a rich sauce of bourbon, maple syrup, and beef stock, these short ribs develop deep, comforting flavors enhanced by aromatic vegetables and herbs. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for an indulgent and satisfying meal.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 3 pounds bone-in short ribs

Seasoning

• To taste kosher salt
• To taste freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)

Cooking Fat

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 large yellow onion
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 medium carrot (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons fresh chopped thyme
• 4 cloves garlic

Liquids

• 1 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 cups beef stock

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325ºF (170ºC) to prepare for slow braising.
2. Season the Short Ribs: Generously sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the short ribs. Lightly dust them all over with the all-purpose flour to help create a beautiful sear.
3. Sear the Meat: Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs and sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until deeply browned. Remove the ribs and set them aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped yellow onion, diced celery, and carrot. Cook for approximately 6 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
5. Add Flavorings: Stir in the tomato paste, fresh chopped thyme, and garlic cloves. Then pour in the bourbon whiskey, maple syrup, and beef stock, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
6. Braise the Short Ribs: Return the seared short ribs to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the braising liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil on the stovetop, then cover with a lid.
7. Slow Cook in Oven: Transfer the covered pot to the preheated oven. Braise the short ribs for 3 to 3½ hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the tender short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes. Ladle the rich, flavorful sauce generously over the top for an ultimate cozy meal experience.

Notes

• Bone-in short ribs provide more flavor and richer texture.
• Use fresh garlic for the best taste; roasting enhances its sweetness.
• Maple syrup should be pure, not imitation, for authentic flavor.
• Bourbon can be substituted with apple cider for a milder, non-alcoholic version.
• Vegetable stock can replace beef stock for a lighter braise.
• Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Keywords: short ribs, braised short ribs, maple bourbon short ribs, cozy dinners, comfort food, slow cooked beef, bourbon recipes