Maple Bourbon Braised Short Ribs for Ultimate Cozy Nights Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325ºF (170ºC) to prepare for slow braising.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
