Beef short ribs are a cut of meat that promises deep, rich flavor and incredibly tender texture when cooked properly. While they require a bit of time in the oven, the process itself is surprisingly simple, making it a perfect dish for a hearty family meal or an impressive dinner party. This guide will walk you through How To Cook Short Ribs in the oven to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth perfection every time.
Why Oven-Baked Short Ribs are a Great Choice
Oven baking is an excellent method for cooking short ribs because it allows for a slow and even cooking process. This low and slow approach is key to breaking down the tough connective tissues in short ribs, transforming them into wonderfully tender and juicy meat. The oven’s consistent heat ensures that the ribs cook uniformly, preventing dry edges and uncooked centers. Furthermore, oven baking is hands-off, allowing you to prepare side dishes or relax while the ribs become incredibly flavorful and tender. The result is deeply flavorful, fall-off-the-bone short ribs that are sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Short Ribs in the Oven
Let’s get started on creating some amazing oven-baked short ribs. Here’s a simple, foolproof method:
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beef Short Ribs (Bone-in): Approximately 8 bone-in short ribs. Bone-in ribs tend to be more flavorful and stay moister during cooking.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural beef flavor. Use about 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, or adjust to your preference.
- BBQ Sauce: ⅓ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. This adds a delicious smoky and sweet glaze to the ribs. You can use store-bought or homemade.
Preparation: Seasoning and Getting Ready
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature is crucial for slow braising and tenderizing the short ribs.
- Season the short ribs: Generously season all sides of the beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as it will penetrate the meat during the long cooking time.
Baking Instructions: Temperature and Time
- Arrange the ribs in a baking dish: Place the seasoned short ribs bone-side down in a baking dish. Choose a dish that snugly fits the ribs to keep them moist.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil: This is a critical step. Tightly cover the baking dish with two layers of aluminum foil. The foil creates a sealed environment, trapping moisture and allowing the ribs to braise in their own juices.
- Bake for 3 ½ to 4 hours: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 3 ½ to 4 hours. Cooking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the ribs.
Checking for Tenderness and Adding BBQ Sauce
- Check for doneness: After 3 ½ hours, check the ribs for tenderness. They are ready when the meat is visibly pulling away from the bone and they are fork-tender. If they are not quite there, continue baking for another 30 minutes to an hour.
- Drain excess fat (optional but recommended): Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and remove the foil. You may notice a significant amount of rendered fat in the dish. Draining this excess fat before adding BBQ sauce will prevent the ribs from becoming greasy and help the BBQ sauce adhere better. You can carefully tilt the dish and spoon off the fat, or transfer the ribs to a clean baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Baste with BBQ sauce: Brush or spoon BBQ sauce generously over the top of the short ribs.
Broiling for Caramelization (Optional)
- Broil for a caramelized finish (optional): To create a delicious caramelized glaze on the BBQ sauce, you can broil the ribs for the last 2-4 minutes. Set your oven to broil on low and watch the ribs closely to prevent burning. Broil until the BBQ sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Remove the short ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful meat.
Short Ribs vs. Back Ribs: Understanding the Difference
It’s helpful to understand the difference between beef short ribs and beef back ribs, as they are different cuts of meat.
- Beef Short Ribs: These are cut from the rib cage area, closer to the breastbone. They are meatier and smaller in length compared to back ribs, with the meat sitting on top of the bone.
- Beef Back Ribs: These come from the upper part of the rib cage, closer to the spine, and are the ribs that are removed when a prime rib roast is prepared. They are longer and have meat between the bones rather than on top.
Despite these differences, both cuts are tough and benefit from low and slow cooking methods like oven baking or slow cooking. Beef short ribs are often more expensive than back ribs due to their meatier nature. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, beef back ribs can be a great alternative and are equally delicious when cooked properly using the same low and slow methods.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Short Ribs
- Don’t rush the cooking time: Patience is key when cooking short ribs. The low and slow cooking process is what breaks down the tough connective tissue and creates that signature tenderness.
- Check for tenderness, not just time: Ovens can vary, so rely on meat tenderness as your primary indicator of doneness rather than strictly adhering to the 3 ½ – 4 hour timeframe.
- Serving suggestions: Oven-baked BBQ beef short ribs are fantastic served with classic sides like mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, cornbread, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables.
- Spice it up: Feel free to experiment with different spices to enhance the flavor of your short ribs. Consider adding cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary along with the salt and pepper before baking.
Alternative Cooking Methods
While this guide focuses on oven baking, short ribs are also excellent when cooked using other methods:
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot): For a hands-off approach, slow cook short ribs in a crockpot for 6-8 hours on low. Add about 1 cup of beef broth to maintain moisture.
- Instant Pot: For a quicker method, sear the short ribs and then pressure cook them in an Instant Pot for about 45 minutes with 1 cup of broth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for pressure release.
FAQs About Oven-Baked Short Ribs
Can you cook beef short ribs in the oven fast?
No, you cannot. Beef short ribs are a tough cut and require slow, low-temperature cooking to become tender. Rushing the process will result in tough, chewy meat.
How long do beef short ribs take to bake in the oven?
Typically, beef short ribs take 3 ½ to 4 hours to bake in the oven at 275°F (135°C).
What temperature are beef short ribs cooked in the oven at?
The ideal oven temperature for cooking beef short ribs is 275°F (135°C).
Are beef short ribs cooked covered?
Yes, beef short ribs should be cooked covered tightly with aluminum foil or a tight-fitting lid to trap moisture and ensure braising.
Does this recipe work for boneless as well as bone-in beef short ribs?
Yes, this recipe works for both boneless and bone-in beef short ribs. However, bone-in ribs are generally preferred for their richer flavor and moisture retention.
Conclusion
Cooking short ribs in the oven is a rewarding experience. With a little time and patience, you can transform this humble cut of beef into a truly spectacular dish. The slow oven-baking method ensures incredibly tender, flavorful results that are perfect for any occasion. So, fire up your oven and get ready to enjoy some deliciously tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs!
