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Balsamic Bourbon Short Ribs

Tender beef short ribs braised in a rich balsamic bourbon sauce, perfect for an elegant dinner or special occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Short Ribs
  • 4 lbs beef short ribs, bone-in
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 bay leaves

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Pat short ribs dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear ribs 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add onions and cook 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  4. Pour in bourbon and simmer 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
  5. Stir in balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, beef stock, thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Return short ribs to the pot. Cover with lid and transfer to oven.
  7. Cook 2.5–3 hours until ribs are fork-tender. Spoon sauce over ribs halfway through.
  8. Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning. Serve ribs hot with sauce and garnish.

Notes

Ribs taste even better the next day; reheat gently on stovetop.