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Balsamic Bourbon Short Ribs

Tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs braised slowly in a rich balsamic bourbon sauce for deep, bold, unforgettable flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American, Gourmet
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Short Ribs
  • 3-4 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup bourbon
  • 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Season short ribs with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven and sear ribs until browned on all sides.
  3. Remove ribs and sauté onions until softened, then add garlic.
  4. Pour in bourbon and scrape up brown bits, cooking off alcohol.
  5. Stir in balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, and beef broth.
  6. Return ribs to pot and add rosemary and thyme.
  7. Cover and braise at 325°F (165°C) for 2.5–3 hours until tender.
  8. Remove ribs and simmer sauce until thickened into a glaze.
  9. Serve ribs with sauce spooned over top.

Notes

For even richer flavor, make the ribs a day ahead and reheat before serving.