Immerse yourself in the succulent, tender fall-off-the-bone experience that is slow-baked BBQ short ribs. This easy recipe imbues the ribs with a homemade BBQ sauce that bakes into the meat during a slow roast, creating an irresistible aroma and flavor.
While most ingredients in this recipe can be found in your pantry, you may need to make a trip to your local supermarket for boneless beef short ribs. These are typically located in the meat section. Another ingredient to be aware of is cider vinegar, which can be found in the condiments aisle.
Ingredients for Easy Slow-Baked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe
Boneless beef short ribs: The main star of this dish. These are juicy, meaty, and become incredibly tender when slow baked.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the ribs.
Ketchup: Provides a tangy base for the BBQ sauce.
Dark brown sugar: Adds a deep sweetness to the BBQ sauce.
Cider vinegar: Gives the BBQ sauce its characteristic tang.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the BBQ sauce.
Dijon mustard: Gives the BBQ sauce a bit of heat and complexity.
Chili Powder: Adds a bit of spice and smokiness to the BBQ sauce.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory note to the sauce.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a kick of heat to the sauce.
One reader, Emmalynn Helms says:
This easy slow-baked BBQ short ribs recipe is a game-changer! The meat is so tender and flavorful, and the BBQ sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It's a hit every time I make it, and my family always asks for seconds. A definite must-try for BBQ lovers!
Key Techniques for Slow-Baked BBQ Short Ribs
How to season the ribs: Season the ribs all over with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat.
How to make the BBQ sauce: Combine all the ingredients for the BBQ sauce in a small bowl and stir until smooth to create a tangy and sweet sauce for the ribs.
How to slow-bake the ribs: Cover the ribs with aluminum foil and roast them at 300°F for 2.5 hours, then remove the foil and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the meat is tender and browned.
How To Make Easy Slow-Baked BBQ Short Ribs
These BBQ short ribs are slow baked to yield juicy and tender meat, and served in a lusciously spicy and savory sauce, for a hearty dinner meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Ribs:
- 4lbsbeef short ribs,boneless, cut into 4-inch long pieces
- 2tspkosher salt
- 1tspblack pepper
For BBQ Sauce:
- 1cupketchup
- ¾cupdark brown sugar
- 1½tbspcider vinegar
- 1½tbspworcestershire sauce
- 1½tbspdijon mustard
- 1½tspchili powder
- ¾tspgarlic powder
- ¼tspcayenne pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
Ribs:
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Season the ribs all over with salt and pepper, then arrange in a 13×9-inch baking dish.
BBQ Sauce:
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Combine all of the ingredients for the BBQ sauce in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
To Bake:
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Pour ⅓ of the sauce, about ½ cup, over the ribs. Using tongs, flip the ribs over and spoon another ⅓ of the sauce over top. Reserve the remaining BBQ sauce to spoon over the cooked ribs.
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Cover the pan with aluminum foil and roast for 2½ hours. Remove the foil and, if the cooking liquid is covering the meat, use a large spoon or ladle to remove some of the liquid so that the tops are exposed.
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Cook for 30 minutes more, uncovered, until the meat is tender and browned. Cut off any excess fat that remains around the short ribs.
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Transfer the short ribs to a serving platter. Discard the cooking liquid, as it will be very greasy.
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Slather the reserved BBQ sauce over the short ribs, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1940.46kcal
- Fat: 164.78g
- Saturated Fat: 71.55g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 74.52g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.16g
- Carbohydrates: 46.19g
- Fiber: 1.03g
- Sugar: 39.96g
- Protein: 66.51g
- Cholesterol: 344.73mg
- Sodium: 1304.62mg
- Calcium: 90.69mg
- Potassium: 1359.70mg
- Iron: 8.17mg
- Vitamin A: 33.76µg
- Vitamin C: 3.41mg
Crucial Technique for Perfect BBQ Short Ribs
When preparing your short ribs, it's important to remove as much excess fat as possible before cooking. This will help to prevent the final dish from being overly greasy. Additionally, when applying the BBQ sauce, try to ensure that it covers all sides of the meat. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the ribs, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Lastly, don't be alarmed if the ribs look unappetizing halfway through cooking – they will brown and become more visually appealing in the final stages of cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Prep ahead: Marinate the short ribs the night before to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, saving time on the day of cooking.
Use a slow cooker: Consider using a slow cooker for this recipe to save time and effort. Simply place all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Double the batch: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra portions for a quick and easy meal on a busy day.
Prep workstation: Organize your ingredients and tools before you start cooking to streamline the process and minimize time spent searching for items.
Prep side dishes: While the ribs are cooking, prepare side dishes or accompaniments to serve with the meal, allowing you to multitask and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Slow-Baked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe
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boneless beef short ribs – Substitute with beef chuck roast: Beef chuck roast is a flavorful and well-marbled cut that can be slow-baked to tender perfection, similar to short ribs.
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kosher salt – Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a 1:1 replacement for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
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black pepper – Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, offering a milder and slightly different flavor profile while still providing the desired peppery kick.
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ketchup – Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for ketchup in the BBQ sauce, providing a rich tomato base without the added sweetness and tanginess of ketchup.
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dark brown sugar – Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for dark brown sugar, adding a deep, rich sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the BBQ sauce.
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cider vinegar – Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for cider vinegar, providing a similar level of acidity and tanginess to the BBQ sauce.
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worcestershire sauce – Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for worcestershire sauce, adding a savory umami flavor to the BBQ sauce.
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dijon mustard – Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard can be used as a substitute for dijon mustard, providing a tangy and slightly milder flavor to the BBQ sauce.
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chili powder – Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a substitute for chili powder, offering a milder heat and a rich, smoky flavor to the BBQ sauce.
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garlic powder – Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic can be used as a substitute for garlic powder, providing a more intense and fresh garlic flavor to the BBQ sauce.
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cayenne pepper – Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can be used as a substitute for cayenne pepper, adding a subtle heat and a smoky flavor to the BBQ sauce.
Presentation Tips for Slow-Baked BBQ Short Ribs
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Elevate the plating: When presenting the slow-baked BBQ short ribs, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Use a large, white, or neutral-colored plate to showcase the rich, caramelized color of the ribs and the vibrant BBQ sauce.
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Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or chives. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a hint of freshness to the rich flavors of the dish.
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Incorporate contrasting textures: Consider adding a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp, refreshing slaw to complement the tender, succulent short ribs. The interplay of textures will elevate the dining experience and add depth to the dish.
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Emphasize the glaze: Highlight the glistening BBQ glaze by carefully brushing an additional layer over the ribs just before serving. This will create a beautiful sheen that captures the attention of the judges and adds a professional touch to the presentation.
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Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the placement of each element on the plate. Ensure that the ribs are positioned thoughtfully, and any accompanying sides are arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
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Use high-quality serving utensils: Opt for sleek and polished serving utensils that complement the elegance of the dish. This attention to detail will demonstrate a commitment to excellence in both presentation and execution.
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Create a focal point: Arrange the ribs as the focal point of the plate, drawing the eye to the succulent meat and the luscious BBQ glaze. Surround the ribs with carefully placed accompaniments to enhance the overall visual impact.
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Consider the negative space: Utilize the concept of negative space to create a balanced and visually striking presentation. Leave some areas of the plate empty to allow the main components to shine and create a sense of harmony in the overall composition.
Essential Tools for Making BBQ Short Ribs
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Oven: You will need an oven to slow-bake the short ribs at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Baking dish: A 13 by 9-inch baking dish is required to arrange the seasoned ribs for slow-baking.
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Small bowl: Use a small bowl to mix and stir the ingredients for the BBQ sauce.
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Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil is used to cover the baking dish during the initial phase of slow-baking.
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Tongs: Tongs are necessary for flipping the ribs and spooning the BBQ sauce over them.
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Large spoon or ladle: You will need a large spoon or ladle to remove excess cooking liquid from the baking dish during the cooking process.
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Serving platter: A serving platter is essential for transferring and presenting the cooked short ribs.
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Foil: Foil is used to tightly cover the ribs for freezing.
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Oven-safe container: An oven-safe container is required for reheating the frozen ribs.
Storing and Freezing Slow-Baked BBQ Short Ribs
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Once the short ribs have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep the ribs fresh.
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If you plan to store the bbq short ribs in the refrigerator, they will keep well for up to 4 days. Make sure to store them in the coldest part of your fridge, typically the back of the bottom shelf.
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For longer storage, you can freeze the short ribs for up to 3 months. To do this, wrap the cooled ribs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of how long they've been frozen.
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When you're ready to enjoy the frozen short ribs, transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. You can reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven, tightly covered with foil, until they are heated through. This gentle reheating process will help maintain the ribs' tenderness and prevent them from drying out.
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If you have any leftover bbq sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can use this sauce to baste the ribs when reheating or serve it on the side for extra flavor.
Reheating Leftover BBQ Short Ribs
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To reheat leftover short ribs, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the ribs in a baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. This low and slow method will help preserve the tenderness of the meat.
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For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the short ribs in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the meat to become tough.
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If you have a sous vide machine, you can reheat the short ribs to perfection. Place the ribs in a vacuum-sealed bag and cook in a water bath at 140°F (60°C) for about an hour, or until heated through. This method will maintain the original texture and flavor of the meat.
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For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the short ribs on the grill or under the broiler. Preheat your grill or broiler to high heat. Brush the ribs with some reserved BBQ sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly charred.
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If you have leftover BBQ sauce, you can reheat it separately in a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, then brush it over the reheated short ribs for an extra burst of flavor.
Interesting Fact About BBQ Short Ribs
The slow-baked bbq short ribs recipe is a delicious and easy way to prepare tender and flavorful ribs. By slow-baking the ribs at a low temperature, the meat becomes incredibly tender and falls off the bone. The combination of the savory seasoning and the sweet and tangy bbq sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that is sure to impress. This recipe is perfect for a weekend dinner or a special occasion, and the leftovers can be frozen for up to three months, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Budget-Friendly BBQ Short Ribs at Home
This easy slow-baked BBQ short ribs recipe is a cost-effective option for a household. The ingredients, such as beef short ribs and ketchup, are reasonably priced and readily available. The dish serves 4 people, and the approximate cost is around $25, making it an economical choice. The rich flavors and tender texture earn this recipe a solid 9/10 rating.
Is This BBQ Short Ribs Recipe Healthy?
This recipe for slow-baked BBQ short ribs is undeniably delicious, but it's not the healthiest option out there. The main concerns are the high amounts of saturated fat from the beef short ribs and the added sugars in the BBQ sauce. The recipe also lacks any vegetables, which are essential for a balanced meal.
However, there are ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing flavor:
- Choose leaner cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or round roast, to reduce the overall fat content
- Trim any visible fat from the meat before cooking
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the BBQ sauce, or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Add more vinegar to the sauce to balance out the sweetness and boost the tangy flavor
- Incorporate some vegetables into the dish, such as sliced onions, carrots, or bell peppers, to increase the nutrient content
- Serve the ribs with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables and a whole grain like brown rice or quinoa to create a more balanced meal
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the tender, flavorful meat and the sticky, sweet BBQ sauce without going overboard on the unhealthy components. Remember, moderation is key, and it's always a good idea to balance out indulgent meals with plenty of nutrient-dense foods.
Editor's Take on This Slow-Baked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe
The slow-baked BBQ short ribs recipe is a delightful combination of tender, succulent beef and a rich, flavorful BBQ sauce. The low and slow cooking method ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender and juicy, while the homemade BBQ sauce adds a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. The freezer-friendly option also makes it a convenient make-ahead meal. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to become a favorite in any home cook's repertoire.
Enhance Your Easy Slow-Baked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Easy Slow-Baked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe:
This easy slow-baked bbq short ribs recipe guarantees tender, flavorful results. The slow cooking process allows the ribs to absorb the rich bbq flavors, creating a mouthwatering dish. The combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and spices in the bbq sauce enhances the savory profile. Trust the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe to elevate your culinary experience.
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