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Balsamic Bourbon Short Ribs

Tender beef short ribs braised in a rich balsamic and bourbon sauce, perfect for a winter feast.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Winter
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4-5 lbs beef short ribs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 carrots sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 0.5 cup bourbon
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening sauce

Equipment

  • Oven-safe pot
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Season ribs with salt and pepper and sear 3–4 minutes per side.
  2. Remove ribs; add onions, carrots, and garlic to pot, sauté 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add balsamic vinegar and bourbon, scraping browned bits. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  4. Return ribs to pot, add beef stock until ribs are partially submerged. Bring to simmer, cover, and braise in 325°F (165°C) oven 2.5–3 hours until tender.
  5. Optional: Remove ribs and thicken sauce on stove with cornstarch slurry.
  6. Plate ribs, spoon sauce over top, and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve with sides.

Notes

Ribs can be prepared ahead; flavors improve after resting overnight.