Description
Fall-apart tender beef short ribs braised low and slow in a rich blend of bourbon, balsamic vinegar, and aromatic herbs, topped with a sharp horseradish cream—comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 beef short ribs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for horseradish cream)
- 2 tbsp prepared horseradish (for horseradish cream)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (for horseradish cream)
- 2 tsp lemon juice (for horseradish cream)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (for horseradish cream)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pat short ribs dry and season with salt.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until golden.
- Add bourbon and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in balsamic vinegar, beef broth, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Return the ribs to the pot, cover, and transfer to the oven.
- Braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the meat is fork-tender.
- Meanwhile, prepare the horseradish cream by whisking together sour cream, prepared horseradish, heavy cream, lemon juice, and salt. Chill until ready to serve.
- Remove ribs from the pot. If desired, simmer the braising liquid on the stovetop to reduce and thicken the sauce.
- Serve the ribs hot with a dollop of horseradish cream on top.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, sear the ribs well before braising.
- Use a quality bourbon and aged balsamic vinegar for best results.
- The horseradish cream adds a bright, tangy contrast to the rich meat.
- This dish can be made a day ahead—flavors improve overnight.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 short ribs with sauce and cream
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
