Coffee-Braised Short Ribs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
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Looking for a recipe that melds comfort with a touch of elegance? These Coffee-Braised Short Ribs are a game-changer. Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests, they offer a rich, deep flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients for Coffee-Braised Short Ribs

The star of the show is, of course, the beef short ribs. They need to be bone-in for maximum flavor. Olive oil helps in browning the meat, which is essential for flavor. Onion and garlic are the classic aromatics that form the base of the braising liquid. Brewed strong coffee imparts a deep, rich flavor — think of it as a hearty backbone for the dish. Beef broth adds more depth, while balsamic vinegar introduces a tangy sweetness. Tomato paste thickens the sauce and amplifies the umami. Brown sugar balances the acidity, and smoked paprika contributes a subtle smokiness. Finally, season everything generously with salt and black pepper to taste. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the final dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a more intense flavor, marinate the ribs in the coffee overnight.
  • If the sauce is too thin after braising, remove the ribs and reduce the sauce on the stovetop until thickened.
  • Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a rustic loaf of crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. A side of roasted root vegetables would complement the flavors nicely. Consider a glass of red wine to round out the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless short ribs?
Yes, but bone-in ribs provide more flavor and help keep the meat tender during braising.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the ribs and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Coffee-Braised Short Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While that's happening, season the short ribs well with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy; this is where you start building flavor.

Next, heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the short ribs. Brown them on all sides, which should take about eight minutes. This step is crucial for developing flavor, so don’t rush it. Transfer the browned ribs to a plate.

In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they soften, about five minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another couple of minutes to let its rich flavors bloom.

Now, pour in the brewed coffee, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Stir everything well to combine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot — that's extra flavor!

Return the short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the liquid. Cover the pot and transfer it to your preheated oven. Let it braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. You'll know it's ready when the meat is tender and nearly falling off the bone.

Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The coffee adds a unique, robust flavor that enhances the beef.
  • Simple ingredients create a sophisticated dish.
  • Low and slow cooking ensures melt-in-your-mouth meat.
  • Perfect for making ahead — it tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
2 tbsps olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup brewed strong coffee
1 cup beef broth
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsps tomato paste
2 tbsps brown sugar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground black pepper
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
4. Brown the short ribs on all sides, about 8 minutes total, then transfer them to a plate.
5. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for another 2 minutes.
7. Add the brewed coffee, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine.
8. Return the short ribs to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
9. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
10. Braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
11. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

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