How To Cook Short Ribs In Slow Cooker

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Introduction

Short ribs, with their rich, tender meat, are a popular cut of beef that is perfect for slow cooking. Slow cooking in a crockpot or slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together and results in fall-apart, melt-in-your-mouth meat. If you’re new to cooking short ribs or just looking for a convenient way to make them, using a slow cooker is a great option.

In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking short ribs in a slow cooker. We’ll provide you with a delicious and foolproof recipe that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients on hand to make these delicious slow cooker short ribs:

• 3 pounds of beef short ribs
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 1/2 cup of soy sauce
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients come together to create a flavorful base for the short ribs to cook in. The combination of savory and sweet flavors with the aromatics of garlic and onion will infuse the meat with deliciousness.

Feel free to adjust the seasoning and flavors to suit your preferences. You can add more herbs, spices, or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce to give it an extra kick.

Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to gather our cooking equipment and get started on preparing the short ribs.

Equipment Needed

Before you begin cooking your short ribs in the slow cooker, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:

• A slow cooker or crockpot: Choose a size that can comfortably fit your 3 pounds of short ribs. It’s important to have a slow cooker with a lid to trap in the heat and moisture during the cooking process.
• A large skillet: You’ll need a skillet to sear the short ribs before transferring them to the slow cooker. Opt for a skillet that is oven-safe, as this will allow you to sear the meat and then transfer it directly to the slow cooker without any additional dishes.
• Tongs: Tongs will come in handy for flipping and transferring the short ribs during the searing process.
• A cutting board and knife: You’ll need a cutting board to dice the onion and a knife to mince the garlic cloves. Make sure your knife is sharp and suitable for cutting through meat.
• A measuring cup and spoons: You’ll need these to accurately measure and add the liquids and seasonings to the slow cooker.

Having all the necessary equipment ready will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient. Take a moment to gather everything and ensure it’s clean and in good working condition.

Now that you have your ingredients and equipment prepared, it’s time to move on to the step-by-step process of cooking your short ribs in the slow cooker.

Step 1: Prepare the Short Ribs

Before we begin cooking the short ribs, it’s important to prepare them properly. Follow these steps to ensure your short ribs are ready for the slow cooker:

1. Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels: This helps remove any excess moisture on the surface of the meat, allowing for better browning during the searing process.
2. Trim any excess fat: While some fat is desirable for flavor and tenderness, remove any large pieces or excessive fat that could lead to an overly greasy final dish.
3. Season with salt and pepper: Sprinkle both sides of the short ribs with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor of the meat.

By properly preparing the short ribs, you are setting the stage for a delicious and well-cooked final dish. Next, we’ll move on to seasoning the short ribs to give them a burst of flavor.

Step 2: Season the Short Ribs

Now that the short ribs are prepared, it’s time to season them with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. Follow these steps to season your short ribs:

1. In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme and dried rosemary.
2. Sprinkle the herb mixture over both sides of the short ribs, ensuring an even coating.
3. Massage the seasoning into the meat, pressing it firmly to adhere.

The combination of thyme and rosemary adds an aromatic and earthy flavor to the short ribs. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your personal taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder.

Once the short ribs are seasoned, it’s time to move on to the next step: searing them in a hot skillet.

Step 3: Sear the Short Ribs

Searing the short ribs before transferring them to the slow cooker helps to develop a rich, caramelized crust and adds flavor to the meat. Follow these steps to sear the short ribs:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the short ribs to the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
3. Sear the short ribs for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are well browned.
4. Using tongs, carefully flip the short ribs and sear the other side.

Searing the short ribs in a hot skillet helps to lock in the juices and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. The seared crust adds a pleasant texture and color to the meat.

Once the short ribs are adequately seared, it’s time to transfer them to the slow cooker, where they will continue to cook and become tender.

Step 4: Transfer to Slow Cooker

After searing the short ribs to perfection, it’s time to transfer them to the slow cooker for slow and gentle cooking. Follow these steps:

1. Carefully remove the seared short ribs from the skillet using tongs, allowing any excess oil to drip back into the skillet.
2. Place the short ribs in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible. This ensures even cooking throughout the meat.
3. If there are any browned bits or drippings left in the skillet, do not discard them. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
4. Pour the drippings into the slow cooker, making sure to scrape any bits from the skillet and add them to the pot.

Transferring the short ribs to the slow cooker allows for a gentle and steady cooking process. The low heat and long cooking time will result in tender and succulent meat that falls right off the bone.

Now that the short ribs are in the slow cooker, it’s time to add the liquids and flavorings that will further enhance their taste.

For extra flavor, sear the short ribs in a hot pan before placing them in the slow cooker. This will help caramelize the meat and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Step 5: Add the Liquid and Flavorings

Adding the right liquids and flavorings to the slow cooker will infuse the short ribs with deliciousness. Follow these steps to enhance the taste of your dish:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and diced onion. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Pour the liquid mixture into the slow cooker, evenly distributing it over the short ribs.

This liquid mixture acts as a flavorful marinade and braising liquid for the short ribs. The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, umami-rich tomato paste, and aromatic garlic and onion creates a powerhouse of taste that will permeate the meat as it cooks.

Make sure to distribute the liquid mixture evenly over the short ribs for consistent flavor absorption. The slow cooker will work its magic, gradually infusing the meat with the flavors of the seasonings and liquids.

With the liquids and flavorings added, it’s time to move on to setting the cooking time and temperature for the slow cooker.

Step 6: Set the Cooking Time and Temperature

Setting the cooking time and temperature for your slow cooker is crucial to achieving tender and flavorful short ribs. Follow these steps to ensure optimal cooking:

1. Place the lid securely on the slow cooker.
2. Set the cooking temperature to low for slow and gentle cooking. This allows the meat to become tender and juicy over a longer period of time.
3. Set the cooking time based on your desired level of tenderness. Generally, cooking the short ribs on low for 8-10 hours will yield melt-in-your-mouth meat. If you’re pressed for time, you can cook them on high for 4-6 hours, but the texture may not be as tender.

The slow cooking process allows the flavors to mingle and develop while ensuring the meat becomes fork-tender without drying out. With the temperature set to low, you can go about your day knowing that a delicious meal is slowly coming together.

As the short ribs cook, a tantalizing aroma will fill your kitchen, building anticipation for the feast to come. Once the cooking time has elapsed, it’s time to remove the short ribs from the slow cooker.

Step 7: Let it Cook

Now that you’ve set the cooking time and temperature for your slow cooker, it’s time to let it work its magic. This step requires patience, as the slow cooking process is what will transform your short ribs into tender, succulent pieces of meat. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Leave the slow cooker undisturbed as it cooks the short ribs.
2. Avoid opening the lid unnecessarily, as this can cause heat loss and extend the cooking time.
3. Allow the short ribs to simmer and braise in the flavorful liquid, gradually becoming tender and infused with all the delicious seasonings.

During this time, the low heat and long cooking time will break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The flavors from the seasonings and liquids will meld together, creating a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

While you resist the temptation to peek, the aroma of the slow-cooking short ribs will fill your kitchen, building anticipation for the final result. Once the cooking time is complete, it’s time to carefully remove the short ribs from the slow cooker.

Step 8: Remove the Short Ribs

Now that the cooking time is complete and your kitchen is filled with the tantalizing aroma of slow-cooked short ribs, it’s time to carefully remove the meat from the slow cooker. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off the slow cooker and unplug it from the power source.
2. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove each short rib from the slow cooker, allowing any excess liquid to drip back into the pot.
3. Transfer the removed short ribs to a plate or a serving platter.

Be cautious when handling the hot short ribs, as they will be tender and may fall apart easily. The slow cooking process should have rendered the meat incredibly tender, resulting in a delectable texture.

As you transfer the short ribs to a serving dish, take note of their succulent appearance. The rich brown color, enhanced by the searing process and long hours of slow cooking, is a visual testament to the delicious flavors that await.

With the short ribs removed from the slow cooker, it’s time to decide if you want to make a sauce from the cooking liquid or skip directly to serving these mouthwatering delights.

Step 9: Make the Sauce (Optional)

If you wish to elevate the flavors of your slow cooker short ribs even further, you can make a delicious sauce using the cooking liquid. This step is optional but highly recommended for an enhanced dining experience. Follow these steps to make the sauce:

1. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid in the slow cooker.
2. Transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and place it over medium heat.
3. Bring the liquid to a boil and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reduces and thickens slightly.
4. If desired, you can further enrich the sauce by whisking in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water. This will give the sauce a thicker consistency.
5. Continue simmering the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken further.
6. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

The resulting sauce will be rich, savory, and packed with the flavors from the slow-cooked short ribs. It will complement the meat beautifully, adding an extra layer of depth and richness to each bite.

You can drizzle the sauce over the short ribs on the serving platter for an appealing presentation, or serve it on the side for guests to add as desired.

With the sauce prepared (or skipped, if you prefer), it’s time to move on to the final step: serving and enjoying your labor of love.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the final step of the slow cooker short rib cooking process. It’s time to plate up your delicious creation and savor the fruits of your labor. Here’s how to serve and enjoy your slow cooker short ribs:

1. Arrange the cooked short ribs on a serving platter or individual plates.
2. If you made the optional sauce, drizzle it over the short ribs or serve it on the side.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for an extra pop of color and flavor.
4. Pair the short ribs with your choice of sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
5. Take a moment to admire your beautifully cooked short ribs before digging in.
6. Grab your fork or tongs, and tenderly pull apart a piece of meat. Notice how it effortlessly breaks apart, revealing the tender, juicy, and flavorful interior.
7. Savor each mouthful, allowing the blend of herbs and seasonings to entice your taste buds with every bite.
8. Take your time, enjoy the rich flavors, and let the succulent meat melt in your mouth.

Whether you’re serving these slow cooker short ribs to family, friends, or enjoying them all by yourself, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of slow cooking and flavorful ingredients creates a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for more.

So sit back, relax, and indulge in the tender perfection of your slow cooker short ribs. Good food and good company make for an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy!

And there you have it — a step-by-step guide to cooking short ribs in a slow cooker. With these instructions and a little patience, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering and impressive dish that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Remember, cooking is an art, and feel free to experiment with flavors and techniques to make these short ribs your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion

Cooking short ribs in a slow cooker is a convenient and foolproof way to achieve tender, flavorful meat that will leave you and your guests wanting seconds. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become melt-in-your-mouth tender, making it the perfect dish for any occasion.

By following the step-by-step guide in this article, you’ve learned how to prepare and season the short ribs, sear them for a caramelized exterior, transfer them to the slow cooker, add the liquid and flavorings, and patiently let them cook to perfection. The optional step of making a flavorful sauce from the cooking liquid elevates the dish even further.

The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it allows you to set it and forget it, freeing up your time to attend to other tasks or simply relax. As the short ribs cook low and slow, your kitchen will be filled with a tantalizing aroma that will build anticipation for the mouthwatering meal that awaits.

When it’s time to serve, take a moment to appreciate the tender, succulent meat and the rich flavors that have developed through the slow cooking process. Pair your short ribs with your preferred sides and garnishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a delicious home-cooked meal, slow cooker short ribs are sure to impress. This recipe provides a solid foundation, but don’t be afraid to experiment with additional seasonings or personal touches to make it your own.

Now that you have the knowledge and confidence to cook short ribs in a slow cooker, it’s time to gather the ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you with a memorable and flavorful meal. So, put on your apron, get cooking, and enjoy the mouthwatering results!