Incredibly Tender Boneless Beef Short Ribs: A Simple Oven-Baked Recipe for Melt-in-Your-Mouth Perfection

Prepare to experience boneless beef short ribs so incredibly tender they literally melt in your mouth. This oven-baked recipe is surprisingly simple to make, yet delivers an explosion of rich, savory flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Just imagine sinking your teeth into succulent, fall-apart beef, infused with aromatic seasonings, all achieved with minimal effort. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, these short ribs are destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Why This Recipe for Boneless Beef Short Ribs Works So Well

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This recipe for boneless beef short ribs is a testament to the power of slow cooking, transforming an otherwise tough cut of meat into a luxurious, fork-tender masterpiece. The magic lies in the method: a quick sear followed by a long, gentle braise in the oven. This two-step process locks in flavor and allows the connective tissues in the beef to slowly break down, resulting in an unparalleled tenderness that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods.

Boneless beef short ribs, whether bone-in or boneless, are ideal for this kind of slow cooking. Searing them in a hot skillet creates a beautiful, caramelized crust through the Maillard reaction. This not only enhances their visual appeal but, more importantly, develops deep, complex flavors that become the foundation of the dish. Following the sear, the ribs are gently cooked in a covered baking dish, immersed in a flavorful liquid. This moist-heat environment is crucial for tenderizing the meat, ensuring every bite is succulent and juicy.

What makes boneless short ribs particularly appealing is the convenience they offer. You get all the robust flavor and rich texture of traditional short ribs without the hassle of working around a bone. This makes them easier to carve, serve, and enjoy. While a slow oven braise is our preferred method for achieving peak tenderness, we understand that time can be a factor. For those moments when you need a quicker alternative, our Instant Pot beef short ribs recipe offers a fantastic solution, significantly reducing the cooking time to about an hour and a half while still delivering impressive results. However, if time allows, the oven method truly unlocks the deepest flavors and most profound tenderness.

With just a handful of staple ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant. The minimal ingredient list means the natural, rich flavor of the beef truly shines through, complemented by simple yet effective seasonings. Be warned: the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen as these ribs slowly cook is a delightful challenge to your willpower!

Essential Ingredients for Your Boneless Beef Short Ribs

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To embark on this culinary journey, gather your ingredients. All specific measurements, a complete list, and detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the conclusion of this post.

Ingredient Information and Expert Substitution Suggestions

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Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing your options for substitutions can elevate your cooking experience and ensure success, even if you’re missing something from the pantry.

Boneless Beef Short Ribs: For this specific recipe, you will need approximately 2 pounds of boneless beef short ribs. When selecting your ribs at the butcher or grocery store, look for pieces with good marbling – streaks of fat running through the meat. This marbling is key to the melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. Boneless short ribs are typically cut from the chuck primal and are essentially the same meat as bone-in short ribs, just with the bone removed, making them incredibly convenient for serving. If you prefer the classic bone-in experience, we encourage you to explore our dedicated bone-in beef short ribs recipe for a different but equally delicious approach.

Seasonings (Garlic Salt, Black Pepper, Onion Powder): Our recipe utilizes a foundational blend of garlic salt, black pepper, and onion powder. This simple trio is incredibly effective at enhancing the natural beef flavor without overpowering it. Garlic salt provides an instant savory depth with a hint of saltiness, while black pepper adds a subtle kick and aromatic complexity. Onion powder contributes a sweet, pungent flavor that complements the beef beautifully. For those who like to experiment, feel free to add other herbs and spices such as paprika for color and mild sweetness, a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary for an earthy note, or even a bay leaf to the braising liquid for an added layer of traditional flavor.

Olive Oil: Essential for searing, olive oil helps create that beautiful, flavorful crust on the short ribs. Its high smoke point and mild flavor make it an excellent choice. You can substitute olive oil with other high-heat cooking oils like canola oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil if preferred.

Chicken Broth: The chicken broth forms the base of our braising liquid, providing moisture and a savory foundation. As the ribs cook, the broth infuses them with flavor and contributes to the tenderizing process. Beef broth is an obvious and excellent substitute, offering an even deeper beefy flavor. For an extra touch of richness and complexity, particularly for special occasions, consider replacing half of the broth with dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. This adds a wonderful depth and a slight tang that pairs exquisitely with the robust beef.

How to Make Incredibly Tender Boneless Beef Short Ribs

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These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this delectable recipe. For a concise, printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). A consistent, lower temperature is key for slow cooking short ribs to perfection, ensuring they become tender without drying out.
2. Season the Meat: In a bowl, generously season your boneless beef short ribs with garlic salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Make sure to rub the seasonings thoroughly into all sides of the meat. This ensures every piece is flavored evenly and contributes to a delicious crust during searing.
   
   
3. Heat Olive Oil for Searing: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering and just starting to lightly smoke – this indicates it’s hot enough for proper searing.
4. Sear the Short Ribs: Carefully add the seasoned short ribs to the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; sear them in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Brown the ribs on all sides until a rich, dark crust forms. This crucial step develops deep, savory flavors that will enhance the final dish.
   
   
5. Prepare for Braising: Pour ½ cup of chicken broth into a 13×9 inch baking dish. Carefully transfer the browned short ribs from the skillet into the baking dish, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam and moisture, creating a braising environment that ensures the ribs remain incredibly tender.
   
   
6. Slow Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated 300°F oven for 2½ hours. During this long, slow cooking period, the connective tissues in the beef will break down, rendering the ribs unbelievably tender and flavorful. Resist the urge to peek too often, as keeping the lid tight is essential for maintaining moisture.
   

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Boneless Beef Short Ribs

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Delicious Serving Suggestions for Boneless Beef Short Ribs

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The beauty of tender boneless beef short ribs is their versatility. They pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, transforming any meal into a satisfying feast. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve them:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing! The rich gravy from the short ribs is absolutely perfect spooned over a fluffy bed of mashed potatoes. Consider garlic mashed potatoes or even a cheesy variation for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Roasted Vegetables: Complement the hearty beef with vibrant roasted vegetables. Green beans, asparagus, carrots, or broccoli, simply tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, roast beautifully alongside the ribs or can be prepared separately. Glazed carrots with a touch of honey or maple syrup also offer a delightful sweetness that contrasts the savory beef.
• Polenta or Creamy Grits: For a slightly different twist, serve the ribs over soft, creamy polenta or grits. These absorb the rich juices and provide a comforting, textural contrast.
• Rice or Pasta: White rice, brown rice, or even a flavorful risotto can serve as an excellent canvas for these flavorful ribs. Wide egg noodles or pappardelle pasta also make a fantastic pairing, allowing the rich sauce to cling to every strand.
• Hearty Sandwiches: Don’t forget the amazing sandwich potential! Shred the tender beef and pile it high into toasted buns. Add a generous drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce, a scoop of creamy coleslaw, or some pickled onions for an irresistible sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.
• Crusty Bread: Simply serving with a good, crusty bread is always a winner. It’s ideal for soaking up every last drop of the delicious pan juices.

More Irresistible Beef Recipes to Explore

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• Braised Beef
• Oven Beef Ribs
• Beef Tenderloin
• Instant Pot Beef Stew

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