Whiskey-Braised Beef Short Ribs
Tender beef short ribs slow-cooked in a whiskey-infused braising liquid, served with creamy mashed potatoes. This american-inspired beef ready in about 165 minutes pairs beef short ribs, whiskey, large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.2 kg beef short ribs
- 100 ml whiskey
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 500 ml beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Pat 1.2 kg beef short ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs and sear on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté 1 large chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Pour in 100 ml whiskey and let it simmer for 2 minutes to deglaze the pan. Add 500 ml beef broth, 1 tbsp thyme, and bring to a boil.
- Step 5: Return the short ribs to the skillet, cover, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2.5-3 hours, or until the meat is falling off the bone.
- Step 6: Skim excess fat from the surface, then serve the ribs with the sauce, accompanied by mashed potatoes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Whiskey-Braised Beef Short Ribs take to make?
Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Whiskey-Braised Beef Short Ribs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef short ribs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Whiskey-Braised Beef Short Ribs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Whiskey-Braised Beef Short Ribs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Whiskey-Braised Beef Short Ribs?
American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to beef dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
