Whiskey-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Red Wine Reduction

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent short ribs slowly braised in whiskey and beef stock, served with a rich red wine sauce for deep, comforting flavor. This french-inspired beef ready in about 200 minutes pairs bone-in beef short ribs, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 French cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Season 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs generously with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs on all sides, about 3 minutes per side, until deeply browned and crusty. Transfer ribs to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 1 large diced carrot, 1 diced celery stalk, and 4 smashed garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and are fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then carefully add 1 cup whiskey to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return short ribs to the pot, add 3 cups beef stock, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours until meat is very tender and falling off the bone.
  6. Step 6: Remove ribs and keep warm. Strain braising liquid into a saucepan and discard solids. Add 1 cup red wine to the liquid and simmer over medium heat until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Serve short ribs topped with the red wine reduction sauce for a rich, hearty meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Whiskey-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Red Wine Reduction take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 with Red Wine Reduction?

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 bone-in beef short ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Whiskey-Braised Beef Short Ribs with Red Wine Reduction?

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 with Red Wine Reduction for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 with Red Wine Reduction?

French 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.

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