Whiskey-Glazed Braised Short Ribs

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

Tender short ribs slow-braised in a rich whiskey and tomato glaze, finished with fresh herbs for a deeply savory experience. This american-inspired beef ready in about 225 minutes pairs 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: 30 min Cook: 195 min Serves 6 American 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 beef short ribs generously with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat and brown the short ribs on all sides, about 3 minutes per side, until deeply caramelized. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 3 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
  3. Step 3: Carefully pour in 1 cup Brooklyn whiskey to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return short ribs to the pot. Add 3 cups beef broth, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 3 hours until meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone.
  5. Step 5: Remove ribs and strain the sauce, discarding solids. Reduce sauce on stovetop over medium heat until thickened to a glaze consistency, about 10 minutes. Return ribs to the pot and coat with glaze.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Whiskey-Glazed Braised Short Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 225 minutes (30 min prep + 195 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-Glazed Braised 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-Glazed Braised 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-Glazed Braised Short Ribs 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-Glazed Braised 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.

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