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Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions

Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions

Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions is a comforting and gourmet dish featuring tender beef short ribs slow-cooked in a subtly sweet apple cider broth, enhanced with richly caramelized onions and fragrant herbs. Perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or flavorful leftovers, this recipe delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience with a perfect balance of savory depth and fruity sweetness.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2–3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
  • 3 cups fresh apple cider
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2–3 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: Slice the yellow onions thinly and slowly cook them in olive oil or butter over low heat for about 30-40 minutes until they turn golden brown and irresistibly sweet. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. This step is key since caramelized onions bring complexity and balance to the dish.
  2. Season and Sear Short Ribs: Generously season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat a heavy skillet or Dutch oven until very hot, then sear the ribs on all sides until deeply browned. This caramelization locks in juices and builds the foundational flavor.
  3. Deglaze and Add Braising Liquids: Remove the ribs temporarily and deglaze the pot with fresh apple cider, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits. Return ribs to the pot, add beef broth, garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Slow Braise to Perfection: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let the ribs braise slowly for 3 to 4 hours until tender enough to pull apart with a fork. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  5. Combine and Serve: Once the ribs are fork-tender, stir in the caramelized onions and let everything mingle for 10 minutes. This final step infuses the meat with the onions’ rich sweetness and readies it for serving.

Notes

  • Use bone-in short ribs for extra richness and flavor during braising.
  • Patience with the caramelizing and braising steps ensures best tenderness and taste.
  • Don’t skip the searing step to intensify flavor and develop a beautiful crust.
  • Choose natural, unfiltered apple cider over apple juice for authentic flavor.
  • Let the dish rest before serving to allow juices to redistribute and keep ribs moist.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: cider braised short ribs, caramelized onions, slow cooker short ribs, autumn dinner, comfort food, beef short ribs