If you’re looking for a mouthwatering and tender beef dish that is sure to impress your family and friends, look no further than the delicious and succulent flanken short ribs. These delectable cuts of meat are perfect for slow cooking in the oven, resulting in a dish that is fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with flavor. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the world of flanken short ribs, exploring everything from food science and culinary details to selection, cleaning, preparation, tips, variations, doneness checks, recipes, and how to avoid overcooking or undercooking this heavenly dish.
Flanken short ribs are derived from the beef rib section, specifically the plate, which is cut across the bone. This results in a slice with multiple cross-sections of rib bones, leaving the meat in between. This unique cut offers a higher ratio of meat to bone, making it perfect for slow cooking, as the meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked for an extended period.
The connective tissues in the meat, including collagen, break down during the slow cooking process, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This collagen converts into gelatin, providing a luscious and rich mouthfeel to the dish. The marbling of fat in flanken short ribs also plays a significant role in enhancing the taste and juiciness of the end result.
When selecting flanken short ribs, ensure that you choose cuts with a bright red color and creamy white fat. Look for well-marbled meat, as this indicates tenderness and flavor. Ideally, choose cuts that are around 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, as they will cook evenly and yield the best results.
Clean the flanken short ribs by rinsing them under cool water to remove any excess blood or bone fragments. Pat them dry using paper towels before proceeding with the next steps.
To achieve a mouthwatering and drool-worthy bend, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Marinating: Marinating the flanken short ribs overnight can enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Prepare a marinade using ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of acidity like vinegar or lemon juice. Let the ribs soak in the marinade for at least 8 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Pre-searing: Before slow cooking the short ribs in the oven, sear them in a hot skillet or pan. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds a delightful crust to the meat. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet and sear the ribs on each side for about 2-3 minutes until browned.
Slow and Low Cooking: Slow cooking the flanken short ribs is essential to achieve that fork-tender texture. Set your oven to a low temperature, around 325°F (163°C), and let the ribs cook for 2-3 hours. The low temperature allows the collagen to break down and the meat to become tender while retaining its moisture.
Braising Liquid: Add a flavorful and aromatic liquid to the dish to keep the meat moist during the slow cooking process. You can use beef broth, red wine, or a combination of both. Additionally, herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves can be included for added depth of flavor.
Basting: Occasionally basting the ribs with the braising liquid while they cook will help keep them moist, tender, and flavorful. Use a basting brush or spoon to gently coat the ribs every hour to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Resting Time: After the ribs are done cooking, it’s crucial to allow them to rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the meat fibers to relax, resulting in a more tender and juicy eating experience.
Now that you have a good overview let’s move onto the recipe itself. This tantalizing recipe will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
4 pounds flanken short ribs
1 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
5 cloves garlic, minced
2-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 cups beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar to prepare the marinade.
Place the flanken short ribs in a large zip-top bag or a glass dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all sides are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the short ribs from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, and sear them on all sides until nicely browned. Transfer the ribs to a baking dish.
In the same skillet, pour the remaining marinade and beef broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
Pour the marinade and beef broth mixture into the baking dish with the seared short ribs, making sure they are partially submerged. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 2-3 hours or until the ribs are tender and easily pull apart from the bone.
Every hour, remove the baking dish from the oven and baste the ribs with the braising liquid using a basting brush or spoon.
Once the short ribs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes.
Serve the tender and flavorful flanken short ribs on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Determining the doneness of flanken short ribs can be a tricky task, but with some tips, you can achieve the perfect balance between tender and succulent.
Visual Appearance: The meat should be uniformly browned on the outside and exhibit a rich caramelization. The bones should protrude slightly from the meat, and there should be some shrinkage.
Succulent Texture: Gently tug at the meat with a fork or tongs. If it easily pulls apart and is tender, you’ve reached the desired doneness. Undercooked ribs will be tough and chewy, while overcooked ribs will become dry and stringy.
Internal Temperature: If you have a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding contact with the bone. The recommended internal temperature is around 190°F (87°C) for melt-in-your-mouth short ribs.
Remember, every oven is different, so cooking times may vary. It’s essential to keep an eye on the dish to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
While the traditional flanken short rib recipe is nothing short of amazing, don’t be afraid to get creative and infuse your own twist into the dish. Here are a few variations to consider:
Korean-style: Incorporate flavors inspired by Korean cuisine by adding gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade or brushing it onto the ribs during cooking. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with kimchi alongside.
Barbecue Ribs: Use your favorite barbecue sauce instead of the soy-based marinade. Add a touch of sweetness with honey or molasses and finish the ribs on a grill for a smoky flavor.
Mexican-inspired: Give the ribs a Latin flair by marinating them in a combination of lime juice, cilantro, cumin, and chili powder. Serve with warm tortillas, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, spices, and cooking techniques to make the dish your own.
In conclusion, flanken short ribs are a true culinary delight that, when cooked with care and attention, can leave a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to taste them. With their tender texture, succulent flavor, and endless variations, this oven-baked recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, select the finest cuts, prepare them with love, and savor each delightful bite of these delectable beef ribs. Bon appétit!
Flanken short ribs are a cut of beef that comes from the belly of the cow and is traditionally used in Korean and Jewish cuisine. They are cut crosswise through the rib bones, resulting in thin, long pieces of meat with small sections of bone.
Before cooking, it’s best to marinate the flanken short ribs for several hours or overnight to help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. You can use a marinade of your choice, such as a combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar.
The most popular way to cook flanken short ribs in the oven is to braise them. This involves searing the ribs in a skillet to create a flavorful crust, then transferring them to a baking dish with a liquid, such as beef broth or red wine, and cooking them in the oven at a low temperature for several hours until the meat is tender.
The cooking time for flanken short ribs in the oven can vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of tenderness. Typically, they are cooked at 325°F for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
Flanken short ribs are often served with rice or mashed potatoes, and are delicious when paired with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables. They can also be enjoyed with a dipping sauce or garnished with fresh herbs for added flavor.