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Balsamic Bourbon Short Ribs

Savory Balsamic Bourbon Short Ribs for Cozy Winter Nights

Experience the rich flavors of Balsamic Bourbon Short Ribs, perfect for cozy winter nights with tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 ribs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs
  • 3 lbs Short Ribs Look for well-marbled cuts for optimal tenderness.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can be substituted with vegetable oil.
  • 1 tbsp Kosher Salt Sea salt can be used if unavailable.
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow onions are recommended.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is ideal.
  • 1 cup Bourbon Can substitute with apple cider vinegar for non-alcoholic option.
  • 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar Red wine vinegar can serve as an alternative.
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar Can be swapped with honey or maple syrup.
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce can be a gluten-free substitute.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Omit if unavailable.
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter version.
For the Horseradish Cream Sauce
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt is a great substitute.
  • 2 tbsp Horseradish Fresh or prepared horseradish can be used.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard is a suitable alternative.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Lime juice can work as well.
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Cream Milk can be used, though it will alter the richness.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a Dutch oven, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels, season generously with kosher salt, and brown them on all sides for about 4-5 minutes until they develop a rich, caramelized crust. Once browned, transfer the ribs to a plate and set them aside.
  2. Lower the heat slightly, then add diced onions to the same pot, cooking until golden and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until aromatic.
  3. Pour in the bourbon, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any stuck bits, and bring it to a simmer. Add balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and beef broth. Mix well.
  4. Return the browned short ribs to the pot, ensuring they're submerged in the liquid. Cover with a tightly fitting lid and place the pot in the preheated oven. Let the ribs braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, basting occasionally.
  5. While the ribs are braising, prepare the horseradish cream sauce by whisking together sour cream, horseradish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Thin it with heavy cream until smooth.
  6. Once the short ribs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest. Skim off any excess fat from the braising liquid. Drizzle the sauce over the ribs, top with the horseradish cream, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 4ozCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 45gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Consider making these Balsamic Bourbon Short Ribs a day in advance for optimal flavor.

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