As I stood by the stove, the rich aroma of simmering wine and herbs filled the air, wrapping around me like a warm embrace. Julia Child’s Braised Short Ribs are my go-to comfort food that never fails to bring smiles around the dinner table. This classic dish transforms inexpensive beef into tender, falling-off-the-bone bites steeped in flavor, delivering both elegance and hominess in one delightful meal. Not only does it offer a satisfying cooking experience, but it’s also perfect for make-ahead meals—allowing the flavors to develop even further overnight. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a cozy family dinner, these braised short ribs deliver on all fronts. Ready to dive into a culinary adventure? Let’s sauté, simmer, and create a masterpiece together!

Why Choose Braised Short Ribs?

Rich, Savory Depth: These ribs are slow-cooked in wine and aromatic herbs, infusing every bite with an exceptional flavor that elevates your dining experience.

Comfort In Every Bite: The tender, fall-off-the-bone texture delivers the kind of warmth that makes any evening feel special.

Versatile Delight: Perfect over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, you’ll enjoy this dish with different sides every time you make it!

Effortless Make-Ahead Option: Prepare in advance and let the flavors deepen overnight, making your hosting duties a breeze.

Culinary Classic: Inspired by Julia Child, these braised short ribs are a time-honored recipe that never goes out of style, making them a must-try for any food lover.

Crowd-Pleasing Elegance: Serve this dish to impress family and friends alike; it’s the ultimate balance of rustic charm and gourmet flair.

Braised Short Ribs Ingredients

• Here’s what you’ll need to create your flavorful masterpiece!

For the Ribs

Beef Short Ribs – Choose well-marbled cuts for ultimate tenderness and richness.
Vegetable Oil – Essential for achieving a perfect sear on the ribs before braising.

For the Braising Liquid

Red Wine – Opt for a dry variety like Burgundy or Pinot Noir for depth; a splash of grape juice can replace it if avoiding alcohol.
Beef Broth – Adds moisture and flavor while helping the ribs braise beautifully.

For the Vegetables

Onions – A key aromatic that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Carrots – Natural sweetness balances the savory elements of the dish.
Celery – Adds freshness; consider fennel for a subtle anise twist.
Garlic – Infuses the dish with that beloved aromatic quality.

For the Sauce

Tomato Paste – Brightens the braising liquid and enriches the sauce with flavor.

For the Bouquet Garni

Herbs (Bay Leaves, Thyme, Parsley) – These herbs elevate the dish’s flavor and can be easily removed after cooking for a clean finish.

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the ultimate Braised Short Ribs that embody comfort food bliss!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Julia Child’s Tender Braised Short Ribs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it warms up, generously season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper, ensuring each side is well-coated. This seasoning step is vital for enhancing the flavor of the braised short ribs as they cook, creating a savory foundation for your dish.

Step 2: Brown the Ribs
In a large Dutch oven, heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the short ribs and sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they form a deep, golden-brown crust. This browning process adds rich complexity to the flavor, so take your time. Remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside temporarily.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the same Dutch oven. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and fragrant. Then, add minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring for an additional minute to combine the flavors and cook off the raw edge of the tomato.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the dry red wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step is crucial for incorporating all the flavors. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and let it reduce by half, which should take about 10 minutes, intensifying the richness of the braising liquid for your short ribs.

Step 5: Add the Liquid and Ribs
Once the wine is reduced, add the beef broth and bouquet garni to the pot. Return the browned short ribs to the Dutch oven, ensuring that the liquid nearly covers the meat. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and place it in your preheated oven, letting the braised short ribs cook for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender.

Step 6: Strain and Thicken the Sauce
After the ribs are tender, carefully remove them from the oven and take the short ribs out of the pot to keep warm. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the solids. If you desire a thicker sauce, simmer the strained liquid until it reduces, and consider mixing softened butter with a little flour to create a beurre manié, stirring it in to thicken as needed.

Step 7: Serve with Love
Serve the succulent braised short ribs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, allowing the rich sauce to flow over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. This comforting dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace for the soul, ready to impress at any gathering.

Braised Short Ribs: Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to unleash your inner chef and personalize these braised short ribs with exciting twists and substitutions that tempt your taste buds!

Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened almond milk instead of butter when preparing mashed potatoes for a creamy but dairy-free side.
Alcohol-Free: Replace red wine with beef broth and a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a rich yet non-alcoholic option.
Vegetable Boost: Add diced mushrooms alongside the onions, carrots, and celery for an earthy depth that complements the dish beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Include a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the braising liquid to elevate the heat level and awaken your palate.
Herb Swap: Experiment with rosemary or oregano in place of thyme for a different aromatic profile that brings a new personality to the dish.
Chunky Alternative: Substitute the short ribs with large chunks of chuck roast; they’ll braise nicely while adding a meaty texture.
Sweeten the Deal: Stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar during deglazing for a hint of sweetness that balances out the savory components.
Umami Punch: A few tablespoons of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can amplify the umami flavor, creating a deeper and more complex sauce.

With these variations, you can turn this beloved classic into a tailor-made dinner that will leave your loved ones raving. Whichever route you choose, enjoy the thrill of creating your own version of Julia Child’s timeless dish!

Make Ahead Options

Julia Child’s Braised Short Ribs are a meal prep dream! You can complete the entire cooking process up to 24 hours in advance and simply refrigerate the cooked ribs in their braising liquid, which helps to lock in flavor and tenderness. When ready to serve, gently reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, ensuring they are warmed through without overcooking. If you prefer, you can also chill the sauce separately; just remember to skim off any fat that solidifies after cooling. Preparing this dish ahead not only saves you time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the braised short ribs just as delicious, if not better, when enjoyed the next day!

What to Serve with Julia Child’s Tender Braised Short Ribs?

Bring your dining experience to life with these delightful pairings that elevate your meal!

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture absorbs the rich sauce, creating a comfort-filled bite with every spoonful.
Buttered Egg Noodles: These luscious noodles provide a subtle base that perfectly complements the tender, succulent ribs while soaking up flavorful juices.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: The natural sweetness of honey-glazed carrots balances the savory notes of the ribs, adding a colorful touch to your plate.
Sauteed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans bring freshness and a pleasant crunch to contrast with the melt-in-your-mouth ribs. They brighten up the meal!
Garlic Bread: An excellent vehicle for mopping up any remaining sauce, garlic bread adds delightful flavor and texture alongside the rich dish.
Classic Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast with a crispy texture, its creamy dressing tying together the elements beautifully.
Red Wine: A glass of the same dry red wine used in cooking enhances the meal’s flavors, enriching your culinary experience even further.
Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a fluffy chocolate mousse offers a decadent finish, contrasting the savory richness of the braised short ribs with a sweet indulgence.
Fruit Tart: A light, fruity tart adds a bright and refreshing note after the rich main course, leaving a sweet impression on your palate.

Storage Tips for Braised Short Ribs

Fridge: Store leftover braised short ribs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the flavors locked in, ready for your next comforting meal.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze braised short ribs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Ensure they’re fully cooled before sealing to avoid ice crystals.

Reheating: To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much while warming.

Make-Ahead Option: Braised short ribs can be made a day in advance; they actually taste even better after a night’s marination in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Expert Tips for Braised Short Ribs

Patience is Key: Slow braising is essential; rushing the cooking process will yield tough ribs, so give them time to become tender.

Dry and Thaw: For the best sear, fully thaw frozen short ribs in the refrigerator overnight; then pat them dry before seasoning.

Flavor Boost: Consider making your braised short ribs a day in advance. The flavors deepen overnight, enhancing the dish.

Tender Finish: Avoid boiling; let the oven maintain a steady simmer for succulent, melt-in-your-mouth ribs that truly shine.

Experiment with Sides: Serve with various accompaniments, like mashed potatoes or polenta, to create a delightful culinary experience with each meal.

Herb Substitutions: Feel free to use your favorite herbs if sticking to the classic bouquet garni feels limiting; it’s a flexible recipe!

Julia Child’s Tender Braised Short Ribs Recipe FAQs

What type of beef should I use for braised short ribs?
Absolutely! Choose well-marbled beef short ribs for the best tenderness and flavor. Look for pieces with a good amount of fat, as this will render during cooking, keeping the meat juicy and rich.

How should I store leftover braised short ribs?
Store any leftover braised short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This will help maintain their delicious taste, ensuring you can enjoy them again!

Can I freeze braised short ribs?
Yes, you can! Once fully cooled, place the braised short ribs in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the container so you can easily identify them later!

What’s the best way to reheat braised short ribs?
To reheat, thaw the short ribs overnight in the fridge if frozen. Gently warm them in a saucepan on low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened. This will keep them moist and flavorful!

Can I make braised short ribs ahead of time?
Very much so! Braised short ribs actually improve in flavor after a day. Prepare them in advance, let them cool, and refrigerate overnight. Reheat gently when you’re ready to serve to enjoy even richer flavors!

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using a hearty cut of mushrooms like portobello or a large chunk of eggplant instead of meat. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and follow the same braising steps. You’ll still achieve a savory delight!