Maple Coffee Braised Short Ribs Recipe

Introduction

These Maple Coffee Braised Short Ribs offer a rich and comforting blend of flavors, combining the deep earthiness of coffee with the sweetness of maple syrup. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish features tender, fall-off-the-bone beef slowly braised to perfection.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs bone-in beef short ribs, English-cut, trimmed of excess fat
• Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper, to season
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more as needed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, sliced on a bias
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon espresso instant coffee
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
• 1 cup bourbon whiskey (see notes for substitution if needed)
• ½ cup dark soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 ½ cups beef broth

Instructions

1. Step 1: On a large plate or platter, generously season the short ribs with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper on all sides. Set aside and allow to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 300°F.
2. Step 2: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add a few short ribs at a time, careful not to overcrowd, and sear on all sides until a deep brown crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer seared ribs to a clean plate. Repeat until all ribs are browned, adding more oil if needed. Reduce heat to medium.
3. Step 3: Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, golden, and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Step 4: Make a small well in the center of the pot and add tomato paste and garlic paste. Stir to coat the vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add espresso coffee granules, red pepper flakes, and rosemary sprigs.
5. Step 5: Pour in the bourbon whiskey to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook, stirring continuously, until the bourbon thickens slightly and reduces, about 2-3 minutes. Add soy sauce, maple syrup, and beef broth, stirring until combined.
6. Step 6: Return the browned short ribs and any collected juices to the pot. Ensure the ribs are mostly submerged in the liquid. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
7. Step 7: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise the short ribs at 300°F for 3 to 3 ½ hours, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
8. Step 8: (Optional) To thicken the braising liquid, remove the short ribs and most solids from the pot and set aside. Skim fat from the surface of the liquid. Cook the liquid over medium-high heat, stirring gently, until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency, about 10-20 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then return the solids to the sauce.
9. Step 9: Serve the maple coffee braised short ribs immediately. They pair wonderfully with creamy mashed sweet potatoes and extra braising gravy. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Substitute bourbon with whiskey or a mixture of apple cider and vanilla extract if avoiding alcohol.
• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Use regular soy sauce if dark soy sauce is unavailable; the flavor will be slightly lighter but still delicious.
• Let the short ribs rest after braising for a few minutes to lock in juices before serving.

Storage

Store leftover short ribs and braising liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker instead of the oven?

Yes, after browning the short ribs and preparing the sauce on the stove, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

What can I serve with maple coffee braised short ribs?

They’re excellent served over creamy mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes, polenta, or even buttery egg noodles. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad also complement the richness well.