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Balsamic Bourbon Short Ribs

Savory Balsamic Bourbon Short Ribs for Cozy Nights

Indulge in these Balsamic Bourbon Short Ribs, slow-braised for ultimate tenderness and flavor, perfect for chilly evenings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 ribs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs
  • 4 pounds Short Ribs Beef chuck can be a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be replaced with vegetable oil.
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt Sea salt can be used instead.
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots are a milder alternative.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh minced or garlic powder works.
For the Braising Liquid
  • 1 cup Bourbon Alternatives include apple cider.
  • 1 cup Balsamic Vinegar Essential for the sauce.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Honey or maple syrup can substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce Omit for a gluten-free option.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Optional but enhances flavor.
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Vegetable broth is a lighter option.
For the Horseradish Cream Sauce
  • 1 cup Sour Cream
  • 2 tablespoons Horseradish Jarred can be swapped for fresh.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard works in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Vinegar is a quick alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half can be used.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs generously with kosher salt, then sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust.
  2. In the same Dutch oven, lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in 1 cup of bourbon to deglaze the pot, scraping any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the bourbon to simmer and reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in 1 cup of balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 2 bay leaves. Next, pour in 2 cups of beef broth, mixing well.
  5. Gently return the browned short ribs to the Dutch oven, ensuring they are submerged in the braising liquid. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let the ribs braise for 2½ to 3 hours.
  6. While the ribs are braising, combine 1 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Once done braising, skim any excess fat from the sauce and serve the short ribs on a platter, drizzling the sauce over the top and dolloping the horseradish cream sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ribCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 45gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 4mg

Notes

For maximum flavor, allow the short ribs to marinate in the braising liquid overnight. Serve warm over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta.

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