vietnamese beef short ribs recipe

3 min read 30-11-2024

Meta Description: Discover the secrets to melt-in-your-mouth Vietnamese Beef Short Ribs! This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step recipe, tips for achieving ultimate tenderness, and variations to suit your taste. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience!

Introduction

Vietnamese Beef Short Ribs (Sườn Nướng Bò) are a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the rich, savory flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. These tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a succulent dish that will leave you craving more. This recipe provides a detailed guide to achieving restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients You'll Need

Beef Short Ribs: 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs, well-marbled for maximum flavor.
Fish Sauce: 2 tablespoons, a cornerstone of Vietnamese cooking, adding umami depth.
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons, balancing the sweetness and adding saltiness.
Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, for a touch of sweetness and caramelization.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, enhancing the savory notes.
Shallots: 2, thinly sliced, adding a subtle sharpness.
Lemongrass: 2 stalks, finely minced (or 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste), imparting a citrusy fragrance.
Star Anise: 2 whole, lending a warm, licorice-like flavor.
Black Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon, enhancing the overall savory profile.
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons, for searing the ribs.
Water: 1 cup, to create a flavorful braising liquid.

Optional additions for extra flavor:

Chili Garlic Sauce: 1-2 tablespoons, for a spicy kick.
Ginger: 1 inch piece, grated, for added warmth.
Five-spice powder: 1 teaspoon, for a complex aromatic profile.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid.
Large skillet or wok.
Meat thermometer.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Vietnamese Beef Short Ribs

1. Preparing the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, sliced shallots, minced lemongrass, star anise, black peppercorns, and optional additions (chili garlic sauce, ginger, five-spice powder). Ensure all ingredients are well combined.

2. Marinating the Ribs

Add the beef short ribs to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor penetration. The longer the marinade, the more flavorful the ribs will be.

3. Searing the Ribs

Remove the ribs from the marinade (reserve the marinade!), pat them dry with paper towels, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps to create a delicious crust and locks in the juices.

4. Braising the Ribs

Transfer the seared ribs to the Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Pour the reserved marinade over the ribs. Add 1 cup of water to the pot. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and braise for at least 2.5-3 hours, or until the ribs are incredibly tender and easily fall off the bone. Check occasionally and add more water if necessary to prevent the liquid from evaporating completely.

5. Checking for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach at least 195°F (90°C). If the ribs are not yet tender, continue braising for another 30 minutes.

6. Serving Your Masterpiece

Once the ribs are cooked through, remove them from the pot and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. You can shred the meat from the bones or serve them bone-in. Serve with steamed rice, fresh herbs (cilantro, basil), and a side of pickled vegetables for a complete and authentic Vietnamese meal.

Tips for Extra Tender Ribs

Choose well-marbled ribs: The marbling ensures juiciness and flavor.
Don't overcrowd the pan: Sear the ribs in batches to ensure proper browning.
Low and slow is key: Braising at a low temperature allows the collagen in the ribs to break down, resulting in ultimate tenderness.
Use a Dutch oven: This helps to retain moisture and create a flavorful braising liquid.

Variations

Spicy Ribs: Add more chili garlic sauce or some chopped chili peppers to the marinade.
Sweet and Savory Ribs: Increase the amount of brown sugar in the marinade.
Lemongrass-infused Ribs: Use fresh lemongrass for the most intense flavor.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Beef Short Ribs are a true testament to the beauty of slow cooking. Following this recipe will reward you with incredibly tender, flavorful ribs perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. Enjoy!