Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions

Introduction

Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions deliver melt-in-your-mouth, fall-off-the-bone beef enveloped in a sweet, tangy, and deeply savory sauce. The magic lies in slow braising, which transforms tougher cuts into fork-tender delicacies while the natural sugars from the apple cider and caramelized onions create remarkable flavor depth.

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—perfect for cozy gatherings, celebratory dinners, or anytime you want hearty comfort food that makes an impression without extensive effort.

Why These Short Ribs Stand Out

What makes this dish such a showstopper? Apple cider infuses the beef with a gentle sweetness and fruity acidity, balancing the rich, luscious flavor of the short ribs. Meanwhile, slow-cooked onions become sweet and jammy, mingling with fresh herbs and aromatics to create a sauce so delicious you’ll want to sop up every drop.

Whether you serve over mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or creamy polenta, this recipe has depth and complexity that surpasses most braised beef dishes—yet comes together with minimal hands-on time.

Prepping Your Short Ribs and Onions

For the best results, select well-marbled bone-in short ribs and season them liberally. Efficient prep makes everything smoother. To quickly dice onions, consider using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper—it saves you time and ensures even cuts for better caramelization.

Searing the ribs until deeply browned locks in flavor. Use a sturdy, oven-safe vessel. For perfect browning and gentle, even heat, a Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet is unbeatable—they’re built for searing then braising.

How to Caramelize Onions Perfectly

Patience is key: cook onions slowly over medium-low heat, stirring often until golden and fragrant—this can take up to 30 minutes. A SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch helps prevent hot spots and sticking, making it easier to achieve that sweet caramelization.

Braising for Incredible Flavor & Tenderness

Deglaze the pan with apple cider, scraping up the browned bits. Add beef, onions, and aromatics, then cover and braise gently in the oven. For foolproof results and a precise finish, check doneness with the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking. The goal is for the beef to reach at least 200°F for ultra-tender perfection.

Serving and Storing

Serve the ribs nestled on a bed of creamy sides with a generous scoop of the cider-onion sauce. Leftovers are even better—store in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy reheating or meal-planning.

Nutritional Information and Servings

This recipe yields 4–6 hearty portions. Each serving provides an abundance of protein and iron, balanced with natural sweetness from cider and onions. Total calories per serving: approximately 600–700, depending on side dishes chosen.

Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions (Recap)

Unforgettable in flavor yet surprisingly simple to prepare, these cider braised short ribs deliver deep comfort and sophisticated taste. Succulent beef, jammy onions, and a cider-infused sauce make this dish a new favorite for holidays, dinner parties, or soul-warming weeknight meals.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Pat short ribs dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs on all sides until deeply browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer ribs to a plate.
4. Lower heat to medium. Add sliced onions (prep quickly with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper) to the pan. Season lightly with salt and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and caramelized, about 25–30 minutes.
5. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
6. Pour in apple cider and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add browned short ribs, thyme, bay leaves, and brown sugar if using.
7. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and transfer to oven. Braise for 2.5–3 hours, or until meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
8. Remove ribs and herbs. If desired, skim excess fat from the sauce. Simmer sauce on the stovetop to thicken slightly, 10–15 minutes.
9. Return short ribs to the sauce, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes

Enjoy the comforting, irresistible flavors of cider-braised short ribs with caramelized onions—sure to be the star of your dinner table.