How to Cook Beef Short Ribs

Beef short ribs are one of those cuts that reward patience. Colowok them quickly and they can be tough. Cook them low and slow, and they become rich, tender and full of deep beef flavour.

They are cut from the rib and brisket area, with meat sitting between and around the rib bones. That means they have plenty of flavour, marbling and connective tissue, which all come into their own when cooked properly.

If you are not sure what the cut is, start with our guide to what beef short ribs are. If you are ready to cook them, this is the guide you need.

What is the best way to cook beef short ribs?

The best way to cook beef short ribs is low and slow. You can cook them in the oven, in a slow cooker, on the BBQ or in a smoker, but the principle is the same: give them time.

Beef short ribs need gentle cooking so the meat can soften and the connective tissue can break down. That is what turns them from firm and tough into rich, tender beef that pulls away from the bone.

For most home cooks, the easiest method is to sear the ribs first, then cook them slowly in a casserole dish with stock, gravy, vegetables, marinade or BBQ sauce.

How to prepare beef short ribs

Remove the beef short ribs from the packaging and allow them to sit at room temperature for around 10 minutes before cooking.

Pat them dry with kitchen paper, then season well with salt and pepper, or use your favourite BBQ rub if you are going for a smoky, barbecue-style finish.

For the best flavour, sear the ribs in a hot frying pan before slow cooking. This browns the outside of the meat and adds depth to the finished dish.

How to cook beef short ribs in the oven

This is a simple and reliable method for cooking beef short ribs at home.

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C, 160°C fan, Gas Mark 4.
2. Season the beef short ribs well.
3. Sear the ribs on all sides in a hot frying pan until browned.
4. Transfer the ribs to a casserole dish.
5. Add stock, gravy, red wine, vegetables, marinade or sauce. The ribs should be partly covered, but not necessarily fully submerged.
6. Cover the dish with a lid or foil.
7. Cook for around 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and starting to pull away from the bone.
8. Rest briefly before serving.

If the meat still feels firm after 3 hours, give it more time. Beef short ribs are ready when they are soft, rich and tender.

How to cook beef short ribs in a slow cooker

Beef short ribs are excellent in the slow cooker. This is a great method if you want tender beef without watching the oven all afternoon.

1. Season and sear the beef short ribs in a hot pan.
2. Place the ribs into the slow cooker.
3. Add stock, gravy, vegetables, marinade or BBQ sauce.
4. Cook on low for around 7 to 8 hours, or until the meat is tender.
5. Remove carefully, as the meat may be very soft and close to falling from the bone.

You can cook them without searing first, but searing adds more flavour. If you have the time, it is worth doing.

How to cook beef short ribs on the BBQ or smoker

Beef short ribs are a favourite for BBQ and smoking because they have deep flavour and enough structure to handle a long cook.

Season the ribs with salt, pepper or BBQ rub, then cook them slowly over indirect heat until tender. The exact time will depend on the size of the ribs and the temperature of your BBQ or smoker.

As a rough guide, cook them low and slow until the meat is tender and pulls back slightly from the bone. You can wrap them partway through cooking if you want to help retain moisture.

If you are glazing with BBQ sauce, add it towards the end of cooking so it does not burn. Our homemade BBQ sauce works well with ribs, pulled pork and slow-cooked meats.

How long do beef short ribs take to cook?

Beef short ribs are not a quick cut. The timings depend on the method, the size of the ribs and how tender you want the meat.

The best test is tenderness. If the meat still feels tight, it needs longer. When cooked properly, beef short ribs should be soft and easy to pull from the bone.

What should you cook beef short ribs with?

Beef short ribs work well with bold flavours. They can handle stock, red wine, onions, garlic, tomato, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, mustard, herbs and rich gravy.

For a classic oven or slow cooker version, try cooking them with beef stock, onions, carrots, garlic and a spoonful of tomato purée. For a BBQ-style version, use a dry rub and finish with sauce near the end.

They are brilliant served with mash, roast potatoes, chips, rice, slaw, roasted vegetables or crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

How do you know when beef short ribs are done?

Beef short ribs are done when the meat is tender and starting to pull away from the bone.

This is not a cut where you should rely only on the clock. Timings are useful, but tenderness is what matters. If you push a fork into the meat and it still feels firm, keep cooking.

When they are ready, the meat should feel soft, rich and almost spoon-tender.

Can you cook beef short ribs too long?

Yes, although they are quite forgiving. If cooked for far too long, especially without enough liquid, the meat can dry out or fall apart more than you want.

For oven and slow cooker methods, keep some liquid in the dish and check the ribs towards the end of cooking. You want them tender, but not completely dried out.

FAQs about how to cook beef short ribs

How long do beef short ribs take in the oven?

Beef short ribs usually take around 3 to 4 hours in the oven at 180°C, 160°C fan, Gas Mark 4, depending on their size and how tender you want them.

Can you cook beef short ribs in the slow cooker?

Yes, beef short ribs are excellent in the slow cooker. Sear them first if you can, then cook on low for around 7 to 8 hours until tender.

Do you have to sear beef short ribs before slow cooking?

You do not have to, but it is worth it. Searing adds colour and flavour, which makes the finished dish richer.

Why are my beef short ribs tough?

If beef short ribs are tough, they usually need more time. They are a low-and-slow cut, so keep cooking until the meat softens and pulls away from the bone.

Should beef short ribs be covered when cooking?

For oven braising, yes. Covering the dish helps keep moisture in and allows the ribs to cook gently. For BBQ or smoking, they are usually cooked uncovered at first, then sometimes wrapped later.

What temperature should beef short ribs be cooked to?

For slow-cooked beef short ribs, tenderness is more important than a single temperature. They are ready when the meat is soft and pulls away from the bone easily.