Imagine a dish where tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs are bathed in a rich apple-miso glaze, their savory aroma mingling with the sweet, nutty scent of sesame-roasted carrots.
The glossy, caramelized exterior of the ribs gives way to a succulent interior, creating a symphony of flavors that envelops you in warmth and comfort.
This dish holds a special place in my heart; it was my go-to recipe when hosting a last-minute family dinner, where its slow-cooked perfection transformed a hectic evening into a cherished gathering.
Whether you’re seeking a comforting meal for a busy weeknight or an impressive centerpiece for a Sunday supper, these Apple-Miso Short Ribs are sure to satisfy.
Ready to create a meal that brings comfort and joy? Let’s cook!
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers bold flavor with a savory-sweet apple-miso glaze.
- Cooks to tender perfection, making the ribs melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Uses pantry staples like soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Complements with roasted sesame carrots for a balanced meal.
- Impresses guests with its gourmet appearance and taste.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef short ribs — look for well-marbled cuts.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil — high smoke point for browning.
- 1 cup apple juice — adds sweetness and moisture.
- 1/4 cup miso paste — start small if new to the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce — choose low-sodium if preferred.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar — provides acidity for balance.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar — enhances the caramelized notes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — fresh for best aroma.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated — fresh ginger packs more punch.
- 2 cups carrots, sliced — uniform slices for even roasting.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil — toasting enhances flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds — adds crunch and nuttiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste — season as needed.
- 2 green onions, chopped — for a fresh, oniony finish.
Step-by-Step Method
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) to guarantee it reaches the desired temperature before placing the short ribs inside. This consistent heat will help cook the ribs evenly and make them tender.
Season the Short Ribs
Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the short ribs. This step enhances the flavor of the meat and guarantees that every bite is well-seasoned.
Sear the Ribs
Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place the short ribs in the pot and brown them on all sides. This process should take about 8 minutes.
Searing the ribs creates a flavorful crust that enriches the dish.
Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine apple juice, miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk the mixture until the miso paste is fully dissolved.
This sauce will infuse the ribs with a sweet-savory flavor profile.
Cook the Ribs
Return the browned short ribs to the Dutch oven. Pour the prepared apple-miso mixture over the ribs. Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven.
Allow the ribs to cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, guaranteeing they become tender.
Prepare the Sesame Carrots
During the last 30 minutes of the ribs’ cooking time, toss sliced carrots with sesame oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
This seasoning will enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Roast the Carrots
Place the seasoned carrots in the oven and roast them for 25 minutes at 325°F (165°C).
Roasting helps maintain their sweetness and texture, making them a perfect side dish.
Rest the Ribs
Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 15 minutes.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing the overall tenderness and flavor.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the short ribs. Serve the ribs with the roasted sesame carrots on the side.
This final touch adds a burst of flavor and a fresh, vibrant appearance to the dish.
Ingredient Swaps
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Substitute chicken thighs or tofu for beef short ribs to accommodate dietary preferences.
- If apple juice is unavailable, you can use pear juice or a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar.
- Replace miso paste with tahini or almond butter for a different flavor profile if miso is hard to find or avoidable due to dietary restrictions.
You Must Know
- Preheat the Oven: Make certain to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) before you start cooking. This guarantees that the short ribs cook evenly and become tender throughout.
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and ginger. Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger will add a more vibrant and aromatic taste to the dish compared to pre-packaged versions.
- Whisk Thoroughly: When combining the apple juice, miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, whisk the mixture thoroughly until the miso paste is fully dissolved. This assures a smooth and well-blended sauce for the short ribs.
- Brown the Ribs: Don’t skip the step of browning the short ribs before braising them. This process develops a rich, caramelized crust that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let the short ribs rest for 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful short ribs.
Serving Tips
- Pair with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for added freshness and texture.
- Serve on a large platter with carrots arranged neatly beside the short ribs.
- Add a side of pickled cucumbers for a revitalizing contrast.
- Drizzle some of the cooking sauce over the ribs before serving for extra flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Apple-Miso Short Ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For make-ahead convenience, prepare the dish up to step 10 and refrigerate.
This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. It’s a great option for batch cooking.
Reheating
For gentle reheating, use a microwave on low heat.
You can also use an oven set to 300°F (150°C) or a stovetop on low.
This guarantees the short ribs and carrots maintain their texture and flavor.
Culinary Traditions and Symbolism
While gently reheating the Apple-Miso Short Ribs, take a moment to appreciate the profound culinary traditions that inspire this dish.
Miso, a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, symbolizes harmony and wellness. Its savory depth pairs beautifully with apple juice, introducing a sweet element that nods to Western influences.
This fusion isn’t just about flavor; it reflects a meeting of cultures, a conversation on a plate.
The sesame seeds sprinkled over earthy carrots carry their own symbolism—prosperity and liveliness in many Asian cultures. Every ingredient contributes to a tapestry of meaning and taste.
As you prepare this dish, you’re not just cooking but participating in a rich tradition that transcends borders, inviting you to savor more than just the meal itself.
Final Thoughts
Why not give this delicious Apple-Miso Short Ribs recipe a try and experience a delightful fusion of flavors? Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste and make it your own special dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Slow Cooker Instead of a Dutch Oven?
I’ve found using a slow cooker works well for this. Just sear the short ribs first, then transfer them with the sauce to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until they’re tender.
What Can I Substitute for Apple Juice in This Recipe?
I’d swap apple juice with white grape juice or a mix of water and a splash of apple cider vinegar. It adds tang and sweetness, inviting a lovely balance to the dish’s flavor profile. Try it!
How Do I Know When the Short Ribs Are Perfectly Tender?
You’ll know the short ribs are perfectly tender when a fork effortlessly slides through the meat, and it nearly falls off the bone. If you’re unsure, try tasting a small piece for melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Sesame Carrots?
Absolutely, feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli with the sesame carrots! I find they add lovely color and flavor. Just make certain they’re cut similarly so they roast evenly. Enjoy experimenting!
Is There a Non-Alcoholic Alternative to Rice Vinegar?
I’d suggest trying apple cider vinegar as a non-alcoholic alternative to rice vinegar. It brings a similar tangy flavor without the alcohol content. Give it a taste test to verify it complements your dish perfectly.
Apple-Miso Short Ribs with Sesame Carrots
Equipment
- 1 Dutch oven or heavy pot
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 pound beef short ribs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1/4 cup miso paste
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 2 cup carrots sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 2 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the short ribs on all sides, about 8 minutes in total.
- Remove the short ribs and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine apple juice, miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- Whisk the mixture until the miso paste is fully dissolved.
- Return the short ribs to the Dutch oven and pour the apple-miso mixture over them.
- Cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven.
- Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the ribs are tender.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, prepare the sesame carrots.
- Toss sliced carrots with sesame oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Roast the carrots in the oven for 25 minutes at 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 15 minutes.
- Garnish the ribs with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
- Serve the ribs with the roasted sesame carrots on the side.
Notes
