Welcome to the definitive guide on Cooking Beef Short Ribs Recipe Seasoned with Oxtail Seasoning. This comprehensive recipe will walk you through every step of creating a mouth-watering dish that combines the rich, meaty flavor of short ribs with the complex, aromatic notes of traditional oxtail seasoning. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to expand your culinary horizons, this recipe will help you create a memorable meal that’s sure to impress.
Table of Contents
Understanding Beef Short Ribs
What Are Beef Short Ribs?
Beef short ribs come from the brisket, chuck, plate, or rib areas of cattle. These cuts are known for their rich marbling, deep beef flavor, and tender texture when cooked properly. Short ribs typically have a thick layer of meat sitting on top of the bone, making them perfect for slow-cooking methods that allow the connective tissues to break down and become tender.
Types of Short Ribs
- English-Cut Short Ribs: Cut parallel to the bone, typically 2-3 inches in length
- Flanken-Style Short Ribs: Cut across the bones, creating thin strips with multiple cross-sections of bones
- Boneless Short Ribs: Meat separated from the bone, offering easier preparation
The Magic of Oxtail Seasoning
What Makes Oxtail Seasoning Special?
Oxtail seasoning is a distinctive blend of spices traditionally used in Caribbean and African cuisine. This seasoning mixture brings together:
- Allspice
- Thyme
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- Ground pimento
- Sea salt
Making Your Own Oxtail Seasoning
While you can purchase pre-made oxtail seasoning, creating your own blend allows you to customize the flavors to your preference. Here’s a basic recipe:
Homemade Oxtail Seasoning Recipe:
- 2 tablespoons ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground scotch bonnet (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ground pimento
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
Essential Ingredients
For the Short Ribs:
- 4-5 pounds beef short ribs
- 3 tablespoons oxtail seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, diced
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Braising Liquid:
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Detailed Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preparation (30 minutes)
- Prepare the Meat:
- Remove short ribs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Generously season with oxtail seasoning mixture
- Let rest at room temperature
- Prep Vegetables:
- Dice onions
- Chop carrots and celery
- Mince garlic
- Set aside
Step 2: Searing Process (20 minutes)
- Heat the Cooking Vessel:
- Use a large Dutch oven
- Heat over medium-high heat
- Add olive oil until shimmering
- Sear the Ribs:
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding
- Sear 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown
- Remove and set aside
Step 3: Building Flavors (15 minutes)
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add onions to the same pot
- Cook until translucent (5-7 minutes)
- Add carrots and celery
- Cook additional 5 minutes
- Add garlic, cook 1 minute
- Deglaze:
- Add wine if using
- Scrape bottom of pot
- Reduce liquid by half
Step 4: Braising Process (2.5-3 hours)
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return ribs to pot
- Add beef stock
- Add tomato paste
- Add Worcestershire sauce
- Add bay leaves and thyme
- Slow Cook:
- Bring to simmer
- Cover and reduce heat
- Cook 2.5-3 hours until tender
Step 5: Finishing (15 minutes)
- Check Doneness:
- Meat should be fork-tender
- Should easily pull away from bone
- Finish Sauce:
- Remove ribs
- Strain sauce (optional)
- Reduce if needed
- Adjust seasoning
Tips for Perfect Results
Temperature Control
- Maintain consistent low heat during braising
- Avoid boiling the liquid
- Keep pot at gentle simmer
Meat Selection
- Choose well-marbled ribs
- Look for consistent sizing
- Avoid ribs with excessive fat
Storage and Leftovers
- Store in airtight container
- Keeps 3-4 days in refrigerator
- Freezes well up to 3 months
Serving Suggestions
Perfect Pairings
- Starches:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed rice
- Polenta
- Vegetables:
- Roasted root vegetables
- Sautéed green beans
- Glazed carrots
- Braised greens
Wine Pairing
- Full-bodied red wines
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Malbec
- Syrah
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Tough Meat
- Solution: Cook longer at lower temperature
- Check liquid levels regularly
- Ensure proper sealing of cooking vessel
Greasy Sauce
- Solution: Chill and remove fat layer
- Skim surface during cooking
- Trim excess fat before cooking
Too Salty
- Solution: Add potato chunks while cooking
- Increase liquid volume
- Balance with acid (wine or vinegar)
Health and Nutrition
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Iron: 4mg
- Zinc: 7mg
Dietary Considerations
- High in protein
- Rich in B vitamins
- Good source of iron
- Contains collagen
Conclusion
Mastering the art of cooking beef short ribs seasoned with oxtail seasoning takes time and patience, but the results are well worth the effort. This recipe combines traditional techniques with unique flavoring to create a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Remember that practice makes perfect, and don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, follow the same preparation steps and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Q: What’s the best cut of short ribs to use?
A: English-cut short ribs work best for this recipe.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, it actually tastes better the next day after flavors have melded.
Q: How do I know when the ribs are done?
A: The meat should easily pull away from the bone with a fork.
Remember, cooking beef short ribs seasoned with oxtail seasoning is more than just following a recipe – it’s about creating a memorable dining experience that celebrates the rich traditions of slow-cooked meat dishes.
