Tender Julia Child Braised Short Ribs Recipe to Savor

Braised short ribs transform ordinary meat into a symphony of culinary delight that dances between rustic charm and elegant sophistication.

These tender, melt-in-your-mouth morsels carry the soul of comfort cooking with remarkable depth.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike revere this classic technique for its remarkable flavor development.

Slow-cooked to perfection, these ribs promise a rich, complex taste that lingers deliciously on your palate.

The method requires patience but rewards you with an incredible dining experience.

Every forkful tells a story of careful preparation and passionate cooking.

This recipe will elevate your kitchen skills and impress everyone at your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s in Julia Child’s Braised Short Ribs

• Short Ribs: Choose well-marbled, bone-in cuts for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Bacon: Select thick-cut, smoky variety for rich underlying taste.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground for vibrant, intense seasoning.
• Thyme, Bay Leaf: Fresh herbs provide more robust herbal notes compared to dried versions.
• Garlic, Onions: Select firm, unblemished produce with no soft spots or sprouting.

• Dry Sherry: Opt for medium-dry variety to enhance depth without overwhelming sweetness.
• Beef Broth: Choose low-sodium version to control overall saltiness.
• Flour: All-purpose works best for creating smooth, silky sauce base.

Tools That Make Braised Short Ribs Easy Like Julia’s

• Dutch oven: Heavy-bottomed pot perfect for slow cooking and braising meats.
• Large skillet: Essential for searing and caramelizing ingredients with even heat distribution.
• Whisk: Handy tool for smoothly blending flour and creating silky sauces.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions and prepping ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Reliable partner for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate tools for seasoning short ribs with salt and pepper.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and moving bacon and short ribs during cooking.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching cookware.
• Meat fork: Useful for checking tenderness of braised short ribs.
• Serving dish: Elegant plate to showcase your delicious finished meal.

How to Cook Julia Child’s Short Ribs Step-by-Step

Unleash Culinary Magic With Braised Short Ribs

• Prep Your Cooking Arena

Fire up the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab your trusty skillet and Dutch oven, setting the stage for a flavor-packed adventure.

• Bacon Brilliance

Sizzle bacon in a skillet until golden and crisp. Transfer the bacon to your Dutch oven, reserving those liquid gold drippings for the next steps.

• Transform Short Ribs Into Flavor Bombs

Massage short ribs with salt and pepper. Crank the skillet heat to high and sear ribs until they develop a stunning brown crust. Nestle the browned ribs in the Dutch oven, sprinkling with thyme and bay leaf for an aromatic boost.

• Onion And Garlic Symphony

Lower the skillet heat and coax onions into a soft, caramelized state. Introduce minced garlic for a quick flavor burst, creating a fragrant base that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Build Your Flavor Foundation

Dust flour over the onion-garlic mixture, stirring until a light golden roux forms. This is your secret weapon for a velvety sauce.

• Liquid Alchemy

Deglaze the skillet with dry sherry, creating a rich reduction. Pour this liquid gold into the Dutch oven along with beef broth. Season and let the flavors mingle.

• Slow-Roasted Perfection

Slide the Dutch oven into the oven and let magic happen. After two hours, the meat will be so tender it practically falls apart with a gentle touch.

• Sauce Transformation

Rescue the ribs and concentrate the sauce on high heat. Watch as it transforms into a glossy, intensely flavored masterpiece.

• Bring It All Together

Drizzle the reduced sauce over the short ribs. Prepare for a culinary experience that’ll make your taste buds sing with joy!

Braised Short Ribs Tips Straight from Julia’s Style

• Boost Bacon Crispiness: Opt for thick-cut bacon to enhance texture and render more flavorful drippings, creating a richer base for your short ribs.
• Customize Herb Blend: Experiment with fresh rosemary or oregano instead of thyme, adding unique aromatic depth to the braising liquid and elevating the overall dish complexity.
• Wine Swap Technique: Replace dry sherry with red wine like cabernet sauvignon or pinot noir for a deeper, more robust flavor profile that complements the beef's richness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare short ribs a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld overnight. Refrigerate after braising, then gently reheat before serving for intensified taste and incredibly tender meat.

How to Serve Julia Child’s Braised Beef Ribs

• Elevate Comfort Meal: Pair these rich, tender short ribs with creamy mashed potatoes that perfectly catch the luxurious sauce.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the ribs to add a bright, fresh note and beautiful color contrast.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the deep, hearty flavors of the braised short ribs.
• Side Dish Harmony: Serve alongside roasted root vegetables like carrots or parsnips to create a complete, satisfying winter meal that warms the soul.

Smart Ways to Store Short Ribs Julia’s Way

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare extra short ribs to freeze for quick future meals, dividing portions into airtight containers for convenient weeknight dinners.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Store cooked short ribs in sealed containers for up to 4 days, keeping sauce separate to maintain meat's optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freezer Preservation Technique: Carefully pack cooled short ribs and sauce in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 3 months, ensuring delicious meals are always ready.
• Reheating Rescue Method: Thaw refrigerated or frozen short ribs slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

Succulent Julia Child Braised Short Ribs Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Legendary chef Julia Child’s braised short ribs showcase classic French culinary techniques with tender, rich meat slowly cooked in red wine. Rich, meltingly delicious meat promises a hearty meal you’ll savor with deep satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) beef short ribs
• 4 slices bacon, cut into 0.5-inch pieces
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup dry sherry
• 1 quart (4 cups/946 ml) beef broth
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all necessary ingredients for a seamless cooking experience.
2. Bacon Rendering: Crisp bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until golden, transferring the rendered pieces to a Dutch oven while preserving the flavorful fat.
3. Meat Searing: Season short ribs with salt and black pepper, then caramelize in bacon drippings over high heat until each side develops a rich, brown crust. Layer the browned ribs in the Dutch oven, sprinkling thyme and bay leaf throughout.
4. Aromatics and Roux: Sauté onions until translucent, add garlic briefly, then incorporate flour to create a smooth, nutty roux. Cook until the mixture turns light golden and releases a fragrant aroma.
5. Liquid Integration: Deglaze the skillet with dry sherry, scraping up concentrated flavor bits. Pour the onion-sherry mixture over the ribs, then add beef broth, stirring to combine all elements harmoniously.
6. Braising Process: Cover the Dutch oven and place in the preheated oven. Slowly braise for 2 hours until the meat becomes extraordinarily tender and effortlessly separates with a fork.
7. Sauce Refinement: Remove ribs and transfer to a serving platter. Reduce the braising liquid on the stovetop over high heat, stirring occasionally until it transforms into a glossy, concentrated sauce.
8. Final Presentation: Drizzle the reduced sauce over the short ribs, garnish with crispy bacon pieces, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Master Meat Selection: Choose well-marbled, thick-cut short ribs for maximum tenderness and rich, deep flavor profile.
• Searing Secrets: Achieve golden-brown crust by patting meat dry before searing and using high, consistent heat to lock in juices.
• Patience Pays Off: Low and slow braising transforms tough meat into melt-in-your-mouth texture, so resist rushing the cooking process.
• Sauce Enhancement: Reduce braising liquid to concentrate flavors, creating a glossy, restaurant-quality finishing sauce that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg