Pomegranate Braised Short Ribs are a delicious twist on a classic dish! The tender beef is cooked slowly in a rich pomegranate sauce, making it super juicy and flavorful.
Cooking these ribs feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love serving them with mashed potatoes to soak up that tasty sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Short Ribs: Beef short ribs are the star of this dish. Their high-fat content makes them tender and rich. If you can’t find short ribs, chuck roast could work, but it won’t have the same flavor. I love how the meat practically falls off the bone after braising.
Pomegranate Juice: Unsweetened pomegranate juice adds a tangy sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, try cranberry juice or apple juice mixed with a little vinegar for similar fruitiness. Fresh pomegranate juice is always a treat, too!
Spices: Ground cumin and smoked paprika give depth to the dish. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine, or you can add a pinch of cayenne for a little heat. I like to add extra spices to enhance the flavors even more!
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds acidity and balances the sweetness of the pomegranate. If you’re out, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work as substitutes, but use a little less to avoid overpowering the dish.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Braised Ribs?
Braising is all about low and slow cooking that makes the meat tender and flavorful. Here’s how to get it right:
- First, sear the short ribs. Browning them develops flavor, so don’t skip this step. Make sure the pot is hot enough to caramelize the meat.
- After browning, soften onions until they turn translucent. This adds natural sweetness.
- Once you add the liquids, bring it to a gentle simmer before covering and moving to the oven. This ensures an even braise.
- Set a timer! Braising ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours allows collagen to break down, making the meat tender. If you have the time, letting them go longer can be even better.
For extra flavor, consider reducing the braising liquid on the stovetop after removing the ribs. This creates a thicker, more concentrated sauce. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Pomegranate Braised Short Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3-4 pounds beef short ribs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup pomegranate juice (unsweetened)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh mint or basil leaves, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or mashed potatoes for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 15 minutes of prep time and about 2.5 to 3 hours for braising in the oven. You’ll need some patience, but the end result is totally worth it—tender, flavorful short ribs full of rich, pomegranate goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This will ensure it’s ready for the ribs when you’re done preparing them!
2. Season the Short Ribs:
Generously sprinkle salt and pepper all over the short ribs. This flavor boost will help make them delicious and savory.
3. Sear the Ribs:
In a large, heavy-bottomed ovenproof pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the short ribs in batches, browning them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes each. This caramelization adds great flavor. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set aside.
4. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar (or honey). Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom their flavors.
6. Add Liquids:
Now it’s time to add the pomegranate juice, balsamic vinegar, and beef broth. Stir well to combine everything and make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—those add extra depth!
7. Return the Ribs:
Place the short ribs back into the pot, ensuring they are partially submerged in the flavorful liquid.
8. Braise in the Oven:
Bring the pot to a simmer on the stovetop, then cover it with a lid and transfer it to your preheated oven. Let them braise for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
9. Finish Up:
Once done, remove the ribs from the pot and keep them warm. If you’d like, you can reduce the braising liquid on the stovetop over medium-high heat to make a thicker sauce.
10. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the short ribs over a bed of cooked rice or mashed potatoes. Spoon the rich braising sauce on top and garnish generously with fresh pomegranate seeds and sliced mint or basil for a burst of freshness.
Enjoy your rich, tender, and flavorful Pomegranate Braised Short Ribs! They’re sure to impress anyone who gets to enjoy this delicious dish!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?
While beef short ribs are ideal due to their richness, you can substitute with chuck roast if needed. Just keep in mind that it may require slight adjustments in cooking time to achieve tenderness.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you want a kick of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions. This will infuse the dish with a lovely warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I Use Store-Bought Pomegranate Juice?
Absolutely! Just make sure to choose an unsweetened juice for the best flavor. Fresh pomegranate juice is fantastic if you have it available, but the store-bought variety works perfectly fine too.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moisture-rich.
