Description

These Maple Coffee Braised Short Ribs feature tender, slow-cooked beef ribs infused with a rich blend of espresso coffee, bourbon, and pure maple syrup. Braised to perfection with aromatic vegetables and herbs, this comforting dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors ideal for a cozy fall meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Short Ribs

4 lbs bone-in beef short ribs, english-cut, trimmed of excess fat
Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper, to season

For Searing and Sautéing

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more as needed
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium carrots, sliced on a bias

Flavoring & Braising Liquid

2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons garlic paste
1 tablespoon espresso instant coffee
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
1 cup bourbon whiskey (can substitute with additional beef broth if alcohol is to be avoided)
½ cup dark soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
½ cup pure maple syrup
2 ½ cups beef broth

Instructions

Season & rest the short ribs: Generously season the beef short ribs on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set them aside on a large plate or platter to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes, which helps them cook evenly. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Brown the short ribs: In a large oven-safe dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt the butter with olive oil until shimmering. Add a few short ribs at a time without overcrowding and sear each side until a deep brown crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer browned ribs to a clean plate and repeat for all ribs. Reduce heat to medium once all ribs are browned.
Sauté the mirepoix: Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot with the rendered beef fat. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender, golden brown, and aromatic, about 6-8 minutes.
Bring the flavors together: Make a small well in the center of the vegetables. Stir in tomato paste and garlic paste evenly coating the mixture for 2-3 minutes. Add espresso instant coffee, red pepper flakes, and rosemary sprigs. Pour in bourbon whiskey to deglaze, scraping the fond off the bottom for flavor. Let it cook down and thicken for 2-3 minutes before stirring in soy sauce, maple syrup, and beef broth.
Assemble the braise: Return the browned short ribs to the pot along with any juices. The ribs should be nearly submerged in the liquid. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
Braise the short ribs: Cover the pot tightly with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 3 to 3 ½ hours until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
Adjust braising liquid (optional): Remove the ribs and set them aside on a clean plate. Skim fat from the braising liquid and strain or remove solids as desired. Simmer the liquid over medium-high heat, stirring gently, until it reduces to a glaze-like consistency (about 10-20 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste, then return the ribs and solids to the sauce to warm through.
Serve: Plate the braised short ribs immediately, ideally over creamy mashed sweet potatoes, spooning the braising gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a fragrant finish. Enjoy your hearty fall meal!

Notes

If you prefer to avoid alcohol, substitute the bourbon whiskey with equal parts beef broth or a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute.
For a deeper coffee flavor, ensure to use good quality espresso instant coffee granules.
When browning the ribs, avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure a good sear and caramelization.
The braising liquid can be thickened after cooking to create a more concentrated sauce or served as-is for a lighter gravy.
Serving suggestion: Mash sweet potatoes with a bit of cream or butter to complement the rich, sweet-savory flavor of the ribs.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Braising
Cuisine: American

Keywords: braised short ribs, maple syrup, coffee braised ribs, fall recipes, bourbon short ribs, comfort food, beef ribs