Are you a fan of tender, juicy beef short ribs?
Do you want to know how long to bake them in the oven for the perfect result?
Look no further!
In this article, we’ll explore different methods and tips for baking beef short ribs in the oven.
Whether you prefer bone-in or boneless, covered or uncovered, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with mouth-watering beef short ribs that are cooked to perfection.
Let’s dive in!
How Long To Bake Beef Short Ribs In Oven?
When it comes to baking beef short ribs in the oven, there are a few factors to consider. The size and thickness of the ribs, whether they are bone-in or boneless, and the temperature of your oven can all affect the cooking time.
For bone-in beef short ribs, we recommend baking them in the oven at 275°F for 3 1/2 – 4 hours. It’s important to cover them tightly with aluminum foil to prevent steam from escaping and to keep the meat moist and tender. You’ll know they’re done when the meat is visibly pulling away from the bone and they are fork-tender.
If you’re using boneless beef short ribs, you can still use this recipe but keep in mind that they may cook faster since there is no bone to slow down the cooking process. We suggest checking them after 2-3 hours to see if they are done.
It’s important to note that every oven is different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your own oven’s performance. If you find that your ribs are not as tender as you’d like after 3 1/2 hours, go ahead and cook them for an additional 30 minutes to an hour until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Beef Short Ribs
Choosing the right cut of beef short ribs is crucial to achieving the perfect results when baking them in the oven. There are several types of beef short ribs available, each with its own unique characteristics and cooking requirements.
Plate short ribs are cut from the lower portion of the rib cage and are known for their meaty texture and rich flavor. They are often referred to as “loaded beef ribs” due to the layer of fat-laced meat on top. Plate short ribs do well when cooked low and slow, making them an excellent choice for baking in the oven.
Chuck short ribs, also known as flanken ribs, come from the first to the fifth rib and are located under the chuck. They are shorter in length but still very meaty and flavorful. Chuck short ribs can be used for baking in the oven, but they may require a shorter cooking time than plate short ribs due to their smaller size.
English-style short ribs are another option, which are cut between the bones to separate them and leave a thick piece of meat sitting on top of one piece of bone. These can be left as one long piece or cut into smaller pieces. Boneless short ribs can also be found, which means that the meat is cut off the bones of an English-cut short rib.
When selecting beef short ribs for baking in the oven, look for meat that is visibly marbled with fat but not excessively fatty. Avoid short ribs that have striations of muscle that look extremely lean with a thick fat cap on top, as this can result in tough and dry meat instead of tender and melting.
Preparing The Beef Short Ribs For Baking
Before baking your beef short ribs, it’s important to prepare them properly to ensure they come out tender and flavorful. Begin by patting the ribs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick better and prevent the ribs from steaming in the oven.
Next, season the ribs generously all over with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for added flavor. Make sure to rub the seasoning into the meat so that it penetrates all the way through.
If you’re using a homemade BBQ sauce or marinade, now is the time to apply it to the ribs. Use a basting brush to coat all surfaces of the ribs evenly. You can also sprinkle brown sugar over the top for added sweetness and caramelization.
Once your ribs are seasoned and sauced, place them in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap in the steam and keep the meat moist. Bake in a preheated 275°F oven for 3 1/2 – 4 hours or until fork-tender.
When the ribs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley for added color and flavor. Enjoy your fall-off-the-bone tender beef short ribs!
Seasoning Options For Beef Short Ribs
Seasoning your beef short ribs is a crucial step in adding flavor and depth to your dish. Here are some seasoning options to consider:
1. Classic BBQ Rub: A classic BBQ rub consists of coarse salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix these ingredients together in a bowl and apply the rub to your beef by sprinkling it on all sides and patting it down with your hands. This rub will give your short ribs a smoky and savory flavor.
2. Spicy Rub: If you prefer a little heat in your dish, try making a spicy rub by combining cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Apply the rub to your short ribs and completely cover them with the mixture.
3. Brown Sugar Rub: For a sweet and savory flavor, mix brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, salt, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Cut the ribs into equal portions and generously rub the spice mixture onto all surfaces of the ribs. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.
4. Tuscan-style Seasoning Blend: If you’re looking for an herbaceous flavor, try using a Tuscan-style seasoning blend consisting of dried rosemary, oregano, basil, thyme, and sage. Whisk all of the ingredients together and add 2 tablespoons of this to your recipe.
No matter which seasoning option you choose, make sure to apply the rub evenly on all sides of the beef short ribs for maximum flavor. Happy cooking!
Oven Temperature And Cooking Time For Bone-In Beef Short Ribs
When it comes to cooking bone-in beef short ribs in the oven, it’s important to bake them low and slow to achieve the best results. We recommend preheating your oven to 275°F and baking the ribs for 3 1/2 – 4 hours. This temperature and cooking time will allow the meat to become moist, soft, and fork-tender over an extended period of time.
It’s also important to cover the ribs tightly with aluminum foil to prevent any steam from escaping. This process allows the meat to become moist and tender as it cooks. Make sure you overlap the foil and tightly seal the edges around the pan to prevent any steam from seeping out.
While 3 1/2 hours may be perfect in your oven, it’s important to note that most ovens need 4 hours for the ribs to cook properly. You’ll know they’re done when the meat is visibly pulling away from the bone and they are fork-tender.
If you’re using boneless beef short ribs, keep in mind that they may cook faster since there is no bone to slow down the cooking process. We suggest checking them after 2-3 hours to see if they are done.
Oven Temperature And Cooking Time For Boneless Beef Short Ribs
If you’re specifically cooking boneless beef short ribs, the oven temperature and cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly. For this type of rib, we recommend baking them in the oven at 300°F for 2 1/2 – 3 hours. As with the bone-in ribs, it’s important to cover them tightly with aluminum foil to keep them moist and tender.
After 2 1/2 hours, carefully remove the foil and baste the ribs with any remaining marinade or sauce. Then, continue baking them uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to allow them to brown and develop a crispy exterior.
As mentioned earlier, every oven is different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your own oven’s performance. To check if the ribs are done, insert a fork into the meat and twist gently. If it easily pulls apart, they are ready to serve.
Tips For Checking Doneness Of Beef Short Ribs
When it comes to checking the doneness of beef short ribs, there are a few methods you can use. One popular method is the toothpick test. Simply insert a toothpick into the meaty sections of your ribs. If it slides into the meat without resistance, then your ribs are done.
Another method is using a probe thermometer to test for doneness. Probe tenderness is the best way to know if your ribs are considered done. Poke the temperature probe between the bones in order to feel how the probe penetrates the meat. If the probe feels like it’s sliding through soft butter, the meat is considered tender. If there is any sort of resistance, the ribs need more time on the smoker or in the oven.
It’s also important to keep in mind that collagen, which is found in well-used parts of the body like ribs, must be broken down by long, slow cooking. This means that you may need to cook your beef short ribs for longer than you think to achieve optimal tenderness.
In addition, every oven is different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your own oven’s performance. Don’t be afraid to check your ribs frequently and add additional cooking time if needed until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
