Description
Tender slow-cooked beef short ribs simmered in a flavorful soy apple sauce, infused with aromatic spices like star anise and cinnamon. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty meal that showcases the rich taste of braised beef enhanced by sweet and savory notes from soy sauce and Granny Smith apple.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 kg Beef Short Ribs
Spices and Aromatics
- 1 Star Anise
- 1 small Cinnamon stick
- 5 Bay leaves
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dark Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Rice Wine
- Water (enough to cover ribs 1–2 cm below meat)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- 1/2 Granny Smith Apple (plus additional ½ apple blended with ½ cup water)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef and Sauce: Begin by blending half of a Granny Smith apple with ½ cup of water. Combine this apple water mixture with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce, and ¼ cup rice wine to create the flavorful sauce base.
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the beef short ribs and pan-fry, turning occasionally, until all sides are lightly browned. This step enhances the meat’s flavor through caramelization.
- Add Aromatics: To the hot oil with the browned ribs, add 1 star anise and 1 small cinnamon stick. Fry for about one minute until the spices release their fragrant aroma, infusing the oil and meat.
- Combine Ingredients for Slow Cooking: Pour the prepared soy apple sauce over the beef in the pan. Add 5 bay leaves, then pour enough water so that it reaches 1 to 2 centimeters below the meat.
- Slow Cook the Ribs: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and infused with the sauce’s flavors.
- Reduce the Sauce: Remove the lid, turn the heat up to medium-high, and cook the liquid uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a rich, gravy-like consistency that clings to the ribs.
Notes
- For more apple flavor, adjust the amount of Granny Smith apple according to your preference.
- Serve with steamed rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Ensure to brown the ribs thoroughly for the best flavor.
- This recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker by browning the ribs first and then cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
- The sauce reduction step allows the flavors to concentrate and the consistency to thicken for a more luscious finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
