Are you tired of serving the same uninspiring dinner options that leave your family pushing food around their plates? I’ve been there too.

Nothing’s more disappointing than spending hours in the kitchen only to end up with tough, flavorless meat that requires a steak knife and serious determination to chew through.

These Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs are my answer to that frustration – they’re so tender they literally fall off the bone with just the touch of a fork. The rich, savory flavors mingle with sweet apple notes to create a dish that’s both comforting and impressive enough for special occasions.

Hi there! I’m Alexandra, a self-taught chef who discovered my passion for cooking through years of trial and error in my home kitchen. These apple cider braised short ribs became my signature dish after I perfected the technique during a particularly cold autumn when my family craved something truly comforting.

The sweet aroma of apple cider and herbs filled our home as the ribs slowly transformed in the oven, and I knew I’d found something special.

In this recipe, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect short ribs, creating a flavor-packed braising liquid, and mastering the slow-cooking process that guarantees fall-apart tenderness. You’ll also discover my best tips for serving these mouthwatering apple cider braised short ribs, clever variations to keep the recipe exciting, and answers to common questions that might arise during preparation.

Why These Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs Work

Uses affordable beef short ribs that transform into a luxurious meal
Sweet-savory apple cider tenderizes meat while adding complex flavor
Mostly hands-off cooking process perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings
Impressive enough for holiday entertaining but simple enough for family dinners
Can be prepared in advance and reheated, becoming even more flavorful

Choosing the Right Meat for Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Best Cuts for This Recipe

English-cut beef short ribs are the star of this dish. These thick-cut ribs have a generous portion of meat attached to a section of bone, creating the perfect vehicle for slow braising. The marbling throughout the meat melts during cooking, creating self-basting magic that results in incredibly tender apple cider braised short ribs.

Buying Tips for Short Ribs

When selecting short ribs for your apple cider braised short ribs, look for pieces with:

Deep red color with visible marbling throughout
At least 2 inches of meat on top of the bone
Similar sizing across all pieces for even cooking
Fresh-looking with no off odors

Ask your butcher to trim excess fat but leave some for flavor. Many grocers keep short ribs in the meat case, but requesting them directly from the butcher counter often yields better quality.

Substitutions

If beef short ribs aren’t available, consider these alternatives for your apple cider braised dish:

Beef chuck roast (cut into large cubes)
Beef brisket (for a different texture but similar rich flavor)
Beef shanks (osso buco style)

Ingredients & Prep for Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Mouth-Watering Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone Perfection

Meat Prep Essentials

Before cooking your apple cider braised short ribs, proper preparation makes all the difference:

Remove short ribs from refrigeration 30-45 minutes before cooking
Pat completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning
Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides
If time allows, season meat the night before and refrigerate uncovered for deeper flavor

Marinades/Braises

For these fall-apart apple cider braised short ribs, you’ll need:

4 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
2 cups apple cider (unfiltered works best)
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick

Pantry Staples

Complete your apple cider braised short ribs with these essential additions:

2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
2 tablespoons butter
2 medium onions, roughly chopped
3 carrots, cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, smashed
2 tablespoons flour (for thickening sauce)
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Pre-Cooking Prep for Short Ribs

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Season short ribs generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Working in batches to avoid crowding, sear short ribs on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Transfer seared ribs to a plate and set aside.

Cooking Method for Braised Short Ribs

Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same pot.
Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to caramelize.
Sprinkle in flour and stir for another minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in apple cider, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add beef broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, thyme, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick.
Return the short ribs to the pot, bone-side up, along with any accumulated juices.
Bring the liquid to a simmer, cover the pot, and transfer to the preheated oven.
Braise for 2½ to 3 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone.

Doneness Check for Apple Cider Short Ribs

Your apple cider braised short ribs are done when:

A fork easily pierces the meat with almost no resistance
The meat is starting to separate from the bone
Internal temperature reaches around 205°F (96°C) for ultimate tenderness

If the ribs aren’t tender enough after the initial cooking time, return them to the oven for additional 30-minute increments until they reach fall-apart perfection.

Resting and Finishing the Short Ribs

Carefully remove the pot from the oven and transfer the short ribs to a serving platter.
Strain the braising liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl.
Skim excess fat from the surface of the liquid.
Return the strained liquid to the pot and simmer over medium heat until reduced by about one-third.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Pour the reduced sauce over the short ribs just before serving.

For an extra-special touch with your apple cider braised short ribs, consider a quick garnish of fresh thyme leaves and finely grated orange zest.

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Avoiding Tough Short Ribs

Never rush the browning process – proper searing creates the foundation for flavor
Maintain a gentle simmer during braising – rapid boiling can toughen meat fibers
Be patient with cooking time – some short ribs need a full 3 hours to become tender
Keep the lid tightly sealed to maintain moisture throughout cooking
Check liquid levels periodically and add more broth if needed

Tool Recommendations

For the best apple cider braised short ribs, these tools make a significant difference:

Heavy enameled cast-iron Dutch oven for even heat distribution
Sturdy tongs for easy handling of the short ribs
Instant-read thermometer to check doneness
Fat separator for finishing the sauce
Fine-mesh strainer for silky smooth sauce

Storage & Reheating

Apple cider braised short ribs actually improve with time, making them perfect for meal prep:

Refrigerate: Store cooled ribs and sauce together in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently in a covered pot in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.

Looking for more delicious fall desserts to pair with these ribs? Check out my Baked Pears recipe for the perfect seasonal finish to your meal!

Flavor Variations for Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Spicy Twist

Transform your apple cider braised short ribs with a kick of heat:

Add 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the braising liquid
Include 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Finish with a drizzle of hot honey for sweet-spicy contrast

Low-Carb Adaptation

Enjoy apple cider braised short ribs while keeping carbs in check:

Replace apple cider with unsweetened apple cider flavored sparkling water plus 1 diced apple
Skip the brown sugar and use a keto-friendly brown sugar alternative
Thicken the sauce with xanthan gum instead of flour
Serve over cauliflower mash instead of traditional sides

Global Flavors

Take your apple cider braised short ribs around the world with these variations:

Regional Style	Key Ingredients	Suggested Sides
Asian-Inspired	Add ginger, star anise, soy sauce	Serve with jasmine rice and bok choy
Mexican	Include dried chilies, cumin, orange zest	Pair with cilantro lime rice
Middle Eastern	Add pomegranate molasses, cinnamon, cloves	Serve with couscous and roasted vegetables
French Country	Include herbs de Provence and Dijon mustard	Serve with potato gratin

Serving Suggestions for Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

These apple cider braised short ribs shine when paired with sides that complement their rich flavor:

Creamy mashed potatoes or parsnip puree to soak up the delicious sauce
Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips
Crisp green salad with apple slices and light vinaigrette for contrast
Crusty artisan bread for mopping up every last bit of sauce
Steamed green vegetables like broccolini or green beans for color and freshness

For the perfect beverage pairing with apple cider braised short ribs, consider a bold red wine that can stand up to the richness – Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Zinfandel work beautifully. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling apple cider or a robust coffee.

For a complete seasonal meal, follow your apple cider braised short ribs with my Pumpkin Pie for dessert it’s the perfect fall finale!

Find more cooking inspiration on my Pinterest page I’m constantly adding new comfort food recipes that will have your family requesting seconds!

FAQs About Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Can I make apple cider braised short ribs in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the ribs and sauté vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours until the meat is tender. The sauce may need additional reducing on the stovetop before serving.

What’s the difference between regular and unfiltered apple cider?

Unfiltered apple cider provides a more robust apple flavor for your apple cider braised short ribs. It contains natural sediment and pulp that adds depth to the sauce. If only filtered cider is available, add one diced apple to the braising liquid.

Can I prepare apple cider braised short ribs in advance for a dinner party?

Absolutely! These ribs actually improve with flavor after a day in the refrigerator. Complete the entire recipe, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat covered in a 325°F oven for about 30 minutes before serving. This makes them perfect for stress-free entertaining.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If your sauce needs thickening after reduction, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to form a slurry. Whisk this into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Looking for something sweet to serve for the holidays? Try my Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake for a festive treat!

Conclusion

These apple cider braised short ribs represent comfort food at its finest tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone, bathed in a rich sauce that balances savory depth with subtle sweetness. The slow cooking process transforms a humble cut of meat into something truly special that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.

Mouth-Watering Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone Perfection