Tender and Rich Braised Beef Ribs: A Special Occasion Delight
Husband’s Birthday Feast: Easy Pressure Cooker Braised Beef Ribs Recipe
When asked what he wants most for a special occasion like his birthday, my husband’s answer is always ‘braised ribs’! This recipe is perfect for holidays or when entertaining guests. Using a pressure cooker, you can achieve a tender, deeply flavorful dish just like at a restaurant, right in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect, heartfelt birthday meal to make for your loved ones.
Main Ingredients- 2.5 kg beef short ribs
- 1/2 Korean radish (mu)
- 1 stalk green onion (chopped)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Soak the beef ribs in cold water for at least 1 hour, changing the water periodically, to remove excess blood. Thoroughly draining the blood is crucial for a clean-tasting braised dish without any gamey odors.
Step 2
In a large pot, add plenty of water and the drained beef ribs. To help remove any lingering odors, add the white parts of a green onion and whole peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then skim off any foam and impurities that rise to the surface. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
Step 3
Carefully remove the blanched ribs from the boiling water and rinse them under cold running water. Pay special attention to washing away any blood and bone fragments around the bones for a clean flavor.
Step 4
Trim off any excess fat. Make deep cuts (about 2-3 cm) along the bones. This helps the seasoning penetrate deeply and ensures even cooking. After cutting, pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
Step 5
Cut the Korean radish into large, bite-sized pieces and round off the edges. This technique helps the radish maintain its shape and become tender without falling apart during cooking.
Step 6
Puree half a pear and half an onion in a blender. Strain the mixture through a sieve to extract only the juice. (Alternatively, you can use 1 cup of commercially available pear juice drink for convenience.)
Step 7
In a large bowl, combine all the braising sauce ingredients: soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, pear juice, onion juice, black pepper, and sesame oil. Mix well to create the sauce. Adjust the amount of soy sauce to your preference.
Step 8
Place the prepared beef ribs in the pressure cooker. Pour about 2/3 of the prepared sauce over the ribs and mix to coat evenly. Layer the cut radish on top of the ribs. Add about half a cup (approx. 100ml) of water. (Adjust the water amount based on your pressure cooker model.)
Step 9
Secure the pressure cooker lid. Once the pressure indicator rises, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 7-10 minutes. After the cooking time, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. (Opening it too soon can result in tougher meat.)
Step 10
Once the pressure has fully released, open the lid. The radish should be tender, and there should be a flavorful braising liquid. Check that all ingredients are cooked through.
Step 11
Prepare the garnishes: carrots, dates, and dried chili pepper (or red/green chili pepper, seeded and sliced). The dried chili pepper can be added during this stage to impart a mild spiciness. (Omit or use sparingly if you prefer less heat.) Chestnuts and shiitake mushrooms are also wonderful additions.
Step 12
Pour the remaining 1/3 of the sauce into the pressure cooker. Add the prepared carrots, dates, (chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms), and dried chili pepper. If the liquid level is too low, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 13
Remove the lid and simmer over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens to your liking. Basting the ribs with the sauce as it simmers will infuse them with even more flavor. Since the ribs are already tender from pressure cooking, they don’t need to cook for a long time. (Tip: For an even richer flavor and easier fat removal, prepare the dish the day before and reheat it. The congealed fat can be skimmed off before serving.)
Step 14
Transfer the finished braised beef ribs to a serving dish. The tender ribs, along with the sweet dates, hearty chestnuts, and flavorful mushrooms, create a visually appealing and delicious meal. Make your special day even more memorable with this heartwarming and flavorful braised beef ribs!