Tender Braised Beef Ribs with Honey
How to Make Deliciously Tender Braised Beef Ribs with Honey: A Step-by-Step Guide
Experience the exquisite tenderness of these braised beef ribs, infused with the natural sweetness of honey and perfectly seasoned to preserve their succulent juices without any gamey odor. This recipe promises a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, savory flavor.
Main Ingredients- 5 kg beef ribs
- 1 large piece of leek
- 5 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
Seasoning Ingredients- 1.5 cups soy sauce
- 1 cup honey
- 5 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- A pinch of black pepper powder
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1.5 cups soy sauce
- 1 cup honey
- 5 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- A pinch of black pepper powder
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by carefully trimming excess fat from the beef ribs. Removing too much fat will prevent the dish from becoming too greasy and ensure a cleaner flavor.
Step 2
Soaking the trimmed ribs in cold water to draw out the blood is a crucial step for eliminating any gamey taste. Let them soak for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
Step 3
After soaking, rinse the beef ribs thoroughly under cold running water multiple times. Ensure there are no remaining traces of blood for the best flavor.
Step 4
In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a rolling boil with the bay leaves and whole peppercorns. Once boiling, add the blood-soaked ribs and blanch for about 3-5 minutes. This initial blanching helps remove impurities and residual blood.
Step 5
After blanching, the beef ribs may have small bone fragments or other debris attached.
Step 6
Rinse the blanched ribs again under cold water, carefully removing any bone fragments or impurities. This thorough cleaning contributes to a clean and pure taste.
Step 7
Prepare the marinade. In a bowl, combine 1.5 cups soy sauce, 1 cup honey, 5 tablespoons minced garlic, 3 tablespoons mirin, a pinch of black pepper powder, and 2 tablespoons sesame oil. Mix well. The honey adds a beautiful sheen and helps tenderize the meat. (You can also add minced leek at this stage.)
Step 8
Add the cleaned beef ribs to the marinade. Gently massage the marinade into the ribs with your hands, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Evenly distributing the marinade is key for flavor penetration.
Step 9
For the best flavor, allow the marinated ribs to rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally 2-3 hours, to let the flavors meld. Marinating overnight will yield even deeper flavor.
Step 10
Now, it’s time to braise. Place the marinated ribs in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add enough stock or water to almost cover the ribs. Bring to a boil over high heat for about 10 minutes.
Step 11
Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and continue to simmer for about 20-30 minutes. For the final 10 minutes, lower the heat to low and let it simmer gently, either with the lid slightly ajar or uncovered, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken.
Step 12
Once the braising is complete, test a piece of meat. It should be exceptionally tender, easily coming away from the bone when gently pressed with chopsticks. The texture should be melt-in-your-mouth.
Step 13
The finished dish offers a wonderfully balanced flavor, with the subtle sweetness of honey complementing the savory, well-reduced sauce. It’s a clean and deeply satisfying braised beef rib dish, perfect as a side or a star main course for any special occasion.
