Slow-Roasted Boneless Short Ribs withRomesco Sauce
Beef short ribs are commonly braised for hours. What is slightly unusual and great about this recipe is that the short ribs are slow roasted until tender and then grilled to impart a smoky char. It may seem like a difficult recipe, but I swear it’s not, and the delicious result is so worth the time. The ribs need a day to marinate, so plan accordingly. After tasting this dish, you’ll never braise a short rib again! Use any leftover meat to make Short Rib and Fontina Cheese Panini with Tomato-Onion Chutney or Pappardelle with Beef Sugo and Ricotta. This is a really rich dish; all it needs to round it out is a simple green salad. To make the spiced short ribs really sing, I prepare a version of Spanish romesco sauce. Bold, tangy, and definitely habit-forming, romesco looks ordinary enough but in one bite transforms the dish. When making the sauce, it’s important to use a food processor and not a blender so it retains a chunky texture. This recipe will make more than you need for the short ribs and is a terrific go-to sauce to keep around. Try it with grilled vegetables and seafood (it’s particularly awesome with shrimp), tossed with pasta, or as a sandwich spread.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4
Ingredients
Preparation
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, ginger, chili powder, garlic, canola oil, and 1 tablespoon each of salt and pepper; stir thoroughly to combine. Rub the spice mixture all over the short ribs to evenly coat the meat. Transfer the ribs to a large resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Arrange the short ribs on a wire rack set on top of a baking pan. Bake for 1 1/2 hours, to render the fat. Remove the ribs and the rack, discard the fat, and return the ribs to the pan (without the rack). Cover with foil and bake until tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Allow the ribs to cool to room temperature, then cover and chill completely in the fridge for at least 1 hour. All of this can be knocked out a day or two in advance. Preheat an outdoor grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Cut the ribs against the grain into 1-inch strips, reserving the scraps. Drizzle the ribs with olive oil. Working in batches, grill the cut side of the ribs for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until nicely charred. In a mixing bowl, toss the salad greens with the olive oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. To serve, divide the ribs among 4 plates and arrange a handful of salad greens next to them. Spoon the romesco sauce over the meat, sprinkle with the nuts, and garnish with lemon wedges.
