Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions Recipe because it hits all the right notes—rich, tender meat paired with the sweet, deeply flavorful onions soaked in apple cider. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how the cider added just the right amount of sweetness and acidity to balance the hearty short ribs. It’s perfect for cozy weekend dinners or impressing guests without tons of fuss.

You’ll find that this recipe works beautifully whether you’re slow roasting in the oven or using a slow cooker, giving you flexibility to fit it into your schedule. The caramelized onions really elevate the dish, turning a simple braise into something special that my family goes crazy for every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this cider braised short ribs with caramelized onions recipe are simple but carefully chosen to work in harmony. Using bone-in short ribs adds flavor and richness, while the combination of apple cider and chicken broth (or wine) creates a perfect braising liquid.

• Bone-in beef short ribs: Look for well-marbled ribs for juicy, flavorful meat.
• All-purpose flour: Helps develop a beautiful crust when searing the ribs.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
• Salted butter: Adds richness to the caramelized onions and braising liquid.
• Yellow onions: Thinly sliced; caramelizing these slowly adds sweetness and texture.
• Apple cider: Brings a lovely, subtle tartness and natural sweetness.
• Chicken broth or dry white wine: Adds depth and a savory undertone to the braise.
• Carrots: Chopped; add earthiness and soak up the flavorful liquid.
• Garlic: Smashed cloves release mellow flavor during the long cook.
• Fresh thyme: Its earthy aroma enhances the overall flavor.
• Apple (optional): Quartered; adds a subtle fruity note that pairs well with the cider.
• Bay leaves: Provide a delicate herbal note to the braising liquid.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions Recipe is. You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary preferences, so don’t hesitate to experiment.

• Wine Swap: I sometimes swap the chicken broth for a dry white wine to add a bit more acidity and floral notes—both work beautifully.
• Vegetable Options: Adding parsnips or turnips along with the carrots gives the dish a seasonal twist my family enjoys in the fall.
• Slow Cooker Only: When short on time, I prefer the slow cooker method; it’s foolproof and gives incredibly tender ribs every time.
• Make It Spicy: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the onions while caramelizing introduces a subtle heat that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cider.

How to Make Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Short Ribs

Start by seasoning the short ribs generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Then, rub them lightly with all-purpose flour to help create that irresistible crust when searing. Heat a large oven-safe Dutch oven over high heat and sear the ribs on all sides until they’re beautifully browned—this step locks in the juices and builds flavor. Once seared, transfer the ribs to a plate and wipe out excess fat from the pot, leaving just a little to cook the onions.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions with Apple Cider

Add salted butter to the same pot and toss in the thinly sliced yellow onions. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about five minutes until they soften. Pour in half a cup of apple cider and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper; continue cooking the onions for another 5 to 8 minutes until the cider evaporates and the onions turn golden brown. This step is magical because the cider helps develop a complex, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the ribs.

Step 3: Build the Braise and Roast

Stir in fresh thyme, then nestle the short ribs back into the pot. Pour in the remaining apple cider and the chicken broth (or dry white wine if you’re using). Add chopped carrots, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, and the optional quartered apple for an extra touch of sweetness. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F. Let everything slowly braise for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and practically falling off the bone.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once done, carefully remove the bay leaves. I like to serve these ribs over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious pan sauce and caramelized onions. Drizzle generously, fork through the rich sauce, and enjoy a meal that feels both comforting and special. Trust me, you’ll savor every bite.

How to Serve Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a few fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color and a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors just before serving. Sometimes, a little cracked black pepper on top brightens the dish nicely too.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines paired with creamy mashed potatoes (a classic), buttery polenta, or even a simple parsnip puree. Roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also make great contrasts to the rich ribs.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated the ribs stacked atop a velvety bed of mashed potatoes, garnished with a fresh apple slice fan and a drizzle of the pan sauce. It feels elegant but remains down-to-earth and approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover ribs and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making remnants even tastier the day after.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. I separate the ribs and the braising liquid with veggies into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, it reheats evenly without losing texture or flavor.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. This preserves the tender meat and keeps the onions moist and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and deeply satisfying about this Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions Recipe that makes it a favorite in my home. I love how it fills the house with cozy aromas, and how the rich, tender meat paired with the sweet onions feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s easier than it looks and will quickly become a go-to meal for special dinners or any time you want something really special without the fuss.

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