Amazing Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

September 4, 2025

Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs have become my go-to for those chilly evenings when I crave something truly comforting and deeply flavorful. I remember the first time I tasted them – the meat was so incredibly tender, practically melting off the bone, and the sauce was a perfect balance of sweet apple and savory beef. It felt like a warm hug in a bowl. This simple yet elegant dish, featuring braised short ribs with apple cider, fills my kitchen with the most amazing aroma as it cooks, promising a delicious meal without requiring constant attention. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

You’ll absolutely adore this dish for so many reasons:

Incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone meat
Rich, savory apple cider sauce
This is an easy apple cider braised short ribs recipe that looks fancy but is simple to make
Minimal active cooking time, perfect for busy nights
The aroma while it cooks is heavenly
A truly comforting and satisfying meal
It’s a fantastic easy apple cider braised short ribs recipe for entertaining guests
Versatile enough to pair with many sides

Ingredients for Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Gathering these apple cider braised short ribs ingredients is the first step to a truly delicious meal. The quality of your ingredients really shines through in this recipe.

4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs – bone-in provides the best flavor and texture
2 teaspoons kosher salt – essential for seasoning the meat
1 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is best
2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing the ribs
2 medium carrots, diced – adds sweetness and depth
2 celery ribs, diced – provides an aromatic base
1 large onion, diced – for that foundational savory flavor
2 tablespoons tomato paste – deepens the sauce color and flavor
1 cup dry white wine – like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for deglazing
2 cups apple cider – unfiltered is ideal for a robust apple flavor
4 cups beef broth – low-sodium is recommended
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary sprigs – for the braising liquid
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped – for the gremolata
2 cloves garlic, minced – for the gremolata
1 tablespoon lemon zest – brightens the gremolata
1 teaspoon salt (for gremolata) – to season the gremolata

How to Make Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Making these apple cider braised short ribs is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. The magic happens slowly in the oven, transforming tough cuts of meat into tender, succulent bites. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying a restaurant-quality meal right in your own home.

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Short Ribs

First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously season your bone-in beef short ribs with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned ribs in the hot pot and sear them deeply on all sides until they have a beautiful brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. This searing is key for that rich flavor in your oven braised short ribs apple cider dish. Remove the ribs and set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same Dutch oven, add your diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook these vegetables over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 7-10 minutes until they’ve softened and are starting to caramelize. Then, stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, until it darkens slightly. This step builds the savory foundation for our braising liquid.

Step 3: Deglaze and Braise

Now it’s time to deglaze! Pour in the apple cider and dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen all those flavorful browned bits. Add the beef broth and the rosemary sprigs. Return the seared short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the liquid. You want them mostly submerged. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then cover the Dutch oven tightly with its lid. Transfer the pot to your preheated oven. You’ll want to braise them for about 3 to 3.5 hours. The question of how long to braise short ribs in apple cider depends on your ribs, but tenderness is your best indicator. For more braising tips, check out this guide to braising.

Amazing Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs - Apple Cider Braised Short - additional detail

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once the ribs are fork-tender and practically falling off the bone, carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid – this makes the sauce even richer. Prepare your fresh rosemary gremolata by finely chopping the parsley, garlic, and rosemary with lemon zest and a pinch of salt. Serve the tender short ribs generously spooned with the flavorful sauce, and sprinkle the vibrant gremolata over the top for a burst of freshness.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture for your apple cider braised short ribs is all about a few key techniques. These tips will help ensure your braised short ribs are a huge success every time.

Always start with bone-in short ribs; the marrow adds incredible depth of flavor to the braising liquid.
Don’t rush the searing process – a deep brown crust is crucial for building flavor.
Ensure your oven temperature is consistent; a stable, lower temperature is key for tender braising.
Skim the fat from the braising liquid after cooking; this makes the sauce richer and less greasy.

What’s the secret to perfect fall off the bone apple cider short ribs?

The real secret to achieving fall off the bone apple cider short ribs is patience and low, slow cooking. Low oven temperatures over several hours break down the connective tissues in the beef, making the meat incredibly tender and succulent.

Can I make apple cider braised short ribs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these apple cider braised short ribs up to 24 hours in advance. Let them cool completely, then refrigerate the ribs and braising liquid. This also makes it easier to skim off the fat before reheating. For other make-ahead meal ideas, explore our recipes section.

How do I avoid common mistakes with apple cider braised short ribs?

A common pitfall is not searing the ribs properly, which impacts flavor. Also, avoid overcrowding the pot; give the ribs space to brown. Finally, don’t over-braise; check for tenderness after the minimum time to prevent the meat from drying out.

Best Ways to Serve Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

These incredibly tender apple cider braised short ribs are a showstopper on their own, but pairing them with the right sides elevates the entire meal. When considering what to serve with apple cider braised short ribs, think about dishes that can soak up that delicious, savory sauce.

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, offering a smooth, comforting base for the rich short ribs and their sauce.
Polenta or grits provide another wonderful texture to complement the tender beef.
A simple side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp apple salad offers a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.

Amazing Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs - Apple Cider Braised Short - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for these delicious apple cider braised short ribs, per serving:

Calories: 550 kcal
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Protein: 40 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 800 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Properly storing and reheating your apple cider braised short ribs ensures they retain their wonderful texture and flavor, making them just as delicious as when they were first made. After cooking, allow the ribs and braising liquid to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the short ribs and the sauce to airtight containers. For refrigerator storage, they’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days. If you need to store them for longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. The tender braised short ribs apple cider sauce freezes beautifully. For other comforting dishes, try our Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole.

To reheat, the best method is gently on the stovetop over low heat. If refrigerated, you can transfer the ribs and sauce to a saucepan and warm them through, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also reheat them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) covered, until warmed through. This slow reheating process helps maintain the tenderness of the beef. You might also enjoy our Hamburger Mushroom Bake.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

What are apple cider braised short ribs?

What are apple cider braised short ribs? They are beef short ribs that have been slowly cooked, or braised, in a liquid that includes apple cider. This method breaks down the tough connective tissues in the meat, resulting in incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone beef that’s infused with the sweet and slightly tart flavors of the cider and other aromatics.

What is the flavor profile of apple cider braised short ribs?

The apple cider braised short ribs flavor profile is wonderfully complex. You get a deep, savory richness from the beef and beef broth, complemented by the natural sweetness and subtle tang of the apple cider. Aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery add depth, while herbs like rosemary contribute a fragrant, woodsy note. The result is a comforting balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes that’s perfect for a cozy meal. For a different flavor profile, consider our Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.

Can I use a different type of apple cider?

While unfiltered or hard apple cider is often recommended for a richer flavor, you can certainly use regular pasteurized apple cider. Just be aware that the flavor might be slightly less intense. Avoid apple juice, as it’s typically much sweeter and lacks the depth needed for braising. For a more robust taste, consider using a good quality hard cider. You can learn more about different types of cider here.

How do I get the best glaze from the braising liquid?

To achieve a thicker, more concentrated glaze, you can remove the short ribs from the braising liquid once they are tender. Then, place the liquid in a saucepan and reduce it over medium-high heat until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also skim off excess fat before reducing for an even richer sauce. If you enjoy flavorful sauces, you might like our Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry.

Variations of Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are so many ways to customize these apple cider braised short ribs! Whether you’re looking for a dietary tweak or a different cooking method, these variations offer something for everyone.

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs: For ultimate convenience, adapt this recipe for your slow cooker. Sear the ribs and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method delivers incredibly tender results with minimal effort, perfect for a slow cooker apple cider braised short ribs meal.
Dutch Oven Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs: This recipe already utilizes a Dutch oven, but you can also finish the braising process on the stovetop if you don’t want to use your oven for an extended period. Just ensure a very low simmer and a tight-fitting lid. It’s a classic way to make these dutch oven apple cider braised short ribs.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the aromatics for a subtle heat that complements the sweet apple cider.
Herb Swap: While rosemary is wonderful, try thyme or even a bay leaf in the braising liquid for a slightly different aromatic profile.