Bison Short Rib Recipe Easy and Delicious Dinner Idea

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, look no further than this bison short rib recipe. Bison meat is leaner than beef but packed with rich, robust flavors, making it an excellent choice for slow-cooked dishes like short ribs.

These tender ribs melt in your mouth, infused with deep, smoky, and slightly sweet notes from a carefully crafted marinade and slow braising process. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook wanting to impress guests, this recipe will guide you through every step to achieve restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

With just a handful of simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll create a dish that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Plus, cooking bison short ribs is an adventure in bringing out the natural taste of this game meat while developing layers of complexity in the sauce.

Ready your slow cooker or oven, and let’s dive into a culinary experience that celebrates the bold and unique flavors of bison short ribs!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out because it combines the lean, rich taste of bison with a slow-cooked tenderness that’s hard to beat. Unlike beef, bison is lower in fat and calories but still delivers a deep, meaty flavor that’s perfect for comfort food.

The slow braising technique allows the collagen in the short ribs to break down, resulting in succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat. The aromatic marinade and braising liquid add a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Moreover, this dish is incredibly versatile—you can serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or even a hearty vegetable mash. It’s a perfect centerpiece for family dinners or special occasions, offering both nutrition and indulgence.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs bison short ribs, bone-in
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef or bison broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, or substitute with additional broth)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup celery, sliced

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven
• Slow cooker or oven-safe roasting pan with lid
• Tongs
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for sauce)

Instructions

1. Prepare the ribs: Pat the bison short ribs dry with paper towels. Generously season all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Brown the ribs: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the short ribs on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer browned ribs to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and lightly caramelized, about 6-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pan: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in the red wine (or extra broth) and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the liquid reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
5. Transfer to slow cooker or oven: Place the browned bison short ribs into the slow cooker or oven-safe roasting pan. Pour the sautéed vegetables and reduced liquid over the ribs. Add the broth, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, and brown sugar.
6. Cook low and slow: For slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. For oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Cover the roasting pan with a lid or aluminum foil and braise in the oven for 3-4 hours until tender.
7. Finish the sauce: Remove ribs from the cooking liquid and keep warm. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a saucepan if you prefer a smooth sauce. Simmer the sauce over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Serve: Spoon the sauce over the ribs and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

Slow cooking is key for tender bison short ribs. Avoid rushing the process for the best texture and flavor.

• Marinate for extra flavor: For a deeper taste, marinate the ribs in red wine, garlic, and herbs overnight before cooking.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the sauce for a smoky or spicy twist.
• Vegetable add-ins: Throw in mushrooms or parsnips with the carrots and celery for a richer vegetable medley.
• Stovetop method: If you don’t have a slow cooker or oven, simmer the ribs gently on the stovetop in a heavy pot for 3-4 hours until tender.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Bison short ribs pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, which soak up the rich sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, serve over garlic sautéed greens like kale or spinach.

Roasted root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts make excellent side dishes to complement the savory ribs. A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the meal nicely.

For a rustic touch, serve with crusty artisan bread to mop up every bit of the delicious braising liquid.

Conclusion

Cooking bison short ribs is a rewarding culinary endeavor that brings a healthy yet indulgent dish to your table. The lean quality of bison meat combined with slow, gentle cooking results in tender, flavorful ribs that will impress any crowd.

This recipe’s balance of herbs, wine, and savory broth enhances the natural richness of the bison, creating a memorable meal perfect for special occasions or cozy weeknights.

Whether you’re new to bison or a longtime fan, this dish is a wonderful way to explore alternative game meats while enjoying a comforting, soul-satisfying dinner. Don’t forget to try pairing your meal with some of our other delicious recipes like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping for your next outdoor adventure, or explore the freshness of Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious for a vibrant vegetarian twist.

For quick and delicious sides, the Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious can also accompany your meal beautifully.

Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and happy cooking!

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