Veal Short Ribs Recipe: Tender, Flavorful, and Easy

Veal short ribs are a true delight for any meat lover seeking a tender, flavorful, and luxurious dish. These ribs are prized for their delicate texture and rich taste, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that elevates any dinner.

Whether you’re preparing a special occasion meal or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating succulent veal short ribs with a perfect balance of seasoning and slow-cooked tenderness.

Slow braising unlocks the full flavor potential of the meat, infusing it with aromatic herbs and a savory sauce that’s both comforting and elegant. Plus, the beautiful caramelization achieved by searing the ribs sets the stage for an unforgettable meal.

Get ready to impress your family or guests with this foolproof veal short ribs recipe that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and wines.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This veal short ribs recipe is perfect for anyone who loves deeply flavorful, tender meat dishes without spending hours fussing in the kitchen. The slow braise method ensures the ribs become incredibly soft and juicy, while the searing step develops a rich, caramelized crust full of umami.

The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and red wine creates a luscious sauce that complements the veal beautifully.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to try something new, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. It’s also versatile enough to customize with your favorite herbs or sides.

Plus, the leftovers (if any!) taste even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead dinner option.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds veal short ribs, bone-in
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
• 2 cups beef or veal stock
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or oven-safe pot
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for sauce)
• Oven mitts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This low temperature allows the ribs to cook slowly and become tender.
2. Season the veal short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Make sure all sides are coated evenly for the best flavor.
3. Heat the olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ribs and sear them on all sides until they develop a deep brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the ribs and set aside.
4. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and start to caramelize.
5. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring the tomato paste darkens slightly to deepen the sauce flavor.
6. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot. Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits stuck to the pan. Let the wine simmer for 3-5 minutes until it’s reduced by about half.
7. Return the veal ribs to the pot. Add the beef or veal stock, making sure the ribs are partially submerged but not completely covered.
8. Add the rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer on the stovetop.
9. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let the ribs braise for 2.5 to 3 hours until they are fork-tender and the meat pulls away easily from the bone.
10. Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Transfer the ribs to a serving platter and tent with foil to keep warm.
11. Strain the braising liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan. Press down on the solids to extract maximum flavor, then discard the solids.
12. Optional: To thicken the sauce, create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of flour with cold water. Whisk this into the sauce and simmer gently until it thickens to your liking.
13. Pour the sauce over the veal short ribs and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth of flavor, marinate the veal ribs in red wine, garlic, and herbs overnight before cooking.

Use a mix of fresh herbs like sage or oregano if you prefer different aromatics. For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the vegetable sauté.

If you don’t have veal stock, beef stock or even a rich chicken stock can be a good substitute. Should you want a quicker version, you can cook the ribs in a pressure cooker for about 45 minutes instead of braising in the oven.

Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance the richness. For a wine pairing, try a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Sangiovese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This recipe shines when served alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a velvety polenta, which soak up the luscious braising sauce perfectly. Roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts add a lovely textural contrast and fresh flavors.

For a lighter side, consider a crisp green salad such as a Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

For bread lovers, a crusty artisan loaf or garlic bread works beautifully to mop up every last drop of sauce. If you want to add a touch of elegance, serve with a glass of red wine that you also cooked with, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Conclusion

Veal short ribs offer an unbeatable combination of tenderness, flavor, and sophistication that’s perfect for elevating your home dining experience. This recipe breaks down the process into manageable steps, ensuring you can create a restaurant-quality meal with confidence.

The slow braising method brings out the best in the meat, while the rich sauce adds complexity and warmth.

Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply craving comfort food with a gourmet twist, these veal short ribs will not disappoint. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes on our site, such as the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food, to complement your culinary adventures.

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