Beef Short Rib Tacos
By Guest Chef, Phillip Schaaf
In the last few decades, many American chefs have begun to include short ribs on their menus, most likely because it is one of the most tender, intensely flavorful beef cuts available when cooked low and slow. There are thirteen ribs on a steer, and the short ribs come from the fifth through eighth ribs mostly, where the end of the brisket navel is overlapped by the rib loin. The fat marbling is high in this midsection, but the meat can be tough if it isn’t properly handled.
There are a few highly successful methods to cooking short ribs, all of which take a bit of time. Most common is the braise. Braising is a technique that requires a high-heat sear, then a slow-and-low stew in the oven with stock and aromatics. Braising is one of my favorite methods because it yields rich, flavorful fall-off-the-bone meat and beautiful gravy. In the colder months, this is my go to technique. The oven warms the whole kitchen and the scent of the simmering stew brings comfort to the entire house.
Slow roasted short ribs take about the same amount of time as a braise, but are a little less fussy. With some planning ahead, this method can be used for any weeknight family meal. Roasted short ribs have a bit more texture to them than the braised version. The only downfall to this method is the absence of gravy, which actually means this technique could be considered a more health-conscious version of the short rib. All kidding aside, short ribs are supremely decadent. Whether it be a beautiful dish worthy of the finest restaurant, or a simple taco, short ribs can bring a smile to even the most mistrusting diner. Here’s how to make one of the best simple tacos you’ll ever eat.
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makes:6
Ingredients
Utensils
- Mixing bowl
- Resealable plastic bag large enough for ribs
- Tin foil
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Rub the grass-fed beef ribs with the seasoning mix, making sure to get all the nooks and crannies. Place in a resealable plastic bag and let sit for at least 12 hours, preferably.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place the ribs on a roasting rack and baking pan and cook for 1-1/2 hours, until the fat is well rendered. Remove the ribs from the roasting rack and cover with foil. Cook for another two hours.
Take the ribs from the oven and let them cool enough to handle them. Pick the meat from the bones, and discard any excess fat. Taste for seasoning, adding kosher salt and lime juice to taste.
Serve the pulled meat on tortillas (I prefer soft corn tortillas), with simple slaw (see below), fresh jalapeño and avocado. A dash of hot sauce and a sprinkle of queso fresco and fresh cilantro are delicious additions as well.
Simple Slaw
Combine thinly sliced cabbage with enough kosher salt to soften the cabbage, about 1 tablespoon per half head of cabbage. Add hot sauce or vinegar to your liking.
Always enjoy tacos with friends. Everything tastes better in the company of friends and family.
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