Short Ribs With Plums

Prep: 10 min Cook: 70 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Tender short ribs cooked with sweet dried plums and savory flavors, offering a rich, hearty dish perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 to 2 1/2 lb. beef short ribs
  • 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1/3 c. chopped onions
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. browning sauce (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1 c. water, divided
  • 15 pitted dried plums
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, brown the beef short ribs in vegetable oil over medium heat.
  2. Remove the meat and keep warm.
  3. Add chopped onions to the skillet drippings and sauté until tender, scraping the pan to loosen browned bits.
  4. Drain the onions and add salt, browning sauce (if desired), pepper, 3/4 cup water, and dried plums.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Return the meat to the skillet, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until the meat is tender.
  7. Remove the meat and keep warm.
  8. Skim fat from the pan drippings.
  9. Combine cornstarch and remaining water until smooth.
  10. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the pan drippings and bring to a boil.
  11. Cook and stir for 2 minutes until thickened.
  12. Serve the short ribs with the sauce, accompanied by rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, marinate the short ribs in a mixture of salt, pepper, and browning sauce overnight. You can substitute the dried plums with prunes or apricots if preferred. If you want a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch. Remember to scrape the bottom of the skillet well to capture all the caramelized flavors while sautéing the onions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the short ribs over fluffy rice or creamy polenta to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad can add a refreshing contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with Sauteed Sirloin And Mushrooms for a hearty meal. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs for an added pop of flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the short ribs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave them on medium power, but be cautious to avoid overheating, which can dry out the meat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Short Ribs With Plums contains roughly 2051 calories, with 16g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 205g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value) and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

2051 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.2g 32% DV
Total Fat 204.8g 100% DV
Carbs 47.2g 17% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 0.5g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 281.1mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 239mg 80% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3000mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 3.1mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 42.4mg 3% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Yes, while short ribs are ideal for their rich flavor and tenderness, you can substitute with chuck roast or brisket. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since these cuts may vary in tenderness and thickness.

What can I serve with the short ribs?

Short ribs pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh, tangy coleslaw. For a comforting twist, try them with creamy mac and cheese, which complements the savory sauce beautifully.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the short ribs and sauce a day in advance. Allow them to cool, then store in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving. This can enhance the flavors as they meld overnight, making for an even more delicious meal.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Beef recipes → All recipes →