Magic Coffee-Rubbed Beef Short Ribs Recipe for Bold Flavor

Sizzling beef short ribs kissed with a robust coffee-rubbed magic create a culinary experience that tantalizes every taste bud.

The deep, earthy notes of freshly ground coffee meld seamlessly with tender, succulent meat.

Rich, dark flavors penetrate each morsel, promising an unforgettable dining adventure.

Slow-cooked to perfection, these short ribs develop a beautiful caramelized crust that seals in incredible moisture.

The spice blend provides a complex layering of warmth and depth that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary meal.

Each bite promises a symphony of bold, smoky undertones that dance across your palate.

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality elegance right from your own kitchen, inviting you to savor every delectable moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Coffee-Rubbed Beef Short Ribs Ingredient List

• Beef Short Ribs: Rich, marbled cut perfect for slow cooking, choose well-trimmed ribs with consistent fat distribution for maximum tenderness and flavor depth.

• Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances meat's natural flavors, select coarse-grain for better texture and controlled seasoning.
• Ground Mustard, Coarse-Ground Coffee, Whole Coriander, Whole Fennel Seed, Celery Seed, Sesame Seed, Black Pepper: Dynamic spice combination creating complex, layered seasoning profile with earthy, aromatic, and slightly smoky notes. Toast seeds briefly to unlock deeper, more intense flavors.

• Shallots: Delicate allium with mild, sweet flavor that provides subtle depth to dish's foundation.
• Fennel Bulb: Offers gentle anise-like sweetness and crisp texture, complementing meat's richness.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent undertone that rounds out overall flavor complexity.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor booster that adds umami and slight acidity.
• Dry Red Wine: Introduces rich, complex liquid that tenderizes meat and builds sophisticated flavor layers.

Tools for Preparing Coffee-Rubbed Short Ribs

• Food Processor or Spice Grinder: Essential for grinding whole spices to a medium-fine texture.
• Large Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottom Pan: Perfect for searing short ribs and creating a flavorful base.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing ingredients and seasoning the meat.
• Sharp Chef's Knife: Crucial for chopping herbs and zesting lemon.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Tongs: Great for handling and turning short ribs during searing.
• Baking Dish or Dutch Oven: Required for oven braising the short ribs.
• Pressure Cooker (optional): Alternative method for cooking the short ribs if not using oven.

Cooking Instructions for Beef Short Ribs

• Flavor Foundation

Create a bold spice blend by grinding whole seeds into a textured powder. Mix aromatic coffee grounds with cracked pepper for an intense coating that will transform ordinary beef.

• Meat Preparation

Massage short ribs with tangy mustard, then generously coat with the coffee spice mixture. Allow flavors to mingle and penetrate by resting in the refrigerator for several hours.

• Searing and Caramelization

Heat a heavy skillet until smoking hot. Quickly sear meat to develop a deep, dark crust that locks in rich flavors and creates beautiful caramelized edges.

• Aromatic Vegetable Base

In the same pan, soften fennel and shallots until golden. Add tomato paste and minced garlic, creating a deeply fragrant foundation for braising liquid.

• Liquid Infusion

Splash red wine into the pan, scraping up delicious browned bits. Return meat to the pan and add savory broth for slow cooking.

• Slow Transformation

Braise in a low oven or pressure cooker until meat becomes impossibly tender and nearly falls apart. The long, slow cooking process will develop complex, layered flavors.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle with fresh herb confetti and bright lemon zest just before serving to add a fresh, vibrant note to the rich, intensely flavored meat.

Tips for Coffee Rub and Tender Texture

• Toast your whole spices before grinding to unlock deeper, more complex flavors that will elevate the coffee rub's intensity.
• Choose well-marbled short ribs with good fat content, which ensures tender, rich meat that practically melts in your mouth during the long, slow cooking process.
• No red wine? Swap with beef broth, balsamic vinegar, or dark beer to maintain the recipe's rich depth and moisture-building qualities.
• Transform remaining short ribs into incredible shredded beef for tacos, sandwiches, or hearty pasta dishes by pulling meat apart with two forks after cooking.
• Replace sea salt with a sodium-free spice blend or use half the recommended salt amount while adding extra ground pepper or dried herbs to maintain robust flavor profile.

What to Serve with Coffee-Rubbed Beef Short Ribs

• Rustic Family-Style Plating: Arrange the tender short ribs on a large wooden cutting board, surrounded by roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots and parsnips for a hearty, inviting presentation that encourages sharing and creates a warm dining experience.
• Wine Pairing Companion: Serve alongside a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, which complements the rich coffee and meat flavors, enhancing the overall depth and complexity of the dish.
• Herbal Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, thyme, and lemon zest over the ribs right before serving to add brightness, cut through the richness, and provide a vibrant, aromatic garnish that elevates the visual and flavor profile.
• Textural Side Suggestion: Pair with creamy polenta, smooth mashed potatoes, or a rustic root vegetable puree to soak up the delicious braising liquid and provide a silky counterpoint to the robust, coffee-rubbed meat.

Storage Guide for Beef Short Ribs

• Refrigerator Readiness: Store cooked short ribs in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. These flavorful cuts will stay fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen short ribs maintain top quality for up to 3 months, ensuring delicious meals are always within reach.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm refrigerated short ribs in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying and maintain the meat's rich, tender texture.
• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Break down larger batches into single-serving containers. Quick portioning makes weeknight dinners a breeze, allowing you to enjoy gourmet-style short ribs without daily cooking hassles.

Succulent Coffee-Rubbed Beef Short Ribs Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling coffee-rubbed beef short ribs offer a bold culinary adventure through rich, smoky flavors rooted in traditional Mexican cooking techniques. Slow-braised meat melts with intense spice profiles, inviting you to savor each deeply caramelized, tender bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 to 5 lbs (1.8 to 2.3 kg) beef short ribs
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsps stone-ground mustard
• 1 tsp coarse-ground coffee
• 1 cup (240 ml) dry red wine
• 1 cup (240 ml) additional liquid
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil or other fat (tallow or duck fat)
• 2 large shallots
• 1 small fennel bulb
• 4 to 5 garlic cloves
• 1 heaping tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
• 1 tsp whole coriander
• 1 tsp whole fennel seed
• 1 tsp celery seed
• ½ tsp sesame seed
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: Pulverize coriander, fennel, celery seed, and sesame seeds into a medium-fine powder using a spice grinder, then blend with ground coffee and black pepper to create a robust rub.
2. Rib Seasoning: Pat beef short ribs dry, season with coarse sea salt, brush with Dijon mustard, and thoroughly coat with the coffee spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Marination: Refrigerate seasoned ribs for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow deep flavor penetration, then rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
4. Searing Process: Heat a cast-iron skillet with high-heat oil until nearly smoking, then sear short ribs on all sides to develop a rich, dark crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Flavor Building: Reduce heat and sauté fennel and shallots until translucent, add tomato paste and garlic, then deglaze with red wine, scraping up browned bits and reducing by half.
6. Braising Method: Return ribs to the pan, add beef broth, and either bake covered at 275°F (135°C) for 3.5-4 hours or pressure cook on high for 35 minutes until meat becomes fork-tender.
7. Finishing Touch: Allow ribs to rest 10-15 minutes for juice redistribution, then garnish with fresh herbs and lemon zest before serving.

Notes

• Master Moisture Control: Pat beef short ribs completely dry to guarantee maximum spice adherence and create an exceptional caramelized exterior during searing.
• Marinate for Depth: Refrigerate seasoned ribs for minimum 1 hour or overnight, allowing coffee and spice blend to deeply penetrate meat and intensify flavor profile.
• Temperature Precision: Let ribs rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and consistent tenderness throughout.
• Deglaze for Richness: When reducing wine, meticulously scrape browned bits from pan bottom to capture concentrated flavor compounds and create a more complex sauce base.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg