Hey guys! Are you a fan of Grace and Frankie? Beyond the laughs and heartwarming moments, did you know the show also features some seriously tempting food? One dish that always seems to steal the spotlight is their short rib recipe. I am excited to show you how to cook delicious short ribs, just like Grace and Frankie. Let's dive in and bring some of that Santa Barbara flavor to your kitchen!

Why Grace and Frankie's Short Ribs Are a Must-Try

These aren't just any short ribs, okay? The short rib recipe from Grace and Frankie is all about that perfect balance of tender, fall-off-the-bone meat with a rich, savory sauce. What makes them so special? First off, it’s the quality of ingredients. They emphasize using the best short ribs you can find. Marbling is key here, guys! That fat is what renders down and makes the meat incredibly succulent. Secondly, it’s the low and slow cooking method. We're talking about braising these beauties for hours, which allows all those flavors to meld together into something truly magical.

And let’s not forget the sauce! This isn't your average barbecue sauce. It’s a carefully crafted blend of herbs, spices, and usually some kind of acid (like red wine or balsamic vinegar) to balance the richness of the meat. The result? Short ribs that are deeply flavorful, incredibly tender, and seriously addictive. Whether you're planning a cozy dinner for two or want to impress your friends at a dinner party, Grace and Frankie’s short ribs are guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, making them at home means you get to enjoy that amazing aroma wafting through your kitchen all day long. Trust me, your house will smell incredible! So, are you ready to channel your inner Grace or Frankie and get cooking? Let’s get started!

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. This short rib recipe is all about quality, so try to get the best you can find. Here’s what you'll need:

• Short Ribs: About 3-4 pounds of bone-in short ribs. Look for good marbling – that’s where the flavor is!
• Aromatics:
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2-3 carrots, chopped
  • 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• Liquid Base:
  • 1 bottle (750ml) of dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
  • 4 cups beef broth (low sodium is best so you can control the salt)
• Flavor Enhancers:
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (for that Grace and Frankie tang!)
• Oil & Seasoning:
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Why These Ingredients?

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the depth of flavor in this dish. The vegetables create a mirepoix, which is a fancy French term for the aromatic base of many great dishes. The red wine adds richness and acidity, while the beef broth provides a savory foundation. Tomato paste enhances the umami, and the herbs bring a fresh, earthy note. And don't skimp on the balsamic vinegar – it adds a unique tang that really sets these short ribs apart!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Okay, let's get cooking! Here’s how to make these amazing short rib recipe, Grace and Frankie-style:

1. Sear the Short Ribs:
   • Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This is important for getting a good sear.
   • Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil.
   • Sear the short ribs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. You want them nicely browned on all sides. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the seared ribs and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until they’re softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
   • Add the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These are called fond, and they’re packed with flavor!
   • Let the wine reduce slightly, about 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
4. Combine and Braise:
   • Return the short ribs to the pot. Add the beef broth, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot tightly. Reduce the heat to low and let it braise for 3-4 hours, or until the short ribs are fork-tender. This is where the magic happens!
5. Finish the Sauce:
   • Once the short ribs are tender, remove them from the pot and set them aside. Remove the bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme sprigs.
   • Strain the braising liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan. Discard the solids.
   • Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce until it thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
   • Stir in the balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve:
   • Return the short ribs to the sauce and heat through. Serve hot, spooning the sauce generously over the ribs.

Tips for Perfect Short Ribs

Want to make sure your short rib recipe turns out perfectly? Here are a few tips:

• Don't overcrowd the pot when searing. Sear in batches to get a good, even crust on the ribs.
• Be patient with the braising process. The longer they braise, the more tender they'll become.
• Don't skip the balsamic vinegar! It adds a unique tang that really elevates the dish.
• If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) before simmering.
• If you don't have red wine, you can substitute with more beef broth, but the flavor won't be quite as rich.
• For extra flavor, marinate the short ribs overnight in the red wine and herbs before searing.

Serving Suggestions

These short rib recipe are fantastic on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with short ribs. They soak up that delicious sauce perfectly!
• Polenta: Another great option for soaking up the sauce. Creamy polenta adds a nice texture contrast to the tender ribs.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes are a great way to add some color and nutrition to your plate.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the short ribs.
• Crusty Bread: Don't forget some crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce!

Variations on the Recipe

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some variations on this short rib recipe:

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the vegetables for an earthier flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili to the braising liquid for a little heat.
• Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in the braising liquid for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Slow Cooker Version: You can also make these short ribs in a slow cooker. Sear the ribs as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ribs are tender.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Grace and Frankie-Inspired Feast!

So there you have it, guys! A short rib recipe inspired by Grace and Frankie that’s sure to impress. With a little patience and some quality ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is totally doable. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious short ribs. And who knows, maybe while you're cooking, you'll feel a little closer to Grace and Frankie themselves. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!