Step into the world of Middle Earth and indulge in a dish even the fiercest orcs of Mordor would devour. These Balsamic Bourbon Short Ribs are slow-braised to tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection, infused with sweet and tangy balsamic, rich bourbon, and a hint of brown sugar. Topped with a creamy horseradish sauce, this rustic meat dish is the ultimate winter comfort food.
Winter Feasts in Middle Earth
As the nights grow long and winter winds howl across Middle Earth, imagine the hearty dishes gracing the tables of hobbits, dwarves, and elves. While hobbits favor cozy, homey meals, Mordor’s orc warriors need something bold, satisfying, and packed with flavor. These braised short ribs fit the bill—rich, tender, and full of deep, warming flavors perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Short Ribs:
- 8 beef short ribs (chuck, plate, or brisket)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup bourbon (or whiskey of choice)
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
For the Horseradish Cream Sauce:
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp horseradish
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup heavy cream
How to Make Balsamic Bourbon Short Ribs
1. Brown the Short Ribs
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or braiser over medium heat. Pat the ribs dry and season generously with kosher salt. Place the ribs in a single layer and brown them on all sides. Once browned, remove the ribs and set aside.
2. Braise in Bourbon and Balsamic
Lower the heat to medium-low and leave just 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot. Sauté the onions for 4–5 minutes until golden and soft, then add garlic for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with bourbon, scraping up all the browned bits.
Add balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and 1 tsp kosher salt. Pour in the beef broth and return the short ribs to the braiser. Cover with a lid and bake for 2½–3 hours, basting occasionally, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
3. Make the Horseradish Cream Sauce
Whisk together sour cream, horseradish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Thin with heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Chill until ready to serve.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Spoon off excess fat from the braising liquid and drizzle the reduced sauce over the ribs. Top with a dollop of horseradish cream and savor every bite of this rich, hearty, orc-worthy feast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs infused with sweet, tangy, and boozy flavors.
- Perfect for winter gatherings or a cozy Middle Earth-inspired dinner.
- Horseradish cream adds a spicy, creamy finish that balances the rich meat perfectly.
Bring a taste of Mordor (and a touch of luxury) to your kitchen with these Balsamic Bourbon Short Ribs.