Boneless Beef Ribs Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish that practically melts in your mouth, look no further than boneless beef ribs recipe. These succulent ribs are perfect for a family dinner, a backyard BBQ, or when you just want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal without leaving the house.

In this post, we’re going to dive deep into everything you need to know about making the best boneless beef ribs recipe. From preparation to serving suggestions, you’ll learn tips and tricks to ensure your beef ribs come out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor every time. So, fire up your oven, grab those ribs, and let’s get cooking!

Why Choose Boneless Beef Ribs?

When it comes to beef ribs, you have two options: bone-in or boneless. While bone-in ribs are undeniably delicious, boneless beef ribs offer a few advantages that might sway your decision:

1. Easy to eat: Boneless beef ribs are convenient because there’s no need to navigate around a bone. It’s all meat, all the time.
2. Tender and flavorful: Since these ribs are cut from the chuck or plate, they have the perfect combination of marbling and meatiness, making them ideal for slow cooking.
3. Versatility: You can cook boneless beef ribs in the oven, slow cooker, or even on the grill. Plus, they’re perfect for a wide variety of flavor profiles, from BBQ to savory herb rubs.
4. No waste: Since there’s no bone, you’re getting 100% edible goodness. This makes boneless beef ribs a smart choice for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients for the Perfect Boneless Beef Ribs Recipe

Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s go over the key ingredients you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish. Simplicity is the key, and you don’t need a ton of ingredients to make this meal a hit.

• 2 lbs boneless beef ribs: Look for well-marbled ribs for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing and adding richness.
• 1 large onion, sliced: Adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Because what’s a rib recipe without garlic?
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: This gives the ribs a smoky, earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: A warm, slightly spicy addition.
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: For that subtle kick.
• 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami goodness.
• 2 cups beef broth: Keeps the meat juicy during the long cooking process.
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: This helps tenderize the meat and balance the richness.
• Optional BBQ sauce: If you want a sweet, sticky glaze at the end.

How to Make Boneless Beef Ribs – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Start by patting the boneless beef ribs dry with paper towels. Drying the meat helps to create a better sear, which is essential for locking in flavor. Once they’re dry, season the ribs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the seasoning.

Step 2: Sear the Ribs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ribs and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice brown crust. This step is crucial for flavor. As the ribs sear, they’ll caramelize and develop a rich, deep flavor that will carry through the entire dish.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! If necessary, sear the ribs in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming, which will prevent that beautiful crust from forming.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

After the ribs are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Next, add the smoked paprika, cumin, and a little more salt and pepper. Cook for an additional minute, stirring to toast the spices and release their flavors. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point!

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Now it’s time to capture all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits. This technique is called deglazing, and it’s where a lot of the magic happens. The vinegar will help tenderize the meat and add a tangy flavor to balance the richness of the ribs.

Step 5: Add the Ribs and Liquid

Return the seared ribs to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, making sure the liquid comes about halfway up the sides of the ribs. If you like, you can also add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Now that everything is in the pot, it’s time for the long, slow cook that will transform these ribs into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. You have a few options here:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or foil, and transfer it to the oven. Let the ribs cook for about 3 hours, or until they are fork-tender.
• Slow Cooker: If you’re using a slow cooker, transfer the ribs and liquid to the crockpot, set it to low, and cook for 6-8 hours.
• Instant Pot: For a quicker option, use an Instant Pot on the “Meat/Stew” setting for 45 minutes, followed by a natural release.

Step 7: Optional BBQ Glaze

If you want to take your boneless beef ribs to the next level, brush them with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking (for the oven method) or right before serving (for the slow cooker or Instant Pot methods). The sauce will caramelize and create a sweet, sticky glaze that pairs perfectly with the savory meat.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the ribs are tender and juicy, remove them from the oven or slow cooker and let them rest for a few minutes. Transfer the ribs to a serving platter and spoon some of the cooking juices over the top to keep them moist. Serve the ribs with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.

Garnish Tip: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a nice pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Sides and Serving Suggestions

One of the best things about boneless beef ribs is how well they pair with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options to round out your meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect vessel to soak up all those delicious beef juices.
• Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are excellent complements to the rich flavors of the ribs.
• Cornbread: A slightly sweet, buttery cornbread balances out the savory ribs and adds a fun Southern twist.
• Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw cuts through the richness of the beef for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Tips for the Best Boneless Beef Ribs

• Don’t rush the sear: Taking the time to properly brown the ribs is essential for maximum flavor. It’s worth the extra few minutes!
• Choose quality beef: Look for ribs with good marbling. Fat equals flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: The amounts of salt, pepper, and spices in this recipe are a guideline. Feel free to tweak the seasoning to suit your preferences.
• Let it rest: Just like with steak, letting the ribs rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
• Storage and leftovers: Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven with a splash of broth to keep them from drying out.

FAQs About Boneless Beef Ribs

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Absolutely! In fact, these ribs taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Cook the ribs as directed, store them in the fridge, and reheat them gently before serving.

Q: Can I grill boneless beef ribs?

A: Yes, but you’ll want to pre-cook them (either in the oven or slow cooker) to ensure they’re tender. Then, finish them off on the grill for a few minutes to get that nice char.

Q: How do I know when the ribs are done?

A: The ribs are done when they are fork-tender. If you can easily pull the meat apart with a fork, they’re ready to serve!

Q: Can I use this recipe with pork ribs?

A: Absolutely! This recipe works great with pork ribs as well, though the cooking time might vary slightly depending on the cut.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate guide to making boneless beef ribs at home. Whether you’re slow-cooking them in the oven, using a crockpot, or speeding things up with an Instant Pot, these ribs are guaranteed to be a hit. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, savory flavor, they’re the kind of dish that turns a regular dinner into something special.

Enjoy your culinary masterpiece, and don’t forget to pair your ribs with the perfect sides and sauces to create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!