Maple-Bourbon Glazed Short Ribs: A Savory Delight Recipe
Introduction
These Maple-Bourbon Glazed Short Ribs offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors wrapped around tender, fall-off-the-bone beef. Slow-braised to perfection, this dish makes an impressive yet approachable meal for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef short ribs
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup tamari sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Step 2: Season the beef short ribs generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 3: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Step 4: Add the short ribs, searing them for about 4 minutes on each side until they develop a deep brown crust.
- Step 5: Remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
- Step 6: In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and sauté for approximately 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 7: Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
- Step 8: Pour in the beef stock, bourbon whiskey, maple syrup, tamari sauce, apple cider vinegar, whole grain mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Stir well to combine.
- Step 9: Carefully place the short ribs back into the pot, ensuring they are immersed in the sauce.
- Step 10: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the preheated oven.
- Step 11: Braise the ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until they are fork-tender and easily detach from the bone.
- Step 12: Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Skim off any excess fat from the sauce before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For deeper flavor, marinate the ribs in the bourbon and maple mixture overnight before cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the sauce on the stovetop after braising until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Substitute tamari with soy sauce for a slightly different but still rich umami flavor.
- Omit crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish, or increase for more heat.
Storage
Store any leftover short ribs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of beef stock if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Yes, after searing the ribs and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until tender.
What can I serve with these short ribs?
They pair well with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
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Maple-Bourbon Glazed Short Ribs: A Savory Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Maple-Bourbon Glazed Short Ribs recipe offers a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile with tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs braised in a luscious maple and bourbon sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, these ribs are slow-cooked in the oven to develop deep, complex flavors with a beautiful glaze.
Ingredients
Short Ribs
- 2 pounds beef short ribs
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup tamari sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for slow braising of the ribs.
- Season Ribs: Generously season the beef short ribs with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear Ribs: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs for about 4 minutes on each side until a deep brown crust forms, which locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Set Ribs Aside: Remove the seared ribs from the pot and place them on a plate temporarily.
- Sauté Onions: In the same pot, add diced yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant, setting the base flavor for the sauce.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning and develop aroma.
- Create Sauce: Pour in beef stock, bourbon whiskey, maple syrup, tamari sauce, apple cider vinegar, whole grain mustard, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to blend all ingredients into a harmonious sauce.
- Braise Ribs: Carefully return the short ribs into the pot, ensuring they are immersed in the sauce. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and place in the preheated oven.
- Cook Slow: Braise the ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours until fork-tender and the meat easily detaches from the bone, developing rich flavor and a glazed texture.
- Rest and Finish: Remove the pot from the oven and let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes. Skim off any excess fat from the sauce before serving to maintain a balanced taste and presentation.
Notes
- For best results, use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a tight lid to retain moisture during braising.
- Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle spicy kick; adjust quantity or omit based on preference.
- Tamari sauce provides a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, enhancing umami flavor.
- Allowing the ribs to rest after braising improves juiciness and flavor absorption.
- Leftover ribs and sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: maple bourbon short ribs, braised short ribs, comfort food, slow-cooked ribs, maple glazed ribs

