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Slow Cooker Bourbon Short Ribs with Cheesy Grits.

septiembre 23, 2024

Ingredients:

For the Bourbon Short Ribs:

  • 3 lbs beef short ribs
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)

For the Cheesy Grits:

  • 1 cup grits (stone-ground or quick-cooking)
  • 4 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

For the Bourbon Short Ribs:

  1. Sear the short ribs:
    • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until browned on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer the short ribs to the slow cooker.
  2. Make the sauce:
    • In the same skillet, add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
    • Pour in the bourbon and deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits. Let the bourbon cook down for 2 minutes. Then add the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Slow cook the short ribs:
    • Pour the bourbon sauce mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
  4. Thicken the sauce (optional):
    • If the sauce is too thin at the end of cooking, transfer it to a small pot and simmer over medium heat until it reduces and thickens slightly, about 5–10 minutes.

For the Cheesy Grits:

  1. Cook the grits:
    • In a medium saucepan, bring the water (or broth) to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5–7 minutes (or longer for stone-ground grits), until thick and creamy.
  2. Add cheese and butter:
    • Once the grits are cooked, stir in the shredded cheese, butter, and milk (or cream) until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

  1. Plate the dish:
    • Spoon a generous portion of the cheesy grits onto a plate or shallow bowl. Top with the tender bourbon short ribs and spoon some of the bourbon sauce over the top.
    • Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for added flavor and presentation (optional).

Tips:

  • For even more flavor, marinate the short ribs in the bourbon mixture overnight before cooking.
  • To make this meal in advance, prepare the short ribs and grits separately, then reheat just before serving.
  • Pair with sautéed greens or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish.

These Slow Cooker Bourbon Short Ribs with Cheesy Grits are rich, decadent, and perfect for a comforting weekend meal or special occasion!