Unlocking Delicious Oven-Baked Frozen Beef Short Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide

As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for convenient ways to put tasty meals on the table. That’s why frozen beef short ribs have become a regular in my freezer. These meaty ribs are packed with bold beefy flavor, and when cooked properly, they become fall-off-the-bone tender.

The trick is knowing how to transform those frozen hunks of meat into a mouthwatering oven-baked dinner. Through trial and error in my kitchen, I’ve dialed in a method for cooking frozen short ribs in the oven that never fails to impress Follow my simple instructions below to enjoy serious beefy flavor with minimal effort Let’s get cooking!

Prep Like a Pro

Before we can pop those ribs in the oven we need to prep them for cooking. Proper prep ensures your short ribs cook up evenly, absorb all the flavors and become perfectly tender. Here are the key steps

• Thaw completely: For even cooking, it’s crucial to thaw the ribs fully before cooking. I like to place them in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Thawing in the microwave works too if you’re in a pinch.

• Season generously: Seasoning is the key to flavorful ribs. I coat mine in a spice rub made with brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The sugar helps form a tasty crust while cooking.

• Let sit: Once seasoned, let the ribs rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This helps the spices adhere and penetrate the meat.

Oven Cook to Perfection

Now for the fun part – baking! With the ribs prepped, we’re ready to transform them in the oven using a few simple techniques.

Low and Slow Braising Method

For fall-off-the-bone texture, I love braising the ribs low and slow. The steps:

• Brown the ribs in a skillet over medium-high heat first. This caramelizes the exterior.

• Transfer to a baking dish and add braising liquid like beef broth, red wine or a combo. The liquid should come halfway up the ribs.

• Cover tightly with foil and bake at 300°F for 2 1/2 – 3 hours until fork tender. The extended cooking gently breaks down the collagen.

High Heat Roasting Technique

If you’re short on time, you can roast the ribs at a higher temp:

• Place seasoned ribs on a sheet pan and roast at 425°F for 20 minutes to brown.

• Reduce heat to 325°F, cover with foil, and continue roasting for 1 hour until tender.

The initial high heat helps render fat and develop a nice crust.

Sear Then Simmer on the Stovetop

You can also braise the ribs on the stovetop:

• Brown ribs in a skillet then transfer to a Dutch oven.

• Add braising liquid, bring to a boil then reduce heat.

• Simmer covered for 2-3 hours, until fork tender. The direct heat speeds cooking.

Serving Suggestions

However you cook them, short ribs deserve good companions. Here are some of my favorites:

• Creamy mashed potatoes – classic!

• Roasted or glazed carrots and parsnips

• Soft polenta or buttered egg noodles

• A fresh spinach salad with vinaigrette

• Toasted bread for soaking up the delicious braising juices

Pro Cooking Tips

Follow these tips and you’ll nail perfectly cooked short ribs every time:

• Use a meat thermometer – ribs are done at 190-200°F.

• If the braise starts drying out, add more liquid.

• For maximum tenderness, let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving.

• Skim off excess fat from the braising liquid before serving.

• Add a dash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Satisfying Short Ribs Made Simple

With my easy methods for oven-baked frozen short ribs, you can skip the takeout and enjoy a soul-satisfying beefy meal at home. Once you try these foolproof techniques, succulent braised short ribs will become a regular on your dinner table.