When it comes to soul-warming meals, there’s something magical about tender, fall-off-the-bone braised short ribs. This recipe combines the richness of traditional comfort food with a healthy, mindful approach, using nutrient-dense ingredients like beef bone broth, fresh herbs, and coconut aminos for a flavor-packed dish that nourishes both body and soul. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a cozy meal, these braised short ribs deliver pure satisfaction.

Let’s dive into how to make this slow-cooked masterpiece in your kitchen!

How This Dish Supports an Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle

This recipe exemplifies how whole, nutrient-dense ingredients can be transformed into a deeply satisfying meal that also supports your body’s healing processes. Here’s a breakdown of how it aligns with anti-inflammatory principles:

• Focus on Whole Foods: Fresh vegetables, herbs, and high-quality protein form the backbone of this dish.
• Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Bone broth, olive oil, and fresh herbs provide essential nutrients that actively combat inflammation.
• No Processed Ingredients: Free from inflammatory additives, refined sugars, and gluten.
• Rich in Healthy Fats: Olive oil and the natural fats in the short ribs support brain and heart health while reducing inflammation.

The Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavor

This dish is all about layering flavors to create a rich, savory experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Bone Broth: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Beef bone broth serves as the base of the braising liquid, making this dish deeply nourishing. Bone broth is rich in collagen, gelatin, and amino acids like glycine, which are known to support gut health, reduce inflammation, and promote joint repair. A healthy gut is the cornerstone of an anti-inflammatory diet, as it reduces systemic inflammation and supports better nutrient absorption.

Key Benefits:

• Repairs and soothes the gut lining.
• Reduces joint pain and stiffness.
• Promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and Spices

This recipe is a celebration of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano, all of which boast natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These herbs not only enhance the flavor but also work synergistically to combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

• Thyme and Rosemary: Contain carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, powerful compounds that fight inflammation and support immune health.
• Sage: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, sage helps balance your body’s natural defenses.
• Oregano: Rich in antioxidants, oregano supports cellular health and helps reduce free radical damage.

3. Coconut Aminos: A Healthy Soy-Free Alternative

Coconut aminos replace traditional soy sauce, offering a lower-sodium, soy-free alternative that’s compliant with anti-inflammatory protocols. Its natural umami flavor enhances the dish while providing trace minerals that support overall health.

Why It Matters:

• Soy products can trigger inflammation for many people, especially those with autoimmune conditions.
• Coconut aminos are free of common allergens and add depth without the inflammatory effects of soy.

4. Olive Oil: Heart-Healthy and Anti-Inflammatory

Using olive oil to sear the short ribs and sauté the vegetables brings heart-healthy fats into the dish. Olive oil is a cornerstone of anti-inflammatory diets like the Mediterranean diet, thanks to its high levels of monounsaturated fats and polyphenols.

Health Benefits:

• Reduces inflammation markers like CRP (C-reactive protein).
• Supports brain and heart health.
• Adds richness without compromising on health.

5. Slow-Cooking for Maximum Nutrient Retention

The low and slow cooking process of braising not only tenderizes the meat but also preserves the nutrients in the broth, vegetables, and herbs. This method ensures that every bite is packed with vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Why Braising Works:

• Allows collagen and gelatin from the short ribs to infuse the dish.
• Enhances flavor without the need for excessive salt or processed seasonings.
• Retains the nutritional integrity of the vegetables.

6. Nutrient-Dense Vegetables for Extra Fiber and Antioxidants

The aromatic blend of onions, garlic, carrots, and celery creates a flavorful base while delivering key nutrients that combat inflammation. These vegetables are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, contributing to a balanced meal that supports gut and immune health.

• Onions and Garlic: Contain quercetin and allicin, compounds that fight inflammation and promote cardiovascular health.
• Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which supports immune function and reduces oxidative stress.
• Celery: High in apigenin, a plant compound known for its anti-inflammatory effects.

7. Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free

This recipe is inherently free from gluten and dairy, two common triggers of inflammation for many individuals. By avoiding these ingredients, the dish remains gentle on the digestive system and aligns with anti-inflammatory dietary principles.

8. A Complete Protein Source

The beef short ribs are not just tender and flavorful—they’re also a rich source of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle mass, all of which are crucial for reducing inflammation and promoting overall health.

9. Balanced Flavor Profile Without Inflammatory Additives

This dish relies on the natural flavors of its ingredients, enhanced by simple, wholesome seasonings. Unlike store-bought or processed foods, there are no inflammatory additives like refined sugars, MSG, or artificial preservatives.

10. Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

One of the best things about braised short ribs is that they taste even better the next day. The flavors continue to develop as the dish rests, making it a great option for meal prep. Batch cooking this dish means you’ll have a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory meal ready to enjoy throughout the week.

Braised Short Rib

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Calories 2620 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 beef short ribs bone-in
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 carrots peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 2 cups beef bone broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano chopped
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Sear the short ribs on all sides until well-browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.
• In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and starting to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes.
• If using red wine, pour it into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced. (If not using wine, you can skip this step and go straight to adding the beef broth.)
• Return the short ribs to the pot. Add the beef bone broth, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, and coconut aminos. The liquid should cover about 2/3 of the meat.
• Bring the liquid to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and falls off the bone.
• Once done, taste the braising liquid and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or coconut aminos if needed.
• Remove the short ribs from the pot and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Braised Short Ribs

• Choose Quality Meat: Grass-fed, pasture-raised beef short ribs yield the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
• Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the ribs adds a depth of flavor that carries through the entire dish.
• Cook Low and Slow: Rushing the braising process will compromise the tenderness. Trust the process and let the oven work its magic.
• Strain the Sauce: For an extra smooth and luxurious sauce, strain the braising liquid before serving.

Why Braising Works Wonders

Braising combines moist heat and slow cooking, making it ideal for tougher cuts of meat like short ribs. Over time, the meat becomes tender while soaking up the flavors of the braising liquid. Plus, the extended cooking time allows the nutrients from the bone broth and herbs to infuse into the dish.

Finishing Touches: Elevate Your Dish

Once the ribs are perfectly cooked, remove them from the pot and let them rest. Take a moment to taste the braising liquid and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or coconut aminos as needed.

Garnish the ribs with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness. Serve alongside mashed cauliflower, roasted root vegetables, or a simple side salad to round out the meal.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

1. Rich in Nutrients: The use of beef bone broth, fresh herbs, and vegetables ensures you’re getting a nutrient-packed dish.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients: Coconut aminos and olive oil support heart health while keeping inflammation in check.
3. Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe by swapping wine for extra broth or adjusting the seasoning to suit your palate.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep: These braised short ribs taste even better the next day, making them a fantastic option for leftovers.

A Dish That Nourishes Inside and Out

Braised short ribs aren’t just a meal—they’re an experience. From the rich, savory aroma that fills your kitchen as they cook to the first tender, flavorful bite, this dish is pure comfort on a plate. It’s proof that wholesome ingredients and a little patience can create something truly magical.

So, the next time you’re craving a hearty, satisfying dinner, let this recipe guide you. You’re not just making food—you’re creating a moment of connection, flavor, and nourishment.