The Perfect Coffee-Rubbed Beef Short Ribs Recipe Everyone Loves

Coffee refines ordinary beef short ribs into an extraordinary culinary experience, infusing meat with intense, complex aromatics that dance across your palate.

Dark, robust coffee grounds blend seamlessly with complementary spices, creating a deep and nuanced rub that penetrates tender meat fibers.

Each spice and ground bean contributes a distinctive layer of flavor, promising an exceptional dining adventure.

The resulting dish balances smoky undertones with rich, earthy notes that captivate serious food enthusiasts.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how this innovative technique elevates traditional meat preparation methods.

Strategic seasoning ensures every bite delivers maximum sensory impact, turning a simple protein into a memorable meal.

Prepare to revolutionize your cooking approach with this refineative technique.

Coffee-Rubbed Beef Short Ribs: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

• Unlock Bold Flavor Dimensions: The coffee rub creates an extraordinary depth of taste by blending aromatic spices and rich coffee grounds, transforming ordinary short ribs into a gourmet experience with complex, layered flavor profiles.
• Master Versatile Cooking Techniques: This recipe offers flexible preparation methods, allowing home cooks to choose between traditional oven braising or modern pressure cooking, making it adaptable for different kitchen setups and time constraints.
• Protein-Packed Nutritional Powerhouse: Delivering an impressive 50g of protein per serving, these short ribs provide substantial nutrition with a balanced macronutrient profile, perfect for satisfying hearty appetites and supporting muscle health.
• Elevate Weeknight Dining to Restaurant Quality: The sophisticated blend of spices, slow-cooking method, and elegant garnishing techniques turns a simple meat dish into a restaurant-worthy meal that impresses without requiring advanced culinary skills.

Must-Have Ingredients for Coffee-Rubbed Beef Short Ribs

• Beef Short Ribs: Rich, meaty cuts full of connective tissue and fat that break down beautifully when slow-cooked for a tender, flavorful result.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the beef and balances the boldness of the spice rub.
• Stone-Ground Mustard: Adds a tangy depth and slight texture that helps bind the rub to the meat.
• Coarse-Ground Coffee: Lends a bold, smoky bitterness that intensifies the beef's savory character.
• Whole Coriander: Brings citrusy warmth and mild spice to the dry rub.
• Whole Fennel Seed: Adds a touch of sweetness and subtle licorice flavor to balance the bold rub.
• Celery Seed: Provides a slightly bitter, grassy note that cuts through the richness of the meat.
• Sesame Seed: Offers a mild nuttiness and gentle crunch for added texture.
• Black Pepper: Sharp, earthy heat that rounds out the spice blend with a robust kick.
• Oil or Fat (Tallow or Duck Fat): Used for searing the meat, adding rich flavor and locking in juices.
• Shallots (Large): Mild and sweet, they create a savory aromatic base that melds beautifully into the sauce.
• Fennel Bulb (Small): Delicate anise flavor that softens as it cooks, adding a sweet and herbaceous undertone.
• Garlic Cloves: Pungent and savory, they deepen the flavor of the braising base.
• Tomato Paste (Heaping Tablespoon): Thick and rich, it adds body and a subtle sweetness to the cooking liquid.
• Dry Red Wine: Adds acidity, complexity, and depth, helping to tenderize the ribs as they braise.
• Additional Liquid (Not Specified): Complements the wine in creating a flavorful braising sauce that keeps the ribs moist and flavorful.

How to Make Coffee-Rubbed Beef Short Ribs

Step 1: Craft A Flavorful Spice Blend

Grind coriander, fennel, celery seed, and sesame seeds into a medium-fine texture. Mix with coffee grounds and pepper to create a robust seasoning mix.

Step 2: Prepare and Marinate the Short Ribs

• Pat short ribs dry with paper towels
• Season with sea salt
• Spread mustard evenly over the surface
• Generously coat ribs with the coffee spice mixture
• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor

Step 3: Sear the Meat

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and sear short ribs until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

• Fennel
• Shallots

Add tomato paste and garlic, cooking until aromatic and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Create the Braising Liquid

Deglaze the pan with red wine, reducing the liquid by half. Return short ribs to the pan and add broth.

Step 6: Slow Cook the Ribs

• Cover and bake at 275°F for 3.5-4 hours

• Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes
• Manually release pressure

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon zest just before serving. Enjoy the tender, richly flavored short ribs.

Tips for Perfect Coffee-Rubbed Beef Short Ribs

• Grind Seeds Thoroughly: Use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to ensure an even, medium-fine texture for maximum flavor infusion.
• Marinate Extensively: Let the short ribs absorb the coffee rub for at least 4 hours or overnight to develop deep, rich flavors.
• Sear for Caramelization: Get a deep brown crust by patting ribs dry and using high heat to create a flavorful exterior.
• Choose Quality Coffee: Select a dark roast with robust notes to enhance the meat's natural richness and create a complex rub.
• Monitor Liquid Levels: Check braising liquid periodically to prevent burning and maintain tender, moist short ribs throughout cooking.

Storing and Reheating Coffee-Rubbed Beef Short Ribs

• Refrigerate: Store leftover short ribs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. These flavorful ribs will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining their delicious coffee-rubbed exterior and tender meat.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen short ribs can last up to 3 months without losing their rich flavor and texture.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated ribs in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out. For frozen ribs, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Garnish with fresh herbs after reheating to restore brightness and aroma.

Pairing Coffee-Rubbed Beef Short Ribs with Sides

• Craft Bold Wine Companions: Pair these coffee-rubbed short ribs with robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, which mirror the rich, deep flavors of the meat and complement its intense coffee-spice crust.
• Balance with Bright Side Dishes: Serve alongside creamy polenta or roasted root vegetables with citrus undertones to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the deep, earthy meat.
• Create Herbal Harmony: Select a crisp, herbaceous beer like an amber ale or a hoppy IPA that can stand up to the strong coffee and spice rub while adding a complementary bitter note to the dish.
• Zesty Finish Strategy: Prepare a bright, acidic gremolata with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and garlic to sprinkle on top, which will lift the heavy flavors and add a fresh, vibrant element to the braised short ribs.

Variations of Coffee-Rubbed Beef Short Ribs

• Spicy Java Ribs: Enhance the coffee rub with smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and a dash of cayenne for a fiery kick that amplifies the rich beef flavor.
• Bourbon-Infused Braiser: Replace red wine with bourbon, adding depth and subtle sweetness to the braising liquid while maintaining the coffee's robust character.
• Moroccan-Style Espresso Ribs: Incorporate ground cumin, cinnamon, and a touch of harissa paste into the coffee rub, creating a North African-inspired flavor profile that transforms the dish.
• Smoky Espresso Barbecue Ribs: Swap oven braising with low and slow smoking, using coffee grounds mixed with brown sugar and hickory wood chips to develop a deeply caramelized exterior and complex taste.

Coffee-Rubbed Beef Short Ribs Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent coffee-rubbed beef short ribs showcase bold Brazilian flavor profiles with deep, complex spice layers. Slow-braised until meltingly tender, these ribs deliver a rich culinary experience you’ll savor with pure gastronomic delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 to 5 pounds (1.8 to 2.3 kilograms) beef short ribs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons stone-ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon coarse-ground coffee
• 1 teaspoon whole coriander
• 1 teaspoon whole fennel seed
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• ½ teaspoon sesame seed
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) oil or other fat (tallow or duck fat)
• 2 large shallots
• 1 small fennel bulb
• 4 to 5 garlic cloves
• 1 heaping tablespoon (15 milliliters) tomato paste
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) dry red wine
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) additional liquid (not specified in original recipe)

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Instructions

1. Pulverize coriander, fennel, celery seed, and sesame seeds into a medium-fine consistency using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
2. Blend the ground spices with finely ground coffee and freshly cracked black pepper to create a robust, aromatic rub.
3. Thoroughly pat the beef short ribs (approximately 3 to or 1.4 to ) dry with paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence.
4. Generously season the short ribs with coarse sea salt, then brush each piece with Dijon mustard to help the spice mixture adhere.
5. Coat the mustard-covered short ribs completely with the prepared coffee spice mixture, ensuring even coverage.
6. Refrigerate the seasoned ribs for a minimum of 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
7. Remove ribs from refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before cooking.
8. Heat a heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven with of high-heat cooking oil until nearly smoking.
9. Sear the short ribs on all sides until a rich, dark crust forms, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
10. Transfer the seared ribs to a separate plate and reduce heat to medium.
11. In the same pan, sauté thinly sliced fennel and minced shallots until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
12. Add tomato paste and minced garlic, stirring continuously to prevent burning and develop a deep, rich flavor.
13. Deglaze the pan with of full-bodied red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
14. Allow the wine to reduce by half, concentrating its flavors.
15. Return the short ribs to the pan and add of beef broth.
16. For oven method, cover the pan and braise at 275°F (135°C) for 3.5 to 4 hours until meat is fork-tender.
17. Alternatively, for pressure cooker method, cook on high pressure for 35 minutes and perform a manual pressure release.
18. Once done, let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
19. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme and sprinkle with fine lemon zest before serving.

Notes

• Crafting this rub transforms ordinary short ribs into a flavor-packed culinary adventure.
• Grinding whole spices releases intense aromatics that elevate the meat’s rich profile.
• Marinating overnight allows coffee and spice blend to deeply penetrate and tenderize the beef.
• Searing before braising locks in juices and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior that intensifies taste.
• Low and slow cooking method ensures melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, breaking down tough muscle fibers.
• Fresh herb and lemon zest garnish provides bright, zesty contrast to the deep, robust meat flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 640 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 50g
• Cholesterol: 150mg