Carnivore Recipes: Bloody Good Braised Short Ribs
Table of Contents
- The Ultimate Carnivore Comfort Dish: Introducing 'Bloody Good' Braised Beef
- Achieving Unctuous Perfection: The Science of Low and Slow Beef
- The Essential Components for Authentic Animal-Based Cooking
- Mastering the Technique: Slow-Cooking the Best Braised Beef Short Ribs
- Expert Secrets to Elevate Your Braised Beef Dish
- Keeping It Fresh: Proper Storage for Your Meat Bounty
- Presentation and Pairings for the Ultimate Animal-Based Meal
- Recipe FAQs
- 📝 Recipe Card
The Ultimate Carnivore Comfort Dish: Introducing 'Bloody Good' Braised Beef
The aroma when this short rib dish finishes cooking is just insane a deep, savoury perfume of pure, rendered animal fat that fills every corner of the house. It’s the smell of satisfaction, honestly.
When you are eating strictly animal based, sometimes you just need a meal that doesn't require five different ingredients and a complex sauce build. This is one of those stellar Carnivore Recipes that saves the day because it relies almost entirely on time rather than fuss.
It's fast to prep, uses just a few core components, and the resulting meal is unbelievably satisfying and shockingly affordable when you consider the richness you get.
So, let’s crack on with turning humble short ribs into a showstopper. If you’ve been looking for rock solid Carnivore Recipes for dinner , this braised beef is the definition of hearty, pure excellence.
Achieving Unctuous Perfection: The Science of Low and Slow Beef
The magic here isn't in complicated seasoning; it’s about patience and understanding connective tissue. These specific Carnivore Recipes shine because we let the tough cuts do the heavy lifting over several hours.
The Philosophy of Purity in Carnivore Cooking
When you commit to strict Carnivore Recipes , every single ingredient becomes exponentially important. There is nowhere for mediocrity to hide, which is why sourcing excellent, fatty short ribs matters so much here.
It's all about letting the quality of the animal shine through without the distraction of herbs or spices.
Why Technique Trumps Complexity in Animal Based Diets
I’ve messed up more searing jobs than I care to admit, usually because I crowded the pan or didn't let the fat get hot enough. But with the best Carnivore Recipes , perfect technique in the early stages pays massive dividends later on.
A beautiful brown crust equals deep, foundational flavour.
Setting the Stage for Perfect Short Rib Braising
You need a heavy vessel for this a Dutch oven is your best friend. It retains and distributes heat so evenly, which is the secret sauce for consistent breakdown in all great Carnivore Recipes that require long cooking times.
Collagen Conversion: The Secret to Silky, Fall Apart Texture
That tough, chewy bit in raw meat? That’s collagen. Slow, moist heat (like braising) converts that tough collagen into luscious, silky gelatin. That gelatin emulsifies with the rendered tallow, creating the sauce.
This conversion process is fundamental to all successful long cook Carnivore Recipes .
The Rendering Power of Pure Beef Tallow
We are skipping olive oil or butter here for a reason. Using pure beef tallow enhances the inherent flavour of the ribs and keeps this meal strictly animal based. Plus, it has a higher smoke point, which is great for that initial sear needed for amazing Carnivore Recipes .
Flavor Depth Through Extended Braising Time
This isn't a thirty minute meal; it’s a labour of love that rewards your waiting. The longer the ribs sit gently bubbling, the deeper the savoury notes become. If you are exploring Carnivore Recipes easy enough for a Tuesday, you might look at pressure cooking, but for this specific flavour profile, oven braising wins every time.
The Essential Components for Authentic Animal Based Cooking
When you are making Carnivore Recipes , you aren't just buying ingredients; you are investing in quality components because they are the dish.
Selecting Premium Beef Short Ribs (Bone-In vs. Boneless Cuts)
I strongly advocate for bone-in English cut short ribs. The marrow in the bone releases flavour and gelatin into the broth as it cooks down, making your final sauce exponentially better.
If you must use boneless cuts for your Carnivore Recipes , just be aware you might need to add an extra cup of bone broth to compensate for the lost marrow flavour.
The Non-Negotiable Fat: Sourcing Quality Beef Tallow
Seriously, don't skimp here. Good tallow should be clean, white or pale yellow, and have a mild, beefy aroma when melted. If you can’t find it, rendering your own from suet is pretty straightforward just melt it low and slow until clear, then strain it.
This fat is essential for nearly all traditional Carnivore Recipes .
Minimalist Seasoning: Salt is Your Only Friend
For this dish, the only seasoning that counts is high-quality sea salt. If you are sticking to the absolute purest iteration of these Carnivore Recipes , leave out the optional pepper. Salt enhances the meat’s natural flavour; nothing else is needed when the quality is high.
Beef Broth vs. Water: Enhancing the Braising Liquid
While water works because the fat renders so beautifully, a high-quality, low-sodium beef bone broth makes these Carnivore Recipes for beginners foolproof. It provides instant, foundational meaty flavour that water takes hours to build up on its own.
| Ingredient Role | Best Choice | Acceptable Substitute (Carnivore Compliant) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Fat | Beef Tallow | Rendered Duck Fat or Ghee |
| Braising Liquid | Unsalted Beef Bone Broth | Filtered Water |
| Flavor Boost | high-quality Salt | None |
Mastering the Technique: Slow Cooking the Best Braised Beef Short Ribs
Here is where we put the theory into practice. Remember the goal: crust first, patience second. This is crucial for any home cook exploring these kinds of deep flavour Carnivore Recipes .
The Crucial Searing Stage (Achieving the Maillard Reaction)
Get that Dutch oven screaming hot before the tallow goes in. When you drop the dried, seasoned ribs in, you should hear a powerful, aggressive sizzle immediately that’s the sound of flavour being built into the fond, which is the base for the best Carnivore Recipes .
Setting Up the Braising Vessel (Oven vs. Crock Pot Approach)
I use the oven at 325°F (160°C). Why? Because the dry, consistent heat circulating around the heavy pot ensures the temperature inside the pot remains stable while the meat cooks gently.
A Crock Pot can sometimes run hotter on the bottom element, leading to scorching or uneven cooking in some Carnivore Recipes .
How Much Liquid to Use for Ideal Submersion
Don’t fully submerge your ribs! This isn’t soup; it’s braising. You want the meat to be about three quarters under the liquid. The top quarter will dry out slightly, allowing the rendered fat and steam to cook that section perfectly without boiling the meat soft prematurely.
This balance is essential in complex Carnivore Recipes .
The Long Wait: Monitoring and Resting the Ribs
Resist opening that lid for the first two hours. Every time you open it, you drop the internal temperature significantly. Once they are tender, take the pot out, lift the ribs, and let them rest for 15 minutes before serving.
This resting period is non-negotiable in great Carnivore Recipes as it keeps the meat incredibly juicy.
Expert Secrets to Elevate Your Braised Beef Dish
I learned this trick years ago when trying to make simple Carnivore Recipes feel restaurant quality. Skimming the fat after chilling is the game changer.
Chef’s Note: When you chill the entire pot overnight, a solid cap of pure beef tallow forms on top. This seals the meat from air (preventing drying/oxidization) and, once removed, leaves you with a rich, clean braising liquid that is perfect for reducing into a glossy sauce base or using later in other carnivore recipes using hamburger .
If you’ve been looking at complex carnivore recipes with heavy cream but want to keep it simpler, this chilling method gives you that rich mouthfeel without the dairy. If you are interested in other low-carb options, check out my guide on Japanese Mounjaro Diet Recipes: Umami Miso Salmon Konjac Salad , though this braise is far more primal!
Keeping It Fresh: Proper Storage for Your Meat Bounty
The great thing about rich, fatty Carnivore Recipes like this is that they usually taste better the next day. That gelatin fully sets, and the flavours marry up beautifully.
Troubleshooting Tough Ribs: Adjusting Heat and Time
If after four hours, your ribs are still fighting you, turn the heat down slightly (if using an oven) or switch to a slow cooker on the ‘Low’ setting for another hour. Toughness means the collagen hasn't melted yet. Don't boil them to death; just give them more gentle time.
The Importance of Skimming the Fat (Post Braising)
When you remove the ribs for resting (Step 10), you’ll see a layer of fat floating on the liquid. If you want a cleaner sauce, skim about 80% of that surface fat off before reducing the liquid.
Keep that removed fat, though; it’s liquid gold for searing future Carnivore Recipes easy meals!
Why You Must Not Rush the Resting Period
Resting allows the muscle fibers, which contracted under the heat, to relax and reabsorb the moisture and gelatin they expelled during the final moments of cooking. If you cut straight into them, all that lovely juice just pours onto your plate instead of staying in the meat where it belongs.
Patience pays off in all the best Carnivore Recipes .
Refrigerator Life: Storing Ribs and Braising Liquid
Store the ribs and the liquid together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you chilled it overnight, you should see that firm, white cap of fat on top that’s your natural preservative layer.
This is fantastic if you are trying to stick to carnivore recipes non dairy without using substitutes.
Best Practices for Freezing Cooked Short Ribs
To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then scrape off the fat cap. Place the ribs and the reduced liquid into a freezer safe, airtight container, leaving about an inch of headspace. They freeze perfectly for up to three months.
Reheating Methods (Avoiding Dryness or Recooking)
The best way to reheat these Carnivore Recipes is slowly in the oven or on the stovetop. Place the ribs and some of the reserved braising liquid into a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and heat at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through (about 20 minutes).
This ensures the meat steams gently in its own juices, keeping that perfect texture.
Presentation and Pairings for the Ultimate Animal Based Meal
This dish stands entirely on its own, which is the beauty of proper Carnivore Recipes . If you are looking for something richer, perhaps you can explore carnivore recipes with cream cheese for a decadent topping, but I prefer the pure tallow reduction.
For another simple, high fat option, my Sous Vide Recipes: Perfect Medium Rare Ribeye Steak post is a quick win for another night! Enjoy this spectacular bowl of comfort!
Recipe FAQs
Why didn't my short ribs get fork tender after the recommended time?
Short ribs require the breakdown of tough connective tissue (collagen), which only happens between 180°F and 205°F over several hours. If your ribs are tough, they either haven't reached that crucial internal temperature or haven't cooked long enough at a low heat setting.
Increase the cooking time until they easily shred; doneness is based on texture, not a clock.
I don't have beef tallow; what other animal fat can I use for the braise?
The best substitutes for pure beef tallow in a savory carnivore dish are rendered pork lard or high-quality duck fat, as these also offer excellent saturated fat content and high heat tolerance.
While butter is acceptable, it has a lower smoke point and may introduce residual dairy solids, making it less ideal for strict carnivore compliance.
How should I store and reheat leftover braised short ribs?
Cool the ribs completely and store them in an airtight container submerged in the remaining cooking liquid, which provides moisture and flavor. They will last 3 4 days refrigerated or can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheat slowly in the oven or on the stovetop to gently melt the tallow and maintain the succulent texture.
Can I use seasonings other than salt and still remain strictly Carnivore?
Strict adherence to the Carnivore diet usually limits seasoning to high-quality salt. However, you can dramatically enhance flavor by incorporating rendered bone marrow into the braising liquid or by using high fat cuts of aged cured meats. These additions deepen the savory profile while staying strictly animal based.
Is searing the short ribs before braising truly necessary, or can I skip it?
Searing is a critical step that engages the Maillard reaction, developing the deep, savory, complex crust flavors that low-and-slow cooking alone cannot achieve. It also helps the ribs hold their shape during the long braise, preventing them from turning mushy. Do not skip this initial browning phase.
Can I use a different cut of beef, like flank steak or standard stew meat, instead of short ribs?
While you can certainly substitute the beef, the results will differ greatly; short ribs are uniquely suited for braising due to their dense collagen. Leaner cuts like flank steak or even stew meat will become dry if braised for this long, requiring a much shorter cooking time to prevent rubberiness.
What is the ideal internal temperature for these braised ribs?
Unlike steaks, where doneness is achieved at lower temperatures, braised ribs must reach temperatures between 195°F and 205°F (90°C 96°C) to be considered truly "done." This high heat range ensures that all the tough connective collagen has melted into luxurious gelatin, resulting in that
signature fall apart texture.
Braised Carnivore Short Ribs
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 728 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 114.7 g |
| Fat | 28.6 g |
| Carbs | 25.2 g |