Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Citrus Braised Short Ribs?
They are a tender beef dish featuring a unique tangy sauce made with lemonade concentrate and tomato sauce.
How many pounds of beef short ribs are needed?
The recipe calls for 4-5 lbs of beef short ribs cut into individual ribs.
How should the lemonade concentrate be prepared?
The frozen lemonade concentrate should be completely thawed before use.
What size can of lemonade concentrate is required?
A 6 ounce can of frozen lemonade concentrate is used.
How do I prepare the onion for this recipe?
Peel and slice one medium onion into thin rings, then separate the rings for even cooking.
What size can of tomato sauce is needed?
One 15 ounce can of tomato sauce is required.
How much dried parsley should I add?
The recipe requires 4 teaspoons of dried parsley.
What type of sugar is used in the braising liquid?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of firmly packed light brown sugar.
How much Worcestershire sauce is included?
Two teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce are added to the sauce mixture.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a slight kick from 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
What herbs provide the earthy flavor in this dish?
Dried thyme and a whole bay leaf are used for seasoning.
How long do the short ribs need to cook?
The ribs should simmer for about 2.5 to 3 hours until they are fork-tender.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Thaw the lemonade concentrate and prepare the onion rings.
How do I start the sauce?
Combine the lemonade concentrate and tomato sauce in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until hot.
When do I add the short ribs to the pan?
Add the ribs after the lemonade, tomato sauce, and all seasonings have been mixed and heated.
Should the ribs be covered by the sauce?
Yes, ensure the beef short ribs are submerged in the sauce and gently stirred to coat.
Do I need to cover the saucepan while cooking?
Yes, once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce heat to low and cover the pan to simmer.
What should I do with the bay leaf?
The bay leaf should be discarded after the cooking process is complete.
How do I handle the fat in the sauce after cooking?
Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce before serving.
What are the recommended side dishes?
Serve the ribs over fluffy rice alongside vibrant greens for a complete meal.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 438 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains 19 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of these ribs?
There are 6 grams of protein per serving.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 distinct ingredients used in this recipe.
Is salt included in the seasonings?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, you can substitute fresh thyme using a 3:1 ratio.
How frequently should I stir the ribs?
Stir the ribs occasionally while they are simmering to ensure even flavor distribution.
What kind of saucepan is best for this dish?
A large heavy saucepan is recommended for even heat distribution during the long braising time.
What makes the sauce zesty?
The combination of citrus from the lemonade concentrate and the tang of the tomato sauce creates the zesty profile.