Honey-Soy Braised Beef Short Rib Gnocchi is a beautifully balanced dish that combines tender, flavorful beef with the comforting chew of gnocchi, all enhanced by a rich, sweet-savory sauce.
The recipe begins with beef short ribs seasoned and seared to golden-brown perfection, building a robust, caramelized flavor base. This initial step locks in the juices and primes the beef for slow braising. Once browned, the short ribs are set aside, allowing the aromatics—garlic, shallots, and ginger—to sauté in the same pot, absorbing the beef’s natural flavors. These ingredients add depth, warmth, and a slight spice that complements the sauce beautifully.
To begin the braising process, combine soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in the pot, creating a sweet and savory mixture with a slight tang. As the braising liquid warms, it deglazes the pot, lifting the flavorful browned bits left from searing the beef. When mixed with beef stock, this liquid creates an ideal braising medium. The seared short ribs are added back to the pot along with whole green onions, which will impart their gentle, aromatic flavor to the dish. After covering and simmering on low heat for about three hours, the beef becomes tender enough to fall apart, fully absorbing the sweet, salty, and umami-rich characteristics of the braising liquid liquid.
Once the beef is fork-tender, it is taken out of the pot and allowed to cool a bit before being shredded into small, manageable pieces for easy incorporation into the final dish. A cup of the braising liquid is saved to coat the gnocchi, ensuring it matches the beef’s rich flavor. This step enhances the dish’s flavor and brings everything together, creating a harmonious tasting experience bite.
The next step involves preparing the gnocchi. After being cooked in salted boiling water until soft, it is drained and sautéed in sesame oil in a hot skillet. This method introduces a touch of nuttiness and a slightly crisp texture to the gnocchi, enhancing its natural chewiness. The shredded beef and reserved braising liquid are added to the skillet, allowing the gnocchi to absorb the rich sauce. As the liquid reduces, it coats the gnocchi and beef, infusing each piece with the savory-sweet flavor of honey and soy.
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To finish, Honey-Soy-Braised Beef Short Rib Gnocchi is topped with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. These additions introduce vibrant colors, fresh herbal flavors, and a bit of crunch that wonderfully balance the dish’s richness. The cilantro and green onions offer a refreshing contrast, while the sesame seeds add a toasty touch that completes the dish flavors.
This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or an elevated meal. It combines the hearty flavors of braised beef with the satisfying texture of gnocchi. Every bite is layered with complex flavors, from the sweet-savory sauce to the fresh garnishes, creating a dining experience that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Honey-Soy Braised Beef Short Rib Gnocchi
4
servings20
minutes3
hours20
minutes3
hours40
minutesHoney-Soy Braised Beef Short Rib Gnocchi is a comforting fusion dish that combines tender, shredded beef in a sweet-savory sauce with pillowy gnocchi, all coated in a hint of sesame. Finished with fresh cilantro, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds, it’s a richly flavored meal that’s hearty and refined.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef short ribs
1 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 cups beef stock
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, minced
2 tablespoons ginger, grated
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
16 ounces gnocchi
4 whole green onions
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
for garnish, fresh cilantro
for garnish, sliced green onions
for garnish, toasted sesame seeds
Directions
- Prepare and Sear the Short Ribs:
Season the short ribs with salt and ground black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add the short ribs and sear each side until browned, 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the ribs and set aside. - Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic, shallots, and grated ginger, and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. - Deglaze and Braise:
Add the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar to the pot. Stir to deglaze and scrape any browned bits from the bottom. Pour in the beef stock and stir to combine. Return the seared short ribs to the pot, along with the whole green onions. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Braise for 3 hours or until the short ribs are fall off the bone tender. - Shred the Beef:
Once the short ribs are tender, remove them from the pot and let them cool slightly. Then, using two forks, shred the beef and set it aside. Reserve 1 cup of the braising liquid for the gnocchi. - Cook the Gnocchi:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Add the sesame oil to a skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked gnocchi and shredded beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the reserved cup of braising liquid and cook until the gnocchi absorbs some of the sauce and is coated evenly, 3-4 minutes. - Garnish and Serve:
Divide the gnocchi among individual bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, additional sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.