Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours (or 45 minutes in a pressure cooker)
Total Time: 2.5-3.5 hours
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) beef short ribs or beef soup bones
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or neutral oil)
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into large chunks
- 2 apples, cored and cut into wedges (Fuji or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 celery stalk, chopped (optional)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
- 8 cups (2 liters) water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Ribs:
- Rinse the beef ribs under cold water to remove any impurities.
- Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Sear the Beef Ribs:
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef ribs and sear on all sides until golden brown. This helps lock in flavor. Remove and set aside.
- Build the Broth:
- In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the beef ribs to the pot. Add the water, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
- Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Add Apples and Carrots:
- Add the apples, carrots, and celery (if using) to the pot.
- Continue simmering for another 30-45 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt or soy sauce if needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include chunks of beef, carrots, and apples.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use meaty beef ribs for richer flavor.
- Simmer low and slow for the best results.
DON’T:
- Use tart apples; you want sweet varieties to balance the savory broth.
- Skip skimming the foam—it keeps the broth clear and clean-tasting.
Pro Tips:
- For a shortcut, use a pressure cooker to cook the beef ribs and broth in just 45 minutes.
- Add a splash of rice wine or apple cider vinegar for extra depth.
This Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup is a delightful fusion of sweetness from the apples, earthiness from the carrots, and richness from the beef. It’s a perfect dish for cozy evenings when you need nourishment and warmth in every spoonful. 🍎🥕🍖
