Short Ribs Slow-Roasted in Coconut Milk

Tender beef short ribs slow-cooked in aromatic coconut milk with lemongrass, curry, and Asian spices, finished with a fresh coconut-cilantro gremolata. This rich and flavorful dish combines Southeast Asian flavors with classic braising techniques.

6 servings
6 hr 40 min

Ingredients

  • cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 3 lb beef short ribs
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • 2 stalks lemongrass
  • 1 whole shallot
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 whole red Fresno chiles
  • 1 piece ginger
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 Tbsp curry powder
  • 1 cup cilantro
  • 2 Tbsp lime juice
  • 4 cups white rice

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 250°F. Spread out coconut flakes on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until golden, 10-15 minutes. Let cool.

    15 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, season beef generously with salt and set aside. Trim top three-quarters from lemongrass stalks and place top portions in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy roasting pan. Peel outer layers from root end and finely grate into a blender. Add shallot, garlic, chiles, ginger, coconut milk, and curry powder; purée until smooth.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Arrange short ribs, bone side up, in skillet; pour purée over. Roast until meat is halfway to tender and liquid is reduced by two-thirds (it will look slightly oily and broken, and this is exactly what you want), 3-3 1/2 hours. Turn ribs onto their sides and continue to roast, adding water by 1/4-cupfuls if liquid in skillet looks in danger of burning or getting very dark, until meat is fork-tender and liquid is a jammy glaze, 2-2 1/2 hours longer.

    360 min

  4. 4.

    Toss coconut, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Top short ribs with gremolata and serve with rice.

    10 min