The Best Cola-Braised Short Ribs with Parmesan Risotto Recipe

Culinary magic happens when you blend unexpected short ribs slow-cooked in cola with creamy Parmesan risotto.

Carbonated soda might sound unusual, but trust me, it works wonders for tenderizing meat.

Rich, deep flavors develop during the slow cooking process, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Tender beef falls apart effortlessly, infused with sweet and savory notes that dance across your palate.

creamy risotto provides the perfect companion, its smooth texture complementing the robust meat beautifully.

Bold ingredients come together in a symphony of taste that challenges traditional cooking methods.

Prepare to impress everyone at the dinner table with this unconventional yet irresistible dish.

Why Cola-Braised Short Ribs with Risotto Impress

• Create Mouthwatering Comfort: This short ribs recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Master Slow Cooking Magic: The unique cola braising technique infuses rich, deep flavors into the meat, creating incredibly tender short ribs that practically melt in your mouth.
• Impress Without Stress: Despite looking complicated, this dish requires minimal active cooking time, making it perfect for home cooks who want to serve a stunning meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexibility with cooking methods (slow cooker or stovetop) and allows simple ingredient swaps to match your pantry or taste preferences.

Ingredients for Cola-Braised Short Ribs with Risotto

• Short Ribs: A flavorful, tender cut of beef perfect for slow cooking and braising.

• Cola, Beef Broth, Worcestershire Sauce, Soy Sauce: These liquids combine to create a rich, complex braising liquid that tenderizes and adds depth of flavor to the meat.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a foundational savory base for the dish.
• Tomato Paste, Smoked Paprika, Black Pepper, Salt: Add layers of flavor and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Bay Leaf, Thyme: Herbal seasonings that contribute subtle, complementary undertones.

• Arborio Rice: A creamy, starchy Italian rice variety ideal for creating a rich and smooth risotto.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps develop a smooth texture.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base for the risotto.
• White Wine (Optional): Adds a bright, acidic note to the dish.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates the cooking liquid for the rice.

• Parmesan Cheese, Heavy Cream: Bring creaminess and a luxurious finish to the risotto.
• Salt, Pepper: Final seasoning to balance and enhance flavors.

How to Make Cola-Braised Short Ribs with Risotto

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Carefully sear the short ribs on all sides until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust.

This process locks in the meat’s delicious flavors and creates a beautiful exterior. Transfer the beautifully browned ribs to a slow cooker.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

In the same pan, sauté the onions and garlic until they become soft and fragrant. Add tomato paste, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

Stir and cook for about a minute to wake up the spices and create a flavor-packed foundation.

Step 3: Create Braising Liquid

Pour in cola, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.

Mix everything thoroughly to combine the liquid ingredients. Transfer this flavorful mixture to the slow cooker.

Sprinkle in salt, toss in a bay leaf, and add fresh thyme.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meat should become incredibly tender, practically falling apart with the gentlest touch.

Step 5: Concentrate the Sauce

Remove the short ribs from the cooking liquid. Simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken.

Pour the intensified sauce over the ribs just before serving.

Step 6: Start the Risotto Base

Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.

Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.

Step 7: Toast the Rice

Add Arborio rice to the pan.

Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. If using wine, pour it in and let the rice absorb the liquid completely.

Step 8: Create Creamy Risotto

Gradually add warm broth one ladle at a time. Stir continuously and wait for each addition to be absorbed before adding more.

Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes until the rice reaches a perfect creamy consistency.

Step 9: Final Touches

Stir in grated Parmesan and heavy cream.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. The risotto should be luxuriously creamy and rich.

Tips for Tender Short Ribs and Risotto

• Pat short ribs dry before searing to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and deeper flavor development.
• Use dark cola for a richer, more caramelized sauce that adds depth to the meat's overall taste profile.
• Stir risotto constantly to release rice starches, creating that classic creamy texture without becoming gluey.
• Let short ribs rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum succulence.
• Replace cola with red wine for a more traditional braising liquid if preferred, maintaining similar tenderizing properties.

New Twists on Short Ribs with Risotto

• Vegan Cola Short Ribs Alternative: Replace short ribs with jackfruit or seitan, use vegetable broth, and swap beef for plant-based ingredients while maintaining similar cooking techniques.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure cola is gluten-free, and replace regular Worcestershire sauce with gluten-free alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add chipotle peppers or red pepper flakes to the sauce, incorporate smoked cayenne powder for enhanced heat, and balance with a touch of honey for complex flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Risotto Swap: Substitute Arborio rice with cauliflower rice, use bone broth instead of regular broth, and maintain creamy texture with additional Parmesan and heavy cream.

What Goes Well with Cola-Braised Short Ribs

• Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, meaty short ribs. The wine's tannins cut through the fattiness while enhancing the deep cola-infused flavors.
• Serve a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The bright, peppery greens will balance the heavy meat and creamy risotto, providing a refreshing contrast on the plate.
• Prepare honey-glazed carrots or parsnips to add a sweet, caramelized element. These roasted vegetables mirror the dish's depth while introducing a lighter textural component.

How to Store Cola-Braised Short Ribs

• Store leftover short ribs and risotto in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pack cooled short ribs and risotto in freezer-safe containers. Short ribs can be frozen for 2-3 months, while risotto is best consumed within 1 month.
• Gently warm short ribs in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, use the microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

FAQs

• Why use cola in the short ribs recipe?

Cola contains natural sugars and acids that help tenderize the meat, creating a rich caramelized flavor and breaking down tough muscle fibers for a more succulent result.

• What makes Arborio rice different from regular rice?

Arborio rice has high starch content that creates a creamy, luxurious texture when slowly cooked, which is essential for achieving the perfect risotto consistency.

• Can I substitute Arborio rice with another type of rice?

Regular long-grain rice won’t work because it lacks the starch needed for creamy risotto. If Arborio is unavailable, use carnaroli rice as the next best alternative.

Succulent Short Ribs Slow-Cooked In Cola With Creamy Parmesan Risotto Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cola-braised short ribs showcase mouthwatering flavors that marry tender meat with creamy risotto in a luxurious dinner experience. Parmesan’s rich depth and caramelized meat create an irresistible combination that welcomes you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds) beef short ribs

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig fresh thyme

Liquids and Sauces:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 500 ml (2 cups) cola (not diet)
• 250 ml (1 cup) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

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Instructions

1. Elevate the short ribs by searing them in a hot pan with olive oil over medium-high heat until a rich, caramelized crust forms on all surfaces, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.
2. In the same pan, gently soften onions and garlic until translucent. Incorporate tomato paste, smoked paprika, and black pepper, allowing the spices to bloom for one minute.
3. Deglaze the pan with cola, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, scraping up any flavorful browned bits. Pour the aromatic liquid into the slow cooker, then add salt, bay leaf, and thyme.
4. Slow cook the ribs covered on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, ensuring the meat becomes incredibly tender and easily separates with a fork.
5. Remove the ribs and reduce the cooking liquid on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes until it reaches a thick, glossy consistency. Drizzle the concentrated sauce over the meat before serving.
6. For the risotto, melt butter in a pan over medium heat and sauté onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
7. Introduce Arborio rice, toasting it for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly. If using wine, allow it to absorb completely.
8. Gradually incorporate warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously and waiting for each addition to be absorbed. Continue this process for 18-20 minutes until the rice reaches a creamy, al dente texture.
9. Finish the risotto by folding in grated Parmesan and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Notes

• Use a robust cola like Coca-Cola or Dr. Pepper for deeper flavor complexity in the braising liquid.
• Choose well-marbled short ribs with good fat content to ensure maximum tenderness and rich taste.
• Searing meat beforehand locks in juices and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior that enhances overall depth.
• Allow meat to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to redistribute internal moisture and prevent dryness.
• Customize risotto by substituting vegetable broth for lighter version or adding roasted mushrooms for extra umami.
• Check meat’s internal temperature with thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 770 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 55 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 1.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 60 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg