Tender Slow-Cooked Veal Ribs: A Delightfully Juicy and Flavorful Recipe
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat30gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Veal ribs (preferably bone-in) - choose fresh, pale pink veal with firm texture1.5 kg
- Olive oil - extra virgin for best flavor2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves - fresh for aromatic taste4 pieces
- Fresh rosemary - aromatic and fresh2 sprigs
- Fresh thyme - fragrant herb2 sprigs
- Salt - use fine cooking salt1.5 tsp
- Black pepper - freshly ground for better taste1 tsp
- Beef or veal broth (low sodium preferred)250 ml
- Onion - medium-sized, peeled and quartered1 piece
- Carrot - peeled and chopped1 piece
This recipe guides you through the process of slow cooking veal ribs to a tender and juicy finish perfect for a comforting meal. Slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat, enhanced by simple herbs and spices. The total cost of the ingredients is approximately $20 USD / €18 / £15 / ₹1600, and the dish provides roughly 450 kcal per serving. Suitable for those following a balanced diet. The recipe has medium difficulty and takes about 5 hours in total (including slow cooking).
Preparation instructions
Prepare the veal ribs and seasoning
1Pat the veal ribs dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This helps in browning the meat later. Rub the ribs evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Peel and crush the garlic cloves.
Sear the veal ribs
2Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the veal ribs and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden brown crust forms. This step adds depth of flavor. Remove ribs and set aside.
Prepare the slow cooker
3Place the quartered onion and chopped carrot at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the crushed garlic, rosemary, and thyme sprigs. Place the seared veal ribs on top of the vegetables and herbs.
Add the broth and set slow cooker
4Pour the broth evenly around the ribs, without washing off the seasoning. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 4 hours to achieve tender meat.
Check for doneness and internal temperature
5After 4 hours, check the ribs. Using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the meat away from bones. The safe internal temperature for veal is at least 63°C (145°F). The slow-cooked ribs should be tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.
Rest and serve
6Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place on a serving platter. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring juiciness.
Cooking Tips
-If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the ribs similarly in a covered oven-safe pot at 140°C (285°F) for 3-4 hours.
-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables.
-For extra flavor, baste the ribs with their juices every hour while slow cooking.
-Leftover ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (or an oven-safe pot with lid if slow cooker is unavailable)
- Large frying pan for searing
- Meat thermometer
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Veal ribs (1.5 kg): Approx. $15 - Look for pink meat with firm texture and minimal odor.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin, 2 tbsp): Approx. $0.50 - Choose cold-pressed for best flavor.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (4 pieces): Approx. $0.20 - Pick firm cloves without sprouting.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary (2 sprigs): Approx. $1 - Select bright green sprigs.
- [ ] Fresh thyme (2 sprigs): Approx. $1 - Choose vibrant leaves without wilting.
- [ ] Salt (1.5 tsp): Pantry staple.
- [ ] Black pepper (1 tsp): Pantry staple.
- [ ] Beef or veal broth (250 ml): Approx. $1.5 - Opt for low sodium if possible.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium): Approx. $0.30 - Choose firm, dry-skinned onions.
- [ ] Carrot (1 medium): Approx. $0.30 - Look for firm, bright orange carrots.
Total estimated cost: $20.80
FAQ
What is the safe internal temperature for veal ribs?
The USDA recommends cooking veal ribs to a minimum internal temperature of 63°C (145°F), measured with a meat thermometer for safety and best texture.
Can I use a slow cooker with different heat settings?
Yes, slow cookers usually have low and high settings. For tender veal ribs, cooking on low for about 4 hours is ideal to break down the connective tissue.
How do I avoid cross-contamination when handling raw veal ribs?
Always use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw meat and other ingredients. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after touching raw meat.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, you can add vegetables like potatoes, celery, or parsnips for a more hearty meal. Just ensure they are cut into even sizes for uniform cooking.