Slow-Braised Caribbean Beef Ribs with Callaloo
Tender slow-braised beef ribs infused with Caribbean spices, served alongside steamed callaloo and root vegetables for a wholesome, comforting weeknight meal.
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Overview
This recipe features hearty beef ribs slowly braised until fall-off-the-bone tender, beautifully infused with warm Caribbean spices like allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper. The slow braising technique ensures deep flavor development and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Served alongside steamed callaloo—similar to spinach—and a mix of steamed root vegetables, it makes for a nourishing and comforting weeknight meal that evokes the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean.
Why you’ll love it
- Slow braising tenderizes tougher cuts into succulent meat bursting with flavor.
- Authentic Caribbean spices bring warmth and complexity without overwhelming heat.
- Steamed callaloo adds a nutritious, vibrant green component with a mild, spinach-like taste.
- Root vegetables provide natural sweetness and earthiness to balance the savory ribs.
- One-pot cooking with steaming minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor layering.
Ingredient notes
- Beef ribs: Use bone-in beef ribs for best flavor and texture. Short ribs or flanken-style ribs work well.
- Callaloo: Fresh or frozen callaloo leaves are commonly available in Caribbean markets; spinach or Swiss chard are fine substitutes if unavailable.
- Spices: Pimento berries (allspice), fresh thyme, and Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers deliver authentic flavor.
- Root vegetables: Use a mix such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, sliced into uniform pieces for even steaming.
- Stock & liquids: Beef stock and a splash of lime juice add depth and brightness.
Serving & storage
Serve the tender beef ribs hot with steamed callaloo and root vegetables on the side. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired. Leftovers keep well refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a low oven to preserve moisture. The ribs also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Always ensure the reheated meat is steaming hot throughout before serving.
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Chef tips
- Browning the beef ribs well adds essential flavor and color to the final dish.
- Adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper to your heat tolerance; removing seeds reduces spiciness.
- If using frozen callaloo, thaw and drain excess water before steaming to avoid watery greens.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution during long braising.
- Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kgbone-in beef ribs
- 2 tbspvegetable oil
- 1 largeonion, chopped
- 4 clovesgarlic, minced
- 1 tbspfresh thyme leaves
- 1 tspground allspice (pimento berries)
- 1Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and finely chopped (or habanero, optional)
- 400 mlbeef stock
- 2 tbsptomato paste
- 1 tbspbrown sugar
- 1 tbsplime juice
- 400 gfresh callaloo leaves, washed (or substitute fresh spinach)
- 600 gmixed root vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, parsnips), peeled and sliced
- Salt and black pepperto taste
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Equipment
- large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- steamer basket or steaming setup
- knife
- cutting board
- wooden spoon
- measuring spoons
- measuring jug
Nutrition per serving
- Calories650
- Protein48 g
- Carbs32 g
- Fat30 g
Step-by-step
Step 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.Step 2
Season beef ribs generously with salt and black pepper. Brown ribs in the hot oil on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.Step 3
In the same pot, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.Step 4
Add minced garlic, chopped Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme leaves, and ground allspice. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Step 5
Stir in tomato paste and brown sugar; cook for another 2 minutes to caramelize slightly.Step 6
Return browned ribs to the pot. Pour in beef stock and lime juice, ensuring ribs are partially submerged. Bring to a simmer.Step 7
Cover pot with lid and reduce heat to low. Slow braise ribs gently for 3 hours (180 minutes), turning once halfway through.Step 8
While ribs braise, prepare root vegetables and steam them until tender, about 15-20 minutes.Step 9
In the last 10 minutes of braising, add callaloo leaves on top of ribs, cover, and steam soft within the braising pot or separately.Step 10
Remove ribs and callaloo from pot. Adjust seasoning of gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Serve ribs with steamed callaloo and root vegetables alongside.
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