When the weather cools down and you’re craving something warm, hearty, and satisfying, this beef rib soup is the perfect choice. Made with tender beef short ribs, sweet corn, hearty carrots, and crunchy radish, this comforting soup brings together rich flavors and textures. Ideal for family dinners or as a cozy meal to unwind, this dish offers not just nourishment but also the joy of homemade goodness.
Ingredients
For the Beef Ribs:
- 2 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in)
- 8 cups water
- 1 tablespoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
For the Soup:
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds
- 1 large daikon radish (or white radish), peeled and cut into thick slices
- 1 onion, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2-3 stalks green onions (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Soy sauce or fish sauce (optional, for seasoning)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Ribs
- Boil the beef ribs: In a large pot, add the beef short ribs and cover them with 8 cups of water. Add 1 tablespoon of sea salt. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the ribs: Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the ribs simmer for 1-1.5 hours. During this time, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. This will help give the broth a clear and clean taste.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
- Add aromatics and vegetables: Once the beef ribs are tender, add the onion, garlic, black peppercorns, carrots, corn, and radish to the pot. Stir the ingredients together gently.
- Simmer the vegetables: Continue simmering the soup for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. The beef should continue to soften, and the broth should become rich and flavorful.
Step 3: Season the Soup
- Taste and adjust: Once the vegetables are tender, taste the broth. Depending on your preference, you can adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, soy sauce, or fish sauce. This will enhance the soup’s depth and umami flavor.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Remove excess solids: If you prefer, remove the onion and garlic from the soup before serving. This is optional, but it helps create a smoother broth.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each bowl has a generous portion of beef, vegetables, and broth. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.
Tips and Customizations:
- Rich Broth Tip: For a richer, clearer broth, you can parboil the beef ribs for 5 minutes in boiling water, then discard the water. Refill the pot with fresh water and proceed with the recipe. This step removes excess fat and impurities, giving you a cleaner tasting soup.
- Additional Seasoning: For extra flavor, add a dash of fish sauce or soy sauce towards the end of cooking. Both options will deepen the umami flavors of the broth.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the soup with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a more filling meal. The rice soaks up the rich broth, making every bite even more satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes, you can substitute beef short ribs with other cuts of beef such as chuck roast or beef shank. However, short ribs give the soup a rich, gelatinous broth, which is what makes this dish so comforting.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This beef rib soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove.
Is this soup spicy?
This soup is not spicy by default. However, if you prefer some heat, you can add chili flakes, sriracha, or some finely chopped fresh chili peppers while simmering the vegetables.
Conclusion
This beef rib soup with carrots, corn, and radish is the epitome of comfort food. The tender beef short ribs melt in your mouth, while the vegetables add texture and natural sweetness to the rich, savory broth. Whether enjoyed as a hearty weeknight dinner or shared among friends and family, this soup is sure to warm both your body and soul. Simple yet full of flavor, this dish will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection.