Gluten-Free Asian Short Ribs

Gluten-Free Asian Short Ribs is reprinted with permission from The Gluten-Free Asian Kitchen: Recipes for Noodles, Dumplings, Sauces, and More. Copyright © 2011 by Laura B. Russell, Ten Speed Press.

Metric conversions added by The Cook’s Cook.

Whenever the weather even hints at chilly, my husband requests “something braised.” If you’ve braised short ribs before, the technique here is the same, but the flavors change to add a distinctive Asian flair. The star anise contributes a warm licorice note to the ribs. Find it at upscale markets or Asian groceries, or online at Morton & Bassett Spices. Butchers in Asian markets sell short ribs in 7.6 cm (3-inch) segments. If your market doesn’t offer this option, go ahead and cook the full-size version. Serve the ribs with steamed rice, or simmer soaked cells directly in the sauce to soak up the flavor.

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel and then sprinkle them with the salt. Brown the ribs well on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes per batch. Transfer the ribs to a plate.

   While the ribs are browning, combine the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sherry, brown sugar, rice vinegar, star anise, and 473 ml (2 cups) water in a Dutch oven or a pot large enough to hold the ribs. Remove the mushrooms from the soaking liquid and, if they are whole, cut them into thin slices. Add them to the Dutch oven and bring the liquid to a simmer. Add the ribs to the pot. Return the liquid to a simmer. Simmer the ribs gently, partially covered, until almost tender, about 1 hour. Turn the ribs occasionally with tongs during cooking.

   Add the turnip cubes to the pot; make sure they are covered in the liquid. Bring the liquid back to a simmer. Cook, partially covered, until the turnips and meat are tender, 15 to 20 minutes longer.

   With a slotted spoon, transfer the meat and vegetables to a deep serving casserole. Degrease the sauce by pouring it through a fat separator or by tilting the pot and spooning off the oil that accumulates on the surface. Bring the sauce to a low boil and cook until it reduces slightly, about 10 minutes. At this point you can pour the sauce over the meat or thicken it with the cornstarch mixture. Stir the cornstarch into the simmering sauce and cook until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve hot or cool and refrigerate, covered, for up to 2 days.