Braised Japanese Short Ribs for Ramen

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds beef short ribs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 1/4 cup sake
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 green onions chopped
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Season short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
4. Sear short ribs on all sides until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
5. In the same pot, add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Add soy sauce, mirin, sake, and brown sugar; stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
7. Return short ribs to the pot and add beef broth until ribs are nearly submerged.
8. Add sliced shiitake mushrooms and chili flakes.
9. Cover pot and transfer to oven; braise for 2.5 to 3 hours until ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
10. Remove ribs and strain braising liquid, discarding solids.
11. Return liquid to pot, simmer over medium heat until slightly reduced and thickened, about 10 minutes.
12. Stir in toasted sesame oil and chopped green onions.
13. Serve ribs with hot ramen noodles and ladle the broth over.