Jamaican Beef Rib Stew

Whenever I think of home-cooked comfort, the first thing that comes to my mind is Jamaican Beef Rib Stew. Growing up, Sundays were reserved for hearty meals that brought everyone together around the table. This rich, flavorful stew is a staple in many Caribbean households and holds a special place in my heart. The aromatic spices blend beautifully with tender beef ribs, creating a dish that warms you from the inside out. I remember my grandmother stirring the pot, the smell of beef and spices filling the kitchen as we eagerly anticipated that first bite. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of culture and family.

What to Gather for Jamaican Beef Rib Stew

Gathering the right ingredients for Jamaican Beef Rib Stew is essential for achieving that authentic taste. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the dish’s rich, complex flavor profile. From the tender beef ribs to the aromatic spices, every component works in harmony to create an unforgettable meal.

• 4 ½ lbs beef ribs: The star of the show, beef ribs are rich in flavor and become tender and juicy as they simmer in the stew.
• Salt: A crucial seasoning that enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice to balance the richness of the beef.
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the savory ingredients.
• 2 Spanish onions: These onions lend sweetness and depth to the stew as they soften during cooking.
• 4 garlic cloves: Garlic brings aromatic depth and flavor, making the stew more fragrant.
• 3 tablespoons fresh ginger: Ginger adds a warming spice that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• 3 Scotch Bonnet chillies: These chillies provide a unique heat and fruity flavor that’s essential in Jamaican cuisine.
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme: Thyme contributes a fresh herbal note that enhances the overall flavor.
• 12 allspice berries: Allspice imparts a warm, sweet flavor that is characteristic of Caribbean cooking.
• 1 bunch spring onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
• 2 tablespoons white sugar: This sugar helps to balance the acidity and round out the flavor profile.
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami and depth, enhancing the meatiness of the stew.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: A tangy condiment that brings additional flavor complexity.
• 3 tablespoons flour: Used to thicken the stew, creating a luscious sauce that clings to the meat.
• 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup: This adds sweetness and depth of flavor, helping to create a well-rounded sauce.
• 3 cups beef stock: Provides the liquid base for the stew and enhances its beefy flavor.
• 14 oz can butter beans: These beans add creaminess and substance, making the stew even heartier.

Cooking Method for Jamaican Beef Rib Stew

Cooking Jamaican Beef Rib Stew is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Each step allows the flavors to develop and build upon one another, resulting in a hearty, satisfying dish. Follow these steps closely to ensure that you capture the essence of this beloved stew.

1. Season the beef ribs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This might seem simple, but it’s crucial for enhancing the flavor of the meat. Allow the seasoned ribs to sit for a few minutes as you prepare your cooking vessel.
2. In a large casserole pot, heat on high. Once hot, add brown sugar and stir with a wooden spoon. Watch closely as it melts and darkens, developing a rich caramel color. This should take about six minutes. The sugar should be nearly black but not burnt.
3. When the sugar is nearly ready, carefully add two tablespoons of boiling water to the pot. This will cause the sugar to bubble and foam, so stir quickly to combine everything smoothly.
4. Add the seasoned beef ribs to the pot, working in batches if necessary. Ensure each piece gets coated with the caramelized sugar mixture. Allow them to cook for a few minutes, turning occasionally, until they are well browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the ribs and keep them warm.
5. Next, add half of the chopped Spanish onions, garlic cloves, and fresh ginger to the pot, along with the thyme, allspice berries, and a third of the spring onions. Stir to combine and allow to cook until softened, which should take about five minutes.
6. Return the browned beef ribs to the pot, including any juices that have collected. Pour in the beef stock so that the ribs are nearly submerged. Bring the mixture to a slight simmer over medium heat.
7. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to cook for approximately one hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process helps to tenderize the meat and build flavors.
8. After an hour, add the remaining Spanish onions, garlic, ginger, and Scotch Bonnet chillies to the pot, along with another third of the spring onions. Stir well to combine these fresh ingredients into the stew.
9. In this step, add the white sugar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together to incorporate the flavors fully.
10. Continue cooking for an additional hour or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. This slow cooking yields a fall-off-the-bone texture that you’ll love.
11. Remove about one cup of liquid from the pot and place it in a small bowl. To this, add the flour and stir until smooth, working out any lumps. This slurry will help to thicken the stew.
12. Pour the flour slurry back into the pot, along with tomato ketchup. Stir to combine and allow to cook for a further 15 minutes. This will create a luscious sauce that envelops the beef.
13. Finally, fold in the butter beans and allow them to heat through for a few minutes. This adds heartiness and makes the stew even more satisfying. Just before serving, scatter the remaining spring onions over the top for a fresh finish.

Substitutions and Tips

When making Jamaican Beef Rib Stew, it’s helpful to know some tips and tricks to enhance your cooking experience. Here are some suggestions to consider:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove.
• Freezing: This stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve with fluffy rice or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of Scotch Bonnet chillies based on your heat tolerance. You can also use milder peppers if preferred.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like oregano or parsley for a fresh twist on the classic recipe.
• Cooking Method: If time is short, you can also make this stew in an Instant Pot. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What to Pair With Jamaican Beef Rib Stew

When it comes to serving Jamaican Beef Rib Stew, you have a variety of options that enhance this comforting dish. Here are some fantastic pairings:

• Rice and Peas: This classic side is a must. The creamy texture of the rice and the beans pair wonderfully with the rich stew.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.
• Plantains: Fried or baked plantains add a sweet contrast to the spicy stew, making for a delightful combination.
• Coleslaw: A fresh, tangy coleslaw can balance the rich flavors of the stew and add a crunchy texture.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans provide a fresh and healthy accompaniment.
• Occasions: This stew is perfect for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or special occasions like holidays or birthdays.
• Seasonal Pairings: During colder months, serve it with a hearty salad to contrast the warm stew, while in summer, prefer lighter sides to keep it fresh.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Jamaican Beef Rib Stew is a wonderful combination of rich flavors, tender meat, and a touch of tradition. Its heartwarming essence makes it perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. I encourage you to try this incredibly satisfying stew; it will not only fill your belly but also warm your heart. Enjoy the process and the delightful aromas that will fill your kitchen as you create this culinary masterpiece!

Jamaican Beef Rib Stew

The ultimate comfort food, Jamaican Beef Rib Stew is a rich and hearty dish that’s perfect for gatherings. Tender beef ribs simmered with aromatic spices create a mouthwatering experience. Make this easy weeknight dinner, and you’ll crave it time and again!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Caribbean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 512 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Frying Pan
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

• 4 ½ lbs beef ribs
• to taste salt
• to taste freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 Spanish onions Spanish onions
• 4 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons fresh ginger
• 3 Scotch Bonnet chillies Scotch Bonnet chillies
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 12 berries allspice berries
• 1 bunch spring onions
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 3 cups beef stock
• 14 oz butter beans

Instructions

 

• Season the beef ribs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This might seem simple, but it’s crucial for enhancing the flavor of the meat. Allow the seasoned ribs to sit for a few minutes as you prepare your cooking vessel.
• In a large casserole pot, heat on high. Once hot, add brown sugar and stir with a wooden spoon. Watch closely as it melts and darkens, developing a rich caramel color. This should take about six minutes. The sugar should be nearly black but not burnt.
• When the sugar is nearly ready, carefully add two tablespoons of boiling water to the pot. This will cause the sugar to bubble and foam, so stir quickly to combine everything smoothly.
• Add the seasoned beef ribs to the pot, working in batches if necessary. Ensure each piece gets coated with the caramelized sugar mixture. Allow them to cook for a few minutes, turning occasionally, until they are well browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the ribs and keep them warm.
• Next, add half of the chopped Spanish onions, garlic cloves, and fresh ginger to the pot, along with the thyme, allspice berries, and a third of the spring onions. Stir to combine and allow to cook until softened, which should take about five minutes.
• Return the browned beef ribs to the pot, including any juices that have collected. Pour in the beef stock so that the ribs are nearly submerged. Bring the mixture to a slight simmer over medium heat.
• Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to cook for approximately one hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process helps to tenderize the meat and build flavors.
• After an hour, add the remaining Spanish onions, garlic, ginger, and Scotch Bonnet chillies to the pot, along with another third of the spring onions. Stir well to combine these fresh ingredients into the stew.
• In this step, add the white sugar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together to incorporate the flavors fully.
• Continue cooking for an additional hour or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. This slow cooking yields a fall-off-the-bone texture that you’ll love.
• Remove about one cup of liquid from the pot and place it in a small bowl. To this, add the flour and stir until smooth, working out any lumps. This slurry will help to thicken the stew.
• Pour the flour slurry back into the pot, along with tomato ketchup. Stir to combine and allow to cook for a further 15 minutes. This will create a luscious sauce that envelops the beef.
• Finally, fold in the butter beans and allow them to heat through for a few minutes. This adds heartiness and makes the stew even more satisfying. Just before serving, scatter the remaining spring onions over the top for a fresh finish.

Notes

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove.
• Freezing: This stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve with fluffy rice or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of Scotch Bonnet chillies based on your heat tolerance. You can also use milder peppers if preferred.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like oregano or parsley for a fresh twist on the classic recipe.
• Cooking Method: If time is short, you can also make this stew in an Instant Pot. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Keyword Beef Rib Stew, Caribbean Recipes, Hearty Stews, Jamaican Beef Stew

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Meet Olivia Bennett

For me, cooking is about connection. Whether I’m making a quick breakfast or a three course dinner, I focus on the feeling the food gives you. I love the entire process of food blogging, from chopping the first onion to adjusting the lighting for the final photo. I’m the one who reminds the team to slow down and really taste the food as we go, ensuring every recipe has that “home-cooked” warmth.