Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup Recipe

There’s something truly special about a homemade pot of Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup bubbling away on the stove, filling the house with its rich, sweet aroma. This recipe combines the tender goodness of beef short ribs, the natural sweetness of apples and carrots, and a gentle kick from ginger and garlic, all in a deeply flavorful broth. Whether you’re craving classic comfort food or looking for a nutritious meal that the whole family will love, this soup delivers nourishment, soul-warming flavor, and a touch of nostalgia with every spoonful.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup is chosen for the flavor it brings, and when cooked together, they create a hearty harmony of tastes and textures. The best part? The list is simple, keeping the focus on good-quality basics that do all the heavy lifting.

• Beef Short Ribs (2 pounds, cut into pieces): These meaty ribs create a rich, deeply flavored broth and develop melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
• Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps to sear the ribs and deepen their savory flavor.
• Apple (1 large, peeled, cored, sliced): Adds natural sweetness and lightens up the broth with fruity notes; Fuji or Gala varieties are best.
• Carrots (3 large, peeled and chunked): They sweeten and color the soup while adding satisfying bites.
• Onion (1 small, quartered): Lends gentle background sweetness and body to the broth.
• Garlic (3 cloves, smashed): Gives aromatic depth and subtle pungency.
• Ginger (1-inch piece, sliced): Infuses the soup with freshness and warmth.
• Water (8 cups): The foundation for all the flavors to meld into a gorgeous broth.
• Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Seasoning that introduces umami and saltiness.
• Rice Wine or Dry Sherry (1 tablespoon): Adds complexity and a touch of complexity to the soup base.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Makes every component pop without overwhelming.
• Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little spicy finish for balance.
• Green Onions (2, chopped for garnish): Sprinkle on top for color, crunch, and a burst of freshness just before serving.

How to Make Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup

Step 1: Sear the Beef Short Ribs

Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef short ribs, placing them in a single layer, and sear them on all sides until they’re beautifully browned. This step, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes, locks in flavor and gives the final soup that irresistible beefy depth.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Vegetables

To the pot with those golden ribs, add your apple slices, carrot chunks, quartered onion, smashed garlic, and sliced ginger. Stir everything together so those flavors can start getting acquainted — the mix will already smell delightful!

Step 3: Add Water and Simmer

Pour in the 8 cups of water, crank up the heat, and bring the pot to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the top; this keeps your broth nice and clear. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover, and let the soup simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours. During this time, the beef turns wonderfully tender while the apples and carrots infuse the broth with sweetness.

Step 4: Season the Soup

When your ribs are falling-off-the-bone tender, it’s time to season. Stir in the soy sauce, rice wine or sherry, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer together for another 10 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to come together in perfect harmony.

Step 5: Finish, Adjust, and Serve

Remove the pot from heat. Fish out the ginger slices and onion quarters if you prefer a smoother broth, or leave them for extra flavor. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup hot, topped generously with fresh green onions for a burst of color and brightness.

How to Serve Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup

Garnishes

Nothing completes Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup like a scatter of chopped green onions on top. For a little extra flair, you could also add a few sesame seeds or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil, which plays so nicely with the beefy and sweet notes in the soup.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple with a bowl of steamed white rice to soak up the flavorful broth or try a side of crunchy pickled vegetables for contrast. Crusty bread works beautifully, too, for sopping up every last savory drop of this hearty soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy gathering, serve the soup in individual bowls with big bone-in ribs for a rustic look. If you’re looking for a fancier twist, try portioning out the beef and vegetables and pouring the hot broth over them tableside. A sprinkle of microgreens or a swirl of chili oil can instantly elevate the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days; the flavors only deepen as the soup rests, making next-day bowls extra delicious.

Freezing

Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup freezes like a dream. Divide cooled soup into freezer-friendly containers, leaving an inch at the top for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months — perfect for grabbing a warming meal on busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat until steaming, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or go straight from freezer to pot on low heat. Add a splash of water if it looks too thick.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this soup?

Absolutely! While short ribs give Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup its signature richness, you can swap in beef shank or oxtail for a similar result. Just make sure the cut has some fat and bone for that unbeatable broth flavor.

Is there a substitute for rice wine or dry sherry?

If you don’t have rice wine or dry sherry on hand, a splash of apple cider vinegar (use half the amount) works well for brightness, or simply skip it for a slightly milder taste.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Yes! Daikon radish, mushrooms, or potatoes can be added for more variety. Just chop them into large chunks and add along with the carrots and apples for more texture and flavor surprises.

How do I make the broth extra clear?

For crystal-clear broth, parboil the ribs for 5 minutes, drain, and rinse before searing. This removes excess protein and impurities, ensuring your Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup looks as gorgeous as it tastes.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Definitely. After searing the ribs and prepping the ingredients, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, then season in the last 30 minutes for best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s just nothing quite like the soul-warming comfort of Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup, especially when it’s made in your own kitchen and shared with people you love. If you’re looking for a soup that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

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