Recipe

The rib sandwich you will never be able to buy at McDonalds

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The rib sandwich you will never be able to buy at McDonalds

Photo 1 of 4
by thirschfeld

The rib sandwich you will never be able to buy at McDonalds

Photo 2 of 4
by thirschfeld

The rib sandwich you will never be able to buy at McDonalds

Photo 3 of 4
by thirschfeld

The rib sandwich you will never be able to buy at McDonalds

Photo 4 of 4
by thirschfeld

  • This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Short Ribs
  • CookLikeMad's Testing Notes: Thirschfeld's tongue-in-cheek McRib puts its predecessor to shame. More of a French dip, each bite of this sandwich hits all the right notes: Crusty French bread, lively herbed butter, tender...

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  • Chef

    thirschfeld's Notes: Vivian tried to flush more paper down the toilet than it could handle. She flushed the clogged toilet repeatedly before she started panicking at the water running over the porcelain rim...

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Serves 4

  1. Note: When you are cooking a cut of meat like a short rib there is a temperature and time line that needs to be crossed in order for the meat to become tender. It is, what I call, when the collagen relaxes. When this happens the meat becomes succulent and tender and really cooking it any longer than is necessary is only detrimental to the beef itself leaving if void of precious fat which is why you are cooking this piece of meat in the first place (because you like the taste of the fat.) I have really come to like the taste of the rib cut itself as well and if you are going to spend the money on a free range organic grass feed cut then you really should want to taste it and not bury it under loads of strong tasting sauce.

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  2. Using a sharp knife cut the ribs between the bones into square pieces. They should be about 2 1/2 inches square. Salt the ribs liberally on all sides and let them rest until it is dissolved. You can also let the ribs sit uncovered in the fridge overnight after salting them.

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  3. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Heat the grape seed oil over high heat in a 3 1/2 quart Dutch oven. When it is hot add the ribs and really sear them on all sides until they are deep brown. Sear them on all sides and adjust the heat as necessary to keep the fond from burning.

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  4. When all the sides are brown remove the pot from the heat. Place the ribs onto a sheet of foil and wrap them tightly but carefully making sure not to let the bones poke holes in the foil. Set the foil on a tray. Put the ribs into the oven and set a timer for 2 hours and 15 minutes.

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  5. Empty the pot of excess oil but don't clean it. Place it over medium heat and add the onions. Cook the onions until they start to caramelize. Add the bay leaves and stock. Season with a salt and lots of pepper and bring the jus to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer.

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  6. Combine all the ingredients for the butter in a bowl and mix it well with a rubber spatula. Season it with salt and pepper and mix again.

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  7. When the timer goes of remove the ribs and unwrap them. The bones should be exposed and the meat should cut easily. So slice off a sliver and give it a try. Is it succulent and tender if so you are ready to go if not put it back into the oven for another 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the ribs. Let them rest covered.

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  8. Turn the oven up to 400 degrees. Cut the loves in half length wise and smear a good swab of butter on the interior side of each half of the loaf. Set each half, butter side up, on a sheet tray. Toast the loaves in the oven until the edges just start to color and the butter is all melty and aromatic.

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  9. While the bread is toasting remove the bones from the ribs. Slice the ribs against the grain into very thin pieces. Divide into equal portions and pile them onto the toasted bread and serve with a side of onion jus.

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25 Comments on The rib sandwich you will never be able to buy at McDonalds

L1010593 Reply

With some left over short ribs from testing a recipe, I needed a go-to recipe and hella yeah, this one fit. Thanks for being awesome.

L1010593 Reply

oops, forgot to mention I made these last night. My friends and family were grateful.

Cheese_for_twitter0001 Reply

The visuals on this one are fantastic on all fronts.

Dscn0826 Reply

I appreciate your kind words cheese1227

Dsc_0382 Reply

So enjoying reading your head notes!

Dscn0826 Reply

Thank you so much healthierkitchen

Logo-fb Reply

Ahh, the chaos of parenthood. I think your McRib sounds superb, but your story made me smile.

Dscn0826 Reply

thanks Waverly. I have a strange affection for the chaos. It can be frustrating but it is also interesting. I am so glad I could make you smile.

Lnd_jen Reply

Now *that's* a sandwich. Wow.

Dscn0826 Reply

thanks lastnightsdinner, it is funny but I love the taste of the short rib all on its own. It is so great without anything else on it but when I put the maitre d butter and the au jus with it and the bread to soaked it all in it became heaven. Pair onion rings with it and well...

Hib_kitchen Reply

Hilarious! We would be crying or drinking far too much if we didn't laugh. Creative outlet of cooking is always a good release. Love the recipe and the pic... the onion rings look fabulous as well.

Dscn0826 Reply

thanks MCT and yes, laughter is the only way to go.

Kay_at_lake Reply

Ahh, children. The reason we love them is so we won't kill them. I remember those days well. I'm astounded you could pull together anything beyond grilled cheese, after that kind of day, but the McRib sounds wonderful!

Dscn0826 Reply

thanks Kayb and I am guessing you don't forget those days.

Ab_sum Reply

A day in the life! Just start with Guiness right at breakfast.

Dscn0826 Reply

never been much of a breakfast drinker, usually not till evening, this morning was a unique occasion.

Lobster_001 Reply

When I first started reading this I couldn't imagine that it was going to turn out to be about food...Sorry you had such a challenging day!

Dscn0826 Reply

it really wasn't bad it just took a different direction than planned. Sometimes that is for the better

Steve_dunn02 Reply

Sounds like a hell of a day, friend. I DO hope there's a tall frosty waiting for you just off-camera. A delicious looking sandwich...I could go for a big bite right now. - S

Dscn0826 Reply

thanks I just left you a note under you wonderful creation

Shamrock-medal Reply

Phew! You've had quite an eventful week. Sandwiches sound delish, as per usual with your creations.

Dscn0826 Reply

thank you hardlikearmour and yes it has been an eventful week

Mrs Reply

Perfect meal after an ordinary day like that. But you're missing the cold beer. ;)

Shamrock-medal Reply

Or glass of bourbon!

Dscn0826 Reply

Oh no mrslarkin, I was at an Irish funeral this morning. I was drinking Guiness before noon

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