Jul 13 2026
Restaurants›Bakersfield Mass Ave›Short Rib Queso Recipe

Short Rib Queso Recipe

Inspired by Bakersfield Mass Ave
Time3h 30m
Serves6

braised short rib, pickled white onion, crema, radish, queso fresco, chips

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Ingredients

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Short Rib

Pickled White Onion

Queso and Toppings

Method

Short Rib Preparation

  1. 1

    Sear the Short Ribs

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and black pepper. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the short ribs and set aside.

  2. 2

    Sauté Aromatics

    In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add Liquid and Herbs

    Return the short ribs to the pot. Add beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 2.5-3 hours, or until the ribs are tender.

  4. 4

    Shred the Short Ribs

    Once cooked, remove the short ribs from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. Discard bones and any excess fat. Return shredded meat to the pot, mixing it with the sauce.

Pickled White Onion Preparation

  1. 5

    Prepare the Brine

    In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, sugar, salt, and water. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve.

  2. 6

    Pickle the Onions

    Slice the white onion thinly. Place in a jar and pour the hot brine over the onions. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Assembly

  1. 7

    Prepare Toppings

    Slice radishes thinly and crumble the queso fresco.

  2. 8

    Assemble the Queso

    In a serving dish, layer the shredded short rib mixture. Drizzle crema over the top. Add pickled onions, sliced radish, and crumbled queso fresco.

  3. 9

    Serve with Chips

    Serve the short rib queso with a side of tortilla chips for dipping.

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