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1
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and set a rack in the middle level.
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2
Stir the soy sauce, sherry (or wine or vermouth), brown sugar, tomatoes, water and star anise together in a bowl.
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3
Set aside.
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4
Dry the ribs with paper towels and season very lightly with salt and generously with pepper.
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5
Heat the heavy flameproof casserole over medium-high heat.
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6
When the oil is hot, add the ribs in batches (do not crowd) and brown on all sides.
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7
Remove them as theyare browned, adding more oil, if necessary.
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8
When all the ribs are browned, pour off the fat (if any) and reduce the heat to low.
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9
Add the garlic, scallion pieces, and ginger, alternately tossing and pressing them against the pot for 1 minute to bring out their flavors.
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10
Return the ribs to the pot and pour the soy sauce mixture over them.
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11
Bring the liquid to a simmer and cover.
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12
Transfer the pot to the oven and braise the ribs, turning occasionally, until extremely tender when pierced with a fork, 2 - 2A 1/2 hours.
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13
Check the liquid after two hours and add a bit more water if braising liquid is reduced too much.
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14
Transfer the ribs to a serving platter.
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15
Discard the ginger and star anise and pour braising liquid over the ribs.
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16
If not using grass-fed beef, degrease braising liquid before pouring over the ribs.
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17
To make ahead, cool ribs, then transfer to a storage container.
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18
Pour braising liquid over ribs and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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19
When ready to serve remove any solidified fat and reheat ribs in moderate oven.
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20
Garnish with the thinly sliced scallions and serve hot.