Braised Beef without tarragon spice meat

6 pounds bone-in beef short ribs (about 4 lbs if boneless) Kosher salt & freshly ground pepper 1 Tbsp veg oil 2 onions , coarsely chopped 2 carrots[...]

1/3 cup soy sauce 1/3 cup dry sherry or dry vermouth 2 Tbsp. packed light brown sugar 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes 1/2 cup water 2 star anise 3 lb. grass-fed[...]