The Juiciest Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe You’ll Crave

Succulent instant pot beef short ribs promise a mouthwatering journey through rich, hearty flavors that melt in your mouth.

Slow-cooking transforms tough cuts into tender, fall-apart meat with minimal effort.

Robust seasonings infuse each bite with deep, complex tastes that comfort and delight.

Rich marinades and strategic cooking techniques unlock incredible textures you’ll absolutely love.

Culinary magic happens when pressure and time work together to create something extraordinary.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Trust me, these short ribs will become your new go-to weekend meal that impresses everyone around the table.

Save and Reheat Instant Pot Short Ribs

• Store cooled short ribs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate meat from sauce to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Package ribs and sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Place ribs in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ribs in a baking dish, add a little broth or sauce. Cover with foil to lock in moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking periodically to prevent overcooking.

Side Dishes for Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs

• Harmonize Flavor Profiles: Red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot perfectly complements the rich, savory beef short ribs, enhancing the deep meaty flavors with its robust tannins.
• Create Balanced Sides: Creamy parmesan polenta or garlic mashed potatoes provide a smooth, buttery counterpoint to the intense beef, absorbing the delicious sauce while offering textural contrast.
• Brighten with Freshness: Roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon bits or a tangy mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette cut through the richness, adding a refreshing element to the hearty dish.
• Elevate with Condiment: Gremolata or fresh herb chimichurri sprinkled on top introduces a zesty, bright note that lifts the deep umami flavors of the short ribs, creating a more complex taste experience.

Bold Takes on Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to eliminate gluten while maintaining rich umami flavor. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap tomato sauce with sugar-free tomato paste and reduce liquid volume. Serve over cauliflower mash instead of traditional potatoes to minimize carbohydrate content.
• Paleo-Friendly Option: Use bone broth instead of standard beef broth. Remove Worcestershire sauce and replace with coconut aminos. Select grass-fed beef short ribs and pair with roasted root vegetables for a complete nutrient-dense meal.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Already dairy-free, this recipe requires no substantial modifications. Simply confirm all added ingredients meet dairy-free standards and serve with complementary dairy-free side dishes like herb-roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice.

FAQs

• Why are short ribs ideal for pressure cooking?

Short ribs have high collagen content which breaks down perfectly under pressure, creating incredibly tender meat that falls off the bone in just 45 minutes.

• Can I use different types of beef for this recipe?

While beef short ribs work best, you can substitute with chuck roast or beef brisket, but cooking times might slightly vary depending on meat thickness and cut.

• How do I know the short ribs are fully cooked?

The meat should be extremely tender and easily pull apart with a fork. When internal temperature reaches 195-205°F, it indicates the connective tissues have fully broken down.

• Is it necessary to sear the meat before pressure cooking?

Searing creates a delicious caramelized exterior and develops deeper flavor through the Maillard reaction, so while optional, it significantly enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Why Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Stand Out

• Instant Pot transforms tough beef short ribs into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• The pressure cooking technique guarantees tender, fall-apart meat without requiring advanced culinary skills, ensuring consistent results for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Combines multiple ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to create a rich, complex sauce that elevates the meat's natural flavors without complicated preparation steps.
• Easily pairs with various side dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and meal styles.

What’s Needed for Instant Pot Short Ribs

• Beef Short Ribs: Tender cuts of meat that become incredibly succulent when slow-cooked in the Instant Pot.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory flavor base for the dish.
• Thyme, Bay Leaf: Add subtle herbal notes and complexity to the meat's flavor profile.

• Beef Broth: Creates a rich cooking liquid that helps tenderize the meat.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds depth and slight acidity to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to the overall flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a complex, tangy undertone to the dish.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a hint of brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the beef.
• Cooking Oil: Used for searing the meat and creating a flavorful base.

Steps to Cook Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs

Step 1: Prepare and Brown Beef Ribs

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the beef short ribs, coating them evenly.

Heat the Instant Pot using Saute mode and add a splash of oil.

Carefully place the ribs in the pot and brown them on all sides until a beautiful golden crust forms.

Transfer the seared ribs to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Saute the ingredients until the onions turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Build the Cooking Liquid

Pour in beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom.

This will help develop a rich, deep flavor for the dish.

Step 4: Combine Sauces and Seasonings

• Tomato sauce
• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Fresh thyme
• Bay leaf
• Cracked black pepper

Stir the ingredients together until well combined.

Gently return the browned ribs to the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged in the flavorful liquid.

Step 5: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing.

Cook on High Pressure for 45 minutes.

Once the cooking cycle completes, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the tender ribs from the pot.

If desired, use the Saute function to reduce and thicken the sauce for a few minutes.

Plate the ribs alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or roasted seasonal vegetables.

Generously spoon the rich, glossy sauce over the top and enjoy your succulent meal.

Pro Hints for Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs

• Generously season ribs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper before searing to create a delicious flavor crust and enhance overall taste profile.
• Deglaze the Instant Pot immediately after searing to prevent browned bits from burning and to capture maximum flavor from caramelized meat remnants.
• Allow a full natural pressure release for 15 minutes to help break down connective tissues, ensuring supremely tender and fall-apart beef short ribs.
• Reduce sauce on Saute function after cooking to concentrate flavors and create a rich, glossy coating that elevates the entire dish's presentation and taste.
• Serve ribs with cauliflower mash or roasted low-carb vegetables instead of traditional starches for a keto-friendly version of this comforting meal.

Tender Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent beef short ribs braised in rich, aromatic spices melt hearts with pure comfort. Hearty Italian-inspired flavors create a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4 to 6 bone-in beef short ribs (about 3 pounds or 1.36 kilograms)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Prepare the beef short ribs by generously coating with salt and pepper, creating a robust flavor foundation.
2. Activate the Instant Pot’s Saute mode at medium-high heat, introducing oil to create a golden sear across all rib surfaces for 3-4 minutes until rich brown color develops.
3. Transfer seared ribs to a holding plate, maintaining their caramelized exterior.
4. In the same pot, soften diced onions until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes, then introduce minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.
5. Deglaze the pot with beef broth, using a wooden spoon to lift the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
6. Incorporate tomato sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, thyme, bay leaf, and additional black pepper into the liquid mixture.
7. Carefully return the seared ribs to the pot, ensuring they are completely submerged in the seasoned liquid.
8. Secure the Instant Pot lid, position the valve to Sealing, and pressure cook at high temperature for 45 minutes.
9. After cooking completes, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
10. Extract the ribs and let them rest momentarily while optionally reducing the sauce using Saute mode for enhanced thickness.
11. Plate the tender ribs alongside complementary sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables, generously drizzling the rich sauce over the top.

Notes

• Choose bone-in short ribs for maximum flavor and tenderness, as the marrow adds richness to the dish.
• Pat the meat dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and develop a delicious caramelized crust.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and prevent the sauce from becoming too salty.
• For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and verify all ingredient labels.
• Create a lighter meal by serving over cauliflower rice or roasted vegetable mash instead of traditional potatoes.
• Allow the meat to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and tenderness.
• Trim excess fat before cooking to reduce greasiness while maintaining the meat’s rich flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg