Instant Pot Short Ribs: Delicious, Tender & Easy Recipe

Instant Pot Short Ribs: Prepare to be amazed by the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich, savory flavor you can achieve in a fraction of the time with this incredible recipe! Forget spending hours braising in the oven; the Instant Pot transforms tough short ribs into a culinary masterpiece in under an hour.

Short ribs, a cut traditionally favored in slow-cooking methods across various cultures, have a long and storied history. From the Korean dish galbi jjim to the classic French boeuf braisé, these flavorful ribs have been enjoyed for generations. The beauty of short ribs lies in their generous marbling, which renders during cooking, creating a succulent and deeply satisfying experience.

What makes Instant Pot Short Ribs so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of convenience and exceptional taste. The Instant Pot locks in moisture and intensifies the flavors, resulting in ribs that are unbelievably tender and bursting with savory goodness. People adore this dish because it offers a restaurant-quality experience without the fuss. The rich, beefy flavor, combined with the fall-off-the-bone texture, makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Plus, the hands-off cooking process frees you up to prepare other dishes or simply relax while your Instant Pot works its magic. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy and delicious recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs Beef Short Ribs, bone-in
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 large Yellow Onion, chopped
• 2 Carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 Celery Stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 (750ml) bottle Dry Red Wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• 4 cups Beef Broth
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
• 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Cold Water (optional, for thickening sauce)
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Short Ribs:

1. Season the Short Ribs: Generously season the beef short ribs with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s crucial for developing a rich flavor.
2. Sear the Short Ribs: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot and shimmering (this is important for a good sear!), carefully place the short ribs in the Instant Pot, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. You may need to work in batches. Sear the short ribs for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned. A good sear is essential for developing a deep, savory flavor and creating a beautiful crust. Remove the seared short ribs from the Instant Pot and set them aside.

Building the Flavor Base:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the pot. Sauté for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. The tomato paste will deepen the flavor and add richness to the sauce. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the dry red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot. These browned bits, also known as fond, are packed with flavor and will contribute to a delicious sauce. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly.

Pressure Cooking the Short Ribs:

1. Combine Ingredients: Add the beef broth, rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
2. Return Short Ribs to Pot: Carefully place the seared short ribs back into the Instant Pot, nestling them among the vegetables. Ensure the short ribs are mostly submerged in the liquid.
3. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 45 minutes on high pressure. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your short ribs.
4. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15-20 minutes. This allows the short ribs to become even more tender. After the natural pressure release, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by turning the valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious of the steam.

Finishing the Sauce:

1. Remove Short Ribs: Carefully remove the short ribs from the Instant Pot and set them aside. They should be incredibly tender and falling off the bone.
2. Strain the Sauce (Optional): For a smoother sauce, strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids. This step is optional but recommended for a more refined presentation.
3. Reduce the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, select the “Sauté” function on the Instant Pot again. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it reduce for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer an even thicker sauce, you can use a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer for a few minutes, until the sauce thickens.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Serving:

1. Serve and Garnish: Place the tender short ribs on a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the rich sauce generously over the short ribs. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
2. Suggested Sides: Serve the Instant Pot short ribs with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcrowd the pot when searing: Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pot and prevent the short ribs from browning properly. Work in batches if necessary.
• Use a good quality red wine: The wine will contribute significantly to the flavor of the sauce, so choose a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking.
• Don’t skip the natural pressure release: Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15-20 minutes will result in more tender short ribs.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed: The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your short ribs. If the short ribs are not tender enough after 45 minutes, you can add a few more minutes of cooking time.
• Make it ahead of time: These short ribs are even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully as they sit.

Variations:

• Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions, carrots, and celery for an earthier flavor.
• Add balsamic vinegar: Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the sauce for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Serve over pasta: Shred the short ribs and toss them with your favorite pasta for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Enjoy!

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The short ribs are incredibly tender and flavorful, and the sauce is rich and decadent. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Instant Pot Short Ribs are truly a game-changer for anyone craving melt-in-your-mouth, restaurant-quality comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. I know, I know, it sounds too good to be true, but trust me, the Instant Pot magic is real! The pressure cooking method transforms tough short ribs into tender, flavorful masterpieces in a fraction of the time compared to traditional braising.

Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy, surprisingly quick, and delivers an explosion of flavor that will impress even the most discerning palates. Forget slaving over a hot stove all day; with this recipe, you can have a gourmet-worthy meal on the table in under two hours, most of which is hands-off cooking time. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze! Who doesn’t love that?

But the best part? The versatility! These Instant Pot Short Ribs are fantastic served in so many different ways. For a classic presentation, serve them over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, spooning the rich braising liquid over the top. The potatoes soak up all that deliciousness, creating a truly unforgettable bite. Alternatively, shred the short ribs and use them as a filling for tacos or sliders. Top with your favorite slaw and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a fun and flavorful twist.

Looking for variations? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in the braising liquid. Carrots, parsnips, and celery are all excellent additions. You can also adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat, while a bay leaf or two infuses the dish with a subtle, aromatic flavor. For a richer, more decadent sauce, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the Instant Pot before pressure cooking. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity that will balance the richness of the meat.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! The beauty of cooking is that there are no hard and fast rules. So, go ahead, experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find your perfect combination.

I am confident that you will love these Instant Pot Short Ribs as much as I do. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or any time you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal. The tender, flavorful meat and the rich, savory sauce are simply irresistible.

So, what are you waiting for? Dust off your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you try any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think?

Please, please, please, come back and leave a comment below to let me know how your Instant Pot Short Ribs turned out. Your feedback is invaluable, and I love hearing about your culinary adventures. Sharing your experiences helps other readers and inspires me to create even more delicious recipes for you. Happy cooking!