Stepping into the world of Instant Pot cooking has been a culinary game-changer. After much anticipation (and perhaps a Black Friday impulse buy!), my journey began with a dish that friends couldn’t stop raving about: incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs. This recipe proved to be the perfect introduction to pressure cooking, transforming a classic comfort food into a weeknight possibility with astonishing depth of flavor and minimal effort.
Beef Short Ribs are synonymous with rich, hearty comfort food. Traditionally, achieving their signature tenderness requires hours of slow braising. However, this Short Ribs Recipe cleverly harnesses the power of the Instant Pot to achieve melt-in-your-mouth perfection in a remarkably short cooking time. The result is a gourmet meal that feels special, yet is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings or when you crave something truly satisfying.
Why Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Are a Must-Try for Unforgettable Flavor
While I may not claim to be a seasoned Instant Pot guru, having successfully created both a succulent whole chicken and these spectacular short ribs, I can confidently say that the Instant Pot is a revelation in modern kitchens. For anyone new to pressure cooking, or those looking to dust off their forgotten appliance, this recipe offers compelling reasons to dive headfirst into the world of Instant Pot cooking:
- Unmatched Speed and Efficiency: The Instant Pot dramatically reduces the cooking time for beef short ribs. A dish that traditionally takes 3-4 hours of slow cooking can be on your table, incredibly tender, after just about an hour under pressure. This efficiency transforms a weekend-only meal into a viable weeknight dinner.
- Intensified Flavor and Moisture Retention: Pressure cooking creates a sealed environment that locks in all the steam and, crucially, all the incredible flavors. The high-pressure setting tenderizes the meat while preventing moisture loss, resulting in exceptionally succulent ribs that burst with rich, concentrated taste. Every drop of flavorful liquid is infused back into the meat.
- Effortless Fall-Off-The-Bone Texture: The intense heat and pressure work magic on the tough connective tissues found in beef short ribs. This process breaks them down far more rapidly and effectively than conventional methods, guaranteeing that highly coveted fall-off-the-bone tenderness every single time, without fail.
- A Cooler Kitchen During Summer: Especially during warmer months, using the Instant Pot means your kitchen stays cool. Unlike long oven braises that heat your entire home, the Instant Pot contains all the heat and steam, making it a perfect solution for enjoying comforting dishes even when temperatures rise.
- One-Pot Convenience and Minimal Cleanup: From searing to simmering, the Instant Pot handles multiple cooking stages in a single pot. This not only streamlines the cooking process but also significantly minimizes the amount of cleanup required, giving you more time to savor your meal.
The Magic of Beef Short Ribs: Choosing the Right Cut and Preparing Them
Beef short ribs are a truly beloved cut of meat, celebrated for their deep, beefy flavor and excellent marbling. They are sourced from the chuck primal, specifically the plate or rib area of the cow. Their high content of connective tissue is precisely what makes them ideal for slow-cooking methods like pressure cooking; when cooked properly, this tissue breaks down into gelatin, yielding an incredibly tender, moist, and flavorful result. You’ll typically encounter two main cuts in your butcher’s shop:
- English Cut Short Ribs: These are the most common and often preferred for braising and pressure cooking. They are cut parallel to the bone, resulting in thick, meaty blocks of rib with a single, prominent bone on one side. This cut holds its shape well during long cooking and delivers substantial, satisfying portions.
- Flanken Cut Short Ribs: These ribs are cut across the bone, resulting in thinner strips that contain several small pieces of bone within each strip. While popular for grilling (especially in dishes like Korean BBQ), the English cut is generally superior for recipes aiming for that tender, pull-apart texture in a rich sauce.
When selecting your beef short ribs, look for pieces with good marbling – streaks of fat intertwined within the muscle – as this contributes significantly to both flavor and tenderness. Aim for a healthy meat-to-bone ratio. Fresh, good-quality short ribs are paramount to achieving that rich, savory flavor that makes this dish so irresistible. Don’t hesitate to engage with your butcher; they can offer invaluable assistance in selecting the best cuts for your Instant Pot masterpiece, ensuring a truly gourmet experience at home.
What Our Instant Pot Community Is Saying
Hearing from our wonderful cooking community is always the highlight of sharing a recipe, and the feedback on these Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs has been overwhelmingly positive! Cathie, who left a fantastic comment on Pinterest, shared her delightful experience: “I tried it! It came out Excellent!! Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe! I did use Montreal Steak Seasoning instead of salt and pepper.” Cathie’s insightful tip to use a good quality red wine truly elevates the richness and complexity of the sauce, a detail not to be missed for any aspiring home chef!
Your endorsements and creative adaptations motivate us immensely to continue sharing delicious, easy-to-follow, and rewarding recipes. We genuinely love seeing your culinary creations and hearing about your successes in the kitchen, so please keep sharing!
Mastering Your Instant Pot: Essential Tips for Success
The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that has truly revolutionized home cooking for many. It’s essentially a modern-day electric pressure cooker, far more advanced, safer, and user-friendly than the stovetop models your grandmother or even mother might have used. To ensure your Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs (and other dishes) turn out perfectly every time, here are some crucial tips and best practices:
- Understand Cooking Time vs. Total Time: It’s important to differentiate between the active cooking time and the total time. The cooking time listed in an Instant Pot recipe refers specifically to the time the food spends under high pressure. This does NOT include the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure (which can vary from 10-20 minutes or even more, depending on the volume and temperature of the contents) or the time required for pressure release. Always factor in these additional stages when planning your meal prep.
- The Indispensable Power of Searing (Maillard Reaction): Before you even think about pressure cooking, always, always sear your beef short ribs using the “Saute” function on your Instant Pot. This critical step causes the exterior of the meat to caramelize and brown, creating a rich, savory crust. This chemical reaction, known as the Maillard reaction, adds an incredible depth of umami flavor – often described as the “fifth sense of taste” – that simply cannot be achieved by merely boiling or steaming the meat. It’s the foundation of a truly flavorful dish.
- Deglazing for Maximum Flavor: After you’ve seared the ribs and removed them from the pot, it’s essential to deglaze the pot. Pour in a liquid (like red wine or broth, as instructed in this recipe) and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Not only does this incorporate intense flavor into your sauce, but it also prevents a “burn” warning from appearing on your Instant Pot’s display.
- Crucial Liquid Requirements: Your Instant Pot requires a minimum amount of liquid to successfully come to pressure. Always ensure you have at least 1 cup of thin liquid (water, broth, wine, etc.) in the pot. However, be mindful not to overfill; never exceed the two-thirds full mark inside your Instant Pot to ensure proper and safe operation. Too much liquid can also dilute the rich flavors you’re working so hard to build.
- Proper Sealing and Pressure Release Techniques: Before initiating the pressure cooking cycle, double-check that your Instant Pot’s silicone sealing ring is properly seated within the lid and that the steam release valve knob is turned to the “Sealing” position. For maximum tenderness and juiciness, especially with tougher cuts of meat like short ribs, a natural pressure release (NPR) is often recommended. This method allows the meat to slowly relax as the pressure dissipates naturally over time, resulting in more tender and flavorful results. After the natural release period (e.g., 15 minutes as in this recipe), if any pressure remains, you can then safely quick-release the rest.
- Safety First: Never Open Under Pressure: This is a fundamental and non-negotiable safety rule for any pressure cooker. Absolutely do not attempt to open the lid when the Instant Pot is in “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode, or until all internal pressure has been safely and completely released.
- Optimizing for Bone-In vs. Boneless Meats: Bone-in meats, such as these short ribs, typically require a slightly longer cooking time under pressure compared to boneless cuts to reach optimal tenderness. Always adjust your pressure cooking time accordingly (as specified in detailed recipes like this one) to ensure perfect, melt-in-your-mouth results.
- Consider a Second Sealing Ring: The silicone sealing rings in Instant Pots are notorious for absorbing odors from strongly flavored foods like garlic, onions, or curries. To prevent these lingering aromas and tastes from transferring to lighter dishes or desserts, consider purchasing a separate sealing ring specifically designated for sweet dishes.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings for Your Short Ribs
Once your succulent Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs are ready, the possibilities for serving are wonderfully diverse. Their rich, savory flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, transforming a delicious meal into a truly memorable dining experience. Classic and highly recommended choices include creamy mashed potatoes or velvety polenta, both of which are perfect for soaking up every drop of the exquisite, concentrated sauce. For a heartier option, you could serve them over a bed of your favorite wide noodles, such as pappardelle, egg noodles, or even gnocchi.
To add a touch of freshness, vibrant color, and contrasting texture, consider pairing the ribs with roasted asparagus, tender green beans almondine, or a simple yet crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A final sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary leaves as a garnish not only adds a fragrant finish but also visually enhances this magnificent dish. For those who enjoy wine, a full-bodied red like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot would complement the richness of the beef perfectly.
Troubleshooting Your Instant Pot Short Ribs: Common Issues and Solutions
Even with the best instructions and the most reliable Instant Pot, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a couple of common issues you might encounter when making Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs and straightforward solutions to help you achieve perfection:
- Ribs Not Tender Enough? If, after the recommended cooking time and natural release, your short ribs aren’t as fall-off-the-bone tender as you’d hoped, it simply means they need a little more time under pressure. Don’t worry, this is easily fixable! Secure the lid again, ensure the vent is set to “Sealing,” and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on high pressure. Then, allow for another natural release. Remember, thicker bone-in ribs or slightly larger cuts can sometimes require that extra bit of cooking.
- Sauce Too Thin? After you’ve removed the perfectly cooked ribs, if you find that the delicious cooking liquid is thinner than your desired sauce consistency, use the “Saute” function on your Instant Pot. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the sauce to reduce and thicken to your preferred consistency. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Cooking and Short Ribs
The Instant Pot (or any pressure cooker) creates a sealed environment where pressure builds up, allowing food to cook at significantly higher temperatures than traditional methods. This intense heat drastically reduces cooking time, often by as much as two-thirds. A major advantage is its ability to lock in flavor by trapping all the aromatic steam inside the pot, ensuring food remains incredibly moist and infusing it with deep taste. Furthermore, by preventing steam from escaping, the pressure cooker helps maintain a higher percentage of the food’s nutritional value, retaining essential vitamins and minerals.
Pressure cookers are best suited for dishes that traditionally benefit from moist heat cooking. They excel at preparing comforting soups, hearty stews, and perfectly tenderizing tougher cuts of meat like pot roasts, briskets, and, of course, these fantastic beef short ribs. Beyond savory mains, they are also excellent for cooking grains such as rice and quinoa, making perfect hard-boiled eggs, steaming vegetables, and even tackling more delicate items like artichokes and delectable steamed puddings. Their versatility makes them a true kitchen powerhouse.
More Instant Pot Culinary Inspiration and Delicious Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed mastering these Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs and are eager to explore more of what your Instant Pot can do, here are some fantastic recipes and helpful guides from our culinary community and beyond:
- Instant Pot Baked Potatoes from A Mind Full Mom
- Instant Pot Corn Chowder with Bacon Recipe from Crunchy, Creamy, Sweet
- How to Cook Frozen Chicken in Instant Pot from Living Locurto
- Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes from Rachel Cooks
- Instant Pot Guide from Food Pleasure and Health
- Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
- Homemade Chicken Stock in the Instant Pot
- Mini 4 Inch Instant Pot Cheesecake
- Plus, don’t forget to complement your short ribs with this incredible Homemade Potato Bread!
- Discover even more inspiring Main Course Recipes for every occasion.
Stay connected with us and the vibrant cooking community through social media! You can find us @ Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. We’d absolutely love to see your culinary creations! Don’t forget to tag us when you try one of our recipes! And if you find yourself falling in love with these Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs as much as we have, please consider giving this recipe a 5-star rating in the recipe card below – your feedback means the world to us!
Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
20 minutes
1 hour
1 hour 20 minutes
6 servings
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this debut Instant Pot recipe: unbelievably tender, delicious, and fall-off-the-bone Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs.
Ingredients
For the Best Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs:
- 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 shallots, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves removed
- 1 cup of good quality dry red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to the “Saute” option.
- Season the Ribs: Generously season your beef short ribs on all sides with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sear the Ribs: Add about a tablespoon of olive oil to the Instant Pot. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned ribs in the pot to sear. Avoid moving them for 6-8 minutes to allow a deep brown crust to form. Flip and brown the other sides for about 5 minutes. You may need to sear in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can prevent proper browning.
- Remove Ribs: Once the meat is beautifully browned, transfer the ribs to a plate and set aside. Reduce the “Saute” heat setting to medium.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onions, minced shallots, minced garlic cloves, and chopped carrots to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Deglaze and Build Sauce: Pour in the red wine. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot – this is crucial for flavor and preventing a “burn” notice. Stir in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar. Return the seared short ribs and any accumulated plate juices to the Instant Pot, tucking in the sprig of rosemary.
- Pressure Cook: Ensure the Instant Pot lid is securely closed and the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Press the “Stew” (or “Manual” / “Pressure Cook” on high pressure) option. Set the manual cooking time to 45 minutes for boneless ribs or 55 minutes for bone-in ribs.
- Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is complete, the Instant Pot will automatically switch to the “Keep Warm” setting. Allow for a natural pressure release (NPR) for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully move the vent into the “Venting” position to release any remaining steam.
- Finish the Sauce: After all steam is released and the lid can be safely removed, transfer the tender ribs to a serving platter. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the liquid remaining in the Instant Pot. Return the Instant Pot to the “Saute” setting and bring the juices to a boil. Let them simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and concentrate its flavors. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with the removed thyme leaves.
- Serve: Ladle the rich short ribs, vegetables, and savory sauce over creamy mashed potatoes, soft polenta, or your favorite wide noodles. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
This recipe has been thoughtfully adapted from the culinary experts at Cook’s Illustrated Pressure Cooker Cookbook to deliver consistently tender and flavorful results in your Instant Pot.
Recommended Products for Instant Pot Cooking
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- OXO Good Grips Tongs
- OXO Good Grips Cutting Board
- 8-Quart Instant Pot
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6 servings
Serving Size:
1 serving
Amount Per Serving (approximate):
Calories: 997Total Fat: 69gSaturated Fat: 30gTrans Fat: 4gUnsaturated Fat: 38gCholesterol: 303mgSodium: 482mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 78g
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