Fall-Apart Tender Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe

Instant Pot short ribs bring tender, flavorful beef to the table in a fraction of the usual cooking time.

The pressure cooker softens the meat until it’s fall-apart tender, while building layers of rich, savory flavor.

What usually takes hours of slow simmering comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight meals.

Take a bite, you can feel the meat juicy, satisfying, and balanced with deep seasoning.

With just a little prep, you get a hearty dish that feels both comforting and rewarding.

The inviting aroma and comforting flavors make these short ribs a recipe your family will ask for again and again.

Instant Pot Short Ribs Savory Highlights

• Speedily Prepare Mouthwatering Meal: This Instant Pot short ribs recipe delivers perfect results with minimal kitchen effort, transforming tough meat into tender, flavor-packed deliciousness in under an hour.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients like bourbon can be swapped or omitted, making this dish adaptable for different dietary preferences and pantry availability.
• Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for batch cooking, these short ribs taste even better the next day and can be easily stored for future delicious meals, saving time and reducing weeknight cooking stress.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with the Instant Pot means you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a rich, hearty meal with family and friends.

Instant Pot Short Ribs Ingredients

• Short Ribs: Flavorful beef cut with rich marbling that becomes tender when slow-cooked.

• Onions, Garlic: Base ingredients that add deep savory flavor to the sauce.
• Thyme: Fresh herb that provides an earthy and subtle peppery note to the dish.

• Bourbon: Adds complex sweetness and helps deglaze the pot for rich sauce development.
• Beef Stock: Creates moisture and enhances the overall meaty flavor of the dish.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of the meat.
• Vinegar: Adds a sour brightness to balance the rich meat.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a smooth, glossy sauce with perfect consistency.

• Oil: Helps sear the meat and prevent sticking during the initial browning process.

Steps for Tender Instant Pot Short Ribs

Tips for Fall-Off-the-Bone Ribs

• Thoroughly pat ribs dry to ensure perfect searing and maximum flavor absorption.
• Brown meat in batches to prevent overcrowding, creating a rich caramelized exterior that locks in juiciness.
• Scrape pot bottom after adding bourbon to capture all the delicious browned bits for deeper flavor complexity.
• Chill the dish overnight to easily skim off excess fat, resulting in a cleaner, more refined sauce.
• Use cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce naturally, creating a glossy finish without lumps.

Short Rib Variations for Variety

• Slow Cooker Method: Replace Instant Pot with slow cooker, cook on low for 8 hours for tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch to thicken sauce while keeping recipe gluten-free.
• Red Wine Swap: Substitute bourbon with robust red wine like cabernet sauvignon for deeper, richer flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace short ribs with portobello mushrooms or jackfruit, using same seasoning and cooking method for plant-based protein option.

Serving Ideas for Short Ribs

• Hearty Dinner Centerpiece: Serve these tender short ribs as the star of a rustic family meal, plated over creamy mashed potatoes or soft polenta.
• Elegant Gathering Presentation: Arrange ribs on a large wooden board with fresh herb garnish, allowing guests to serve themselves family-style with crusty artisan bread.
• Wine Pairing Companion: Match the rich, bourbon-infused short ribs with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the deep, savory flavors.

Storage Solutions for Short Ribs

• Store cooled short ribs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Package ribs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 3 months.
• Warm refrigerated ribs gently in microwave or oven at low temperature. Add small splash of broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally for even heating.
• When chilled, fat will solidify on top. Easily scrape off white layer before reheating for healthier, leaner meal option.

FAQs

Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Instant Pot Short Ribs deliver rich, mouthwatering flavors that melt in your palate with tender, perfectly braised beef. Rich marinades and precise cooking techniques create a memorable dining experience.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) short ribs

Seasonings and Spices:

• Salt for seasoning
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons sugar

Aromatics and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, thick sliced
• 6 garlic cloves
• 2–3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) bourbon
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef stock

Thickener:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the short ribs by thoroughly rinsing under cold water, then meticulously pat dry with paper towels. Generously season all surfaces with salt, ensuring even coverage.
2. Activate the Instant Pot on high sauté mode and heat oil until shimmering. Carefully brown ribs in multiple batches, creating a rich caramelized exterior for approximately 3 minutes per side.
3. Sauté chopped onions in the remaining pot drippings until translucent and fragrant. Deglaze with bourbon, scraping up all flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Incorporate aromatic spices, vinegar, minced garlic, and fresh thyme into the liquid. Nestle seared ribs back into the pot and pour in beef stock to cover.
5. Secure the Instant Pot lid and pressure cook at high intensity for 45 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes after cooking cycle completes.
6. Carefully remove tender ribs from cooking liquid. Whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry, then stir into sauce to achieve desired thickness.
7. Gently return ribs to the glossy, reduced sauce. For optimal flavor development, consider letting the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving or refrigerating to easily remove excess fat later.

Notes

• Select high-quality, well-marbled short ribs for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
• Pat ribs extremely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect searing and caramelization.
• Use bone-in short ribs for deeper, more complex meat flavor and better texture.
• Allow meat to rest after cooking to help redistribute juices and maintain incredible moisture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg