Name: Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: PT-498352H10M19S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef short ribs; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup beef broth; 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce for gluten-free option); 1 tbsp tomato paste; Optional: thyme or rosemary (to taste)

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If you’re craving a dinner that feels indulgent but comes together surprisingly fast, this Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs infused with rich flavors from a savory sauce, all cooked perfectly in your Instant Pot without hours of waiting. It’s a comfort meal that brings a restaurant-quality experience right into your home kitchen, and once you try it, it might just become your new go-to for impressing family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows raw cooking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There are four white bowls filled with diced vegetables: orange carrots, white onions, light green celery, and a small portion of red tomato paste in a tiny white dish. A clear measuring cup contains brown broth, and a glass of dark red wine sits nearby. A white plate holds several raw ribs on brown parchment paper. Small white dishes hold olive oil and pink salt, next to a dark stone bowl with mixed peppercorns on a small wooden board. Fresh green parsley and rosemary sprigs lie near the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this dish plays an important role, combining to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile. From the hearty beef short ribs to the aromatic herbs, each element is simple yet essential, ensuring a meal that’s bursting with richness and depth without any fuss.

2 lbs beef short ribs: Choose well-marbled ribs for maximum tenderness and flavor.

1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the ribs nicely, locking in juices.
1 small onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and texture to the sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that irresistible aromatic punch.
1 cup beef broth: Forms a rich base for the cooking liquid and sauce.

2 tbsp soy sauce: Brings a savory depth, balancing saltiness perfectly.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce with a touch of umami and color.
Salt and pepper to taste: Must-have seasonings to bring all flavors together.

Optional: thyme or rosemary: Fresh or dried herbs for an extra layer of fragrance.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Ribs

Start by generously seasoning your beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Then, set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil until shimmering. Place the ribs in the pot and brown them well on all sides to seal in the juices and create that beautiful caramelized crust. Once browned, remove the ribs and set them aside temporarily.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant and the onions become translucent to develop a sweet aroma. Then stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook briefly to bring out a deep, rich flavor before adding the beef broth and soy sauce. These ingredients come together to form a luscious cooking liquid that will tenderize the ribs and elevate the sauce.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Ribs

Carefully nestle the browned ribs back into the pot, ensuring they’re partially submerged in the flavorful liquid. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 35 to 40 minutes. This magic pressure cooking step transforms the ribs into tender morsels in a fraction of the usual braising time.

Step 4: Natural Release and Serve

After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 to 15 minutes. This gentle finish keeps the meat tender and juicy. Remove the ribs carefully, skim any excess fat from the sauce if needed, and get ready to serve this incredible meal with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes or rice work beautifully here.

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe

The dish shows one large piece of dark brown meat with a bone sticking out, covered in a shiny brown sauce with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. Below the meat are two swirled layers of smooth, creamy white mashed potatoes, also topped with green herbs. All is placed on a round white plate sitting on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth partly visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of fresh thyme add a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that makes the plating feel fresh and inviting. A little cracked black pepper on top also gives an elegant finishing touch for that rustic charm.

Side Dishes

Since the ribs are rich and saucy, pairing them with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or steamed white rice helps soak up all those delicious juices. Roasted vegetables like carrots and green beans bring balance with their natural sweetness and crisp texture, rounding out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, consider serving the ribs over a bed of creamy mashed sweet potatoes or even cauliflower puree for a low-carb twist. Alternatively, shred the cooked ribs and pile them on toasted baguette slices for an irresistible appetizer or sandwich that will impress your guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover beef short ribs can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the ribs and sauce together to preserve moisture and flavor, so reheating feels just as delightful as the first serving.

Freezing

This Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the ribs and sauce into freezer-friendly containers or bags, and store them for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the ribs in a covered pan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to keep the sauce saucy and prevent drying. You can also use a microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally to evenly heat through.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in or boneless beef short ribs for this recipe?

Bone-in short ribs are preferred for their extra flavor and tenderness, but boneless can work too; just be mindful that cooking time may be slightly reduced.

Is it necessary to brown the ribs before pressure cooking?

Browning is highly recommended because it develops richer flavors and adds a lovely color and texture to the final dish, though you can skip it in a pinch.

Can I substitute the soy sauce for a gluten-free option?

Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing savory depth.

What can I do if my sauce is too thin after cooking?

Simply switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode and simmer the sauce until it reduces and thickens to your liking.

How tender will the ribs be using this Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe?

They become incredibly tender, falling off the bone effortlessly thanks to the pressure cooking method speeding up the traditional braising process.

Final Thoughts

Give this Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe a try and discover just how effortless it is to create a truly comforting and impressive meal. Once you taste the tender, flavorful ribs and that luscious sauce, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making these sooner. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special get-together, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to your table every time.

Chef MARTHA

Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need