Instant Pot Short Ribs

Instant Pot Short Ribs

Instant Pot Short Ribs

Fall-Apart Tender, Rich, and Easy – The Perfect Pressure Cooker Comfort Food

Introduction

These Instant Pot short ribs are the kind of dinner that feels gourmet but is secretly simple. With just five main ingredients, this recipe transforms a tough cut of beef into a fall-apart tender, savory masterpiece — all thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. Whether you're using boneless or bone-in short ribs, this quick and easy method delivers bold flavor and buttery texture, perfect for cozy nights or even an impressive date night meal.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe
Traditional short ribs take hours to break down, but the Instant Pot gets the job done in a fraction of the time. The meat becomes incredibly juicy and tender, with rich flavor infused into every bite. All it takes is a quick sear, a splash of broth, and a pressure cook cycle. No oven, no endless simmering — just one pot and under two hours from start to finish. Whether you’re craving Korean-style ribs, red wine braised, or a simple comfort classic, this recipe is endlessly adaptable and shockingly delicious.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Short ribs – Bone-in or boneless both work well; bone-in gives more flavor
Beef broth – Adds savory depth to the sauce
Coconut aminos – A soy-free, low sodium alternative to soy sauce with a touch of sweetness
Garlic – Freshly minced for bold, aromatic flavor
Olive oil – For searing and flavor foundation
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning

Optional Additions

Bay leaves or fresh herbs for added aroma
Chopped carrots, onions, or celery to bulk up the base
A splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for acidity and depth
Gelatin powder or cornstarch to thicken the sauce after cooking

How to Make Short Ribs in the Instant Pot

Start by seasoning the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Sear the short ribs on all sides until nicely browned — do this in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Remove the ribs and sauté minced garlic in the remaining oil. Pour in beef broth and coconut aminos, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. Return the ribs to the pot, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure until fork-tender. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release. If desired, remove the ribs and simmer the sauce to reduce it or thicken it with a slurry.

My Recipe Tips for the Best Results

Cut the ribs into even-sized pieces (about 1.5 x 2 inches) for uniform cooking
Don’t skip the browning — it adds irreplaceable flavor to the final dish
Sear the meat in small batches to get a proper crust
Deglaze the pot well to avoid a burn warning and to lift those tasty browned bits
Use a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes to keep the meat tender
If the ribs are still a bit tough, return them to the pot for another 5 to 10 minutes under pressure

Flavor Variations

Instant Pot Short Ribs Korean Style – Add sesame oil, gochujang, and ginger for bold Korean flavors
Instant Pot Short Ribs with Red Wine – Replace some of the broth with dry red wine and add rosemary for a classic braise
Asian Instant Pot Short Ribs – Add rice vinegar, ginger, and a splash of fish sauce for an umami punch
Pioneer Woman Inspired Version – Add tomato paste, carrots, and thyme for a rustic homestyle flavor

How to Serve Instant Pot Short Ribs

Serve the ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery mashed cauliflower, or polenta to soak up the rich sauce.
Pair them with roasted vegetables like broccolini, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal.
For a fresh twist, shred the meat and serve in lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas.
Use leftovers in soups, sandwiches, or even pasta dishes for a second round of comfort food bliss.

Storage and Reheating

Fridge – Store leftover ribs in an airtight container with sauce for up to 4 days
Freezer – Freeze cooled ribs with sauce for up to 3 months
To Reheat – Warm gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use boneless short ribs in the Instant Pot?
Yes, boneless short ribs work just as well and may even cook slightly faster. Adjust cooking time down by a few minutes if needed.

Can I make Instant Pot short ribs ahead of time?
Definitely. These actually taste better the next day as the flavors deepen. Reheat slowly to maintain the tender texture.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead?
Yes, you can sear the ribs first, then cook them in a slow cooker on low for 8–9 hours or high for 5–6 hours.

Can I use red wine in this recipe?
Absolutely. Replace about half of the beef broth with a dry red wine for rich, classic braised short rib flavor.

Do I need to thicken the sauce?
The sauce is naturally flavorful, but you can thicken it after cooking using a cornstarch slurry or a bit of gelatin powder for a luxurious finish.

Conclusion

These Instant Pot short ribs are the ultimate in cozy, meaty comfort food. They’re fast, flavorful, and flexible enough for weeknights or special occasions. With minimal effort and maximum reward, this recipe proves that five simple ingredients and a pressure cooker can deliver gourmet results every time.