Instant Pot Short Ribs

Instant Pot Short Ribs are a delightful dish that delivers on flavor and tenderness, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. The beauty of using an Instant Pot is that it significantly reduces cooking time without sacrificing that rich, slow-cooked taste that short ribs are known for. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that will leave everyone yearning for more.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 550
• Protein: 42 grams
• Carbohydrates: 14 grams
• Fat: 36 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Sugar: 3 grams
• Sodium: 600 mg

Why Make This Instant Pot Short Ribs

Making Instant Pot Short Ribs is not only about the tender, fall-off-the-bone meat; it’s also about the complex flavors that develop during the cooking process. The combination of beef broth, red wine, and aromatic vegetables creates a sauce that’s rich and savory. Plus, the Instant Pot seals in moisture and infuses the meat with all those delicious flavors, making it a hassle-free choice for weeknight dinners or impressing guests during special occasions.

How to Make Instant Pot Short Ribs

Creating mouthwatering Instant Pot Short Ribs is as easy as following these simple steps.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of beef short ribs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Step 2: Sautéing

Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ and add the olive oil. Once hot, brown the short ribs on all sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Remove the browned short ribs and set them aside.

Step 3: Mixing

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until they become soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Then stir in the beef broth, red wine, soy sauce, tomato paste, and paprika until well combined.

Step 4: Cooking

Return the short ribs to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the rich liquid. Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’, and cook for 45 minutes. After cooking, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Finishing

Carefully remove the short ribs from the pot. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use the ‘Sauté’ function to reduce the liquid, stirring frequently until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve the ribs garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Instant Pot Short Ribs

Serve your tender short ribs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or a rich polenta to soak up all that delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad can balance the richness of the dish. Don’t forget a glass of the leftover red wine to accompany your meal!

How to Store Instant Pot Short Ribs

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the short ribs in the sauce for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Short Ribs

• Look for well-marbled short ribs for the best flavor and tenderness.
• For added depth, substitute part of the beef broth with additional red wine.
• When cooking, be sure the short ribs are submerged for even cooking.
• If you’re short on time, you can skip browning the meat, but this step adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Always allow the Instant Pot to naturally release when cooking tougher cuts of meat; this helps retain moisture.

Delicious Variations

• Substitute boneless short ribs for a slightly different texture.
• Add root vegetables like carrots or potatoes into the pot before cooking for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary, for an aromatic twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen short ribs?
Yes, you can use frozen short ribs, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 60 minutes. Make sure to do a natural release to let them cook evenly.

2. Can I make this recipe without wine?
Absolutely! You can replace the red wine with additional beef broth or grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.

3. How do I know when the short ribs are done?
The short ribs are done when they are fork-tender and easily shred apart. Cooking in the Instant Pot usually ensures this tenderness.

4. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but ensure your Instant Pot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume. You may also need to slightly adjust the cooking time.

5. How do I thicken the sauce?
You can thicken the sauce by adding a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water) while using the ‘Sauté’ function, or by simmering it uncovered to reduce the liquid.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Short Ribs offer a comforting, rich flavor that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, all while being simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight. With the ease of the Instant Pot, you can impress your family and friends with a meal that tastes like it has been slow-cooked for hours. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness that comes with every bite! Happy cooking!