Easy Instant Pot Short Ribs

Instant Pot short ribs are tender, juicy, and full of rich beef flavor. The pressure cooker transforms beef short ribs into a deliciously soft and satisfying meal, while a simple combination of beef broth and barbecue sauce adds plenty of savory and slightly sweet flavor.

This easy Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation. With an optional browning step and a simple 45-minute pressure cook, you can create tender short ribs with a flavorful sauce right in your Instant Pot.

1. Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe (Yield: 4 Servings)

Ingredients

• 2½–3 lbs (1.1–1.4 kg) beef short ribs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup barbecue sauce, or your favorite sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional for browning

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Short Ribs

Begin by preparing the beef short ribs. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere to the surface and also improves browning if you decide to sear the ribs.

Sprinkle the salt and black pepper evenly over the short ribs, making sure to coat all sides. Press the seasoning gently into the meat so it stays in place during cooking.

Let the seasoned ribs rest for about 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the Instant Pot.

Step 2: Brown the Ribs (Optional)

Browning the short ribs is optional, but it adds an extra layer of flavor and gives the meat a more appetizing color.

Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté function and allow it to heat for a few minutes. Add a drizzle of olive oil if needed.

Place the short ribs into the hot pot without overcrowding them. Sear the ribs for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning them with tongs until the exterior is nicely browned.

If your Instant Pot is not large enough to brown all the ribs comfortably at once, work in batches. Overcrowding can cause the beef to steam rather than sear.

Once browned, transfer the ribs to a plate and set them aside.

Step 3: Add the Liquid

Press Cancel to turn off the Sauté function.

Pour the beef broth into the Instant Pot. If you browned the ribs, use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These flavorful bits add richness to the cooking liquid.

Add the barbecue sauce and stir gently to combine it with the beef broth.

Return the short ribs to the Instant Pot. Arrange them so they fit comfortably in the pot and are mostly surrounded by the liquid. They do not need to be completely submerged because the pressure cooker will create a moist cooking environment.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the steam release valve is set to Sealing.

Select Pressure Cook or Manual and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 45 minutes.

Once the cooking time is complete, do not immediately release all the pressure. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.

After the 10-minute natural release, carefully move the steam release valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure. Keep your hands and face away from the steam.

Wait until the pressure indicator drops completely before opening the lid.

Carefully remove the lid and check the short ribs. The meat should be very tender and should easily pull away from the bone. If the ribs are not tender enough, you can pressure cook them for another 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Carefully transfer the cooked short ribs to a serving platter. The meat will be very tender, so use tongs gently to prevent the ribs from falling apart before they reach the plate.

Spoon some of the flavorful barbecue sauce and cooking liquid over the top of the ribs.

Allow the short ribs to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the meat a little time to settle while keeping it warm and juicy.

If there is excess fat floating on the surface of the sauce, skim it off with a spoon before serving. You can also transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer it for a few minutes if you prefer a slightly thicker consistency.

Serve the tender short ribs with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides for a complete meal.

2. Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Short Ribs

Choose short ribs with plenty of meat and some visible marbling. The fat and connective tissue help create a tender, flavorful result during pressure cooking.

Pat the ribs dry before seasoning. Wet meat doesn’t brown as effectively, so taking a moment to remove excess moisture can make a noticeable difference if you use the optional searing step.

Don’t skip browning if you want deeper flavor. Although the ribs will still be tender and delicious without searing, caramelizing the outside creates flavorful browned bits that become part of the sauce.

If you brown the ribs, always deglaze the Instant Pot before pressure cooking. Scrape the bottom thoroughly with a wooden spoon to loosen any stuck pieces.

Avoid adding too much liquid. The Instant Pot needs liquid to generate steam and pressure, but the short ribs don’t need to be completely covered.

Use a barbecue sauce you already enjoy. Since the sauce becomes part of the finished dish, its flavor will have a noticeable effect on the final result.

Allow the 10-minute natural pressure release. Releasing the pressure naturally for a short period helps the meat remain tender and reduces the chance of the cooking liquid splattering during a quick release.

Don’t be concerned if the ribs aren’t perfectly tender at exactly 45 minutes. Beef short ribs vary in size and thickness. If they are still firm, simply pressure cook them for another few minutes.

For a thicker sauce, remove the cooked ribs and select the Sauté function. Let the cooking liquid simmer uncovered for several minutes until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Be careful when removing the cooked ribs. Once properly cooked, the meat may be so tender that it separates from the bone easily.

3. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless short ribs instead of bone-in short ribs?

Yes, boneless short ribs can be used. However, they may vary in thickness and size, so cooking time can differ slightly. Check the meat for tenderness before deciding whether additional pressure cooking is necessary.

Can I make these short ribs without browning them?

Yes. Browning is completely optional. The Instant Pot will still cook the short ribs until tender, but searing the meat first adds a deeper roasted flavor to the finished dish.

Can I use homemade barbecue sauce?

Absolutely. Homemade barbecue sauce works very well in this recipe. You can adjust the sweetness, acidity, smokiness, and spice according to your preference.

How do I know when the short ribs are done?

The most important sign is tenderness. Properly cooked short ribs should be very soft and should pull away from the bone easily. If the meat still feels tough or chewy, it needs additional cooking time.

Can I freeze leftover Instant Pot short ribs?

Yes. Allow the ribs and sauce to cool before transferring them to an airtight freezer-safe container. Store them with some of the sauce to help maintain moisture. For the best quality, use frozen leftovers within about 3 months.

4. Nutrition Information

The following nutrition information is an estimate based on one serving of short ribs with barbecue sauce. Actual values can vary depending on the fat content of the beef and the specific barbecue sauce used.

Instant Pot short ribs are a simple way to turn a flavorful cut of beef into a tender and satisfying meal without the long cooking time required by traditional braising. The combination of beef broth and barbecue sauce creates a rich cooking liquid that keeps the ribs flavorful throughout the pressure-cooking process.

For the best results, season the ribs well, brown them when possible, and give the meat enough time to become genuinely tender. The 10-minute natural pressure release is also worth keeping in the recipe, helping you achieve the soft, pull-apart texture that makes Instant Pot short ribs so delicious.

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