The Instant Pot, a versatile and time-saving kitchen appliance, has revolutionized home cooking by making complex dishes accessible to all. One such dish that benefits from the magic of the Instant Pot is beef short ribs.
In this article, we’ll explore an effortless Instant Pot beef short ribs recipe that promises succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat infused with rich flavors, making it a perfect choice for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
1. Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef short ribs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Short Ribs
Start by seasoning the short ribs with salt and black pepper. This step enhances the flavor of the meat.
In the Instant Pot, set it to the “Sauté” function and heat the vegetable oil. Brown the short ribs on all sides, working in batches to ensure a golden crust forms. Remove the ribs and set them aside.
Step 2: Creating the Flavorful Base
In the same Instant Pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic flavors.
Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and lift any flavorful bits.
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves.
Return the browned short ribs to the Instant Pot, ensuring they are nestled into the liquid and vegetables.
Step 3: Pressure Cooking
Seal the Instant Pot with the lid, set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook,” and cook on high pressure for 45-50 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before using the quick-release method to release any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Thickening the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the Instant Pot and set it to the “Sauté” function. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Carefully remove the short ribs from the Instant Pot and discard the bay leaves.
Serve the beef short ribs over a bed of mashed potatoes, polenta, or your favorite grain.
Spoon the flavorful sauce and vegetables over the ribs, and garnish with fresh herbs for a burst of color and freshness.
The Instant Pot beef short ribs recipe exemplifies the beauty of modern cooking technology. In a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods, you can achieve tender, flavorful short ribs that rival those of a gourmet restaurant. This dish is a testament to the Instant Pot’s ability to simplify cooking without sacrificing taste.
