Fall-Off-The-Bone Instant Pot Short Ribs: A Foolproof Recipe

Short ribs are a culinary indulgence, known for their rich, beefy flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Traditionally, achieving this level of perfection requires hours of slow braising in the oven or on the stovetop. However, with the magic of the Instant Pot, you can achieve the same incredible results in a fraction of the time. This recipe will guide you through creating unbelievably tender and flavorful Instant Pot short ribs that are perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal.

Why Use an Instant Pot for Short Ribs?

The Instant Pot offers several advantages when cooking short ribs:

* **Speed:** Significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods.
* **Tenderness:** The pressure cooking environment tenderizes the meat beautifully.
* **Flavor Infusion:** The sealed environment intensifies the flavors of the braising liquid.
* **Ease of Use:** Set it and forget it! The Instant Pot requires minimal monitoring.
* **Consistency:** Consistent results every time, eliminating guesswork.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create these delectable Instant Pot short ribs:

* **Short Ribs:** 3-4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs (English or flanken style)
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, for searing the short ribs
* **Onion:** 1 large, chopped
* **Carrots:** 2 medium, chopped
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons
* **Beef Broth:** 3 cups
* **Red Wine:** 1 cup (dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Bay Leaf:** 1
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Garnish:** Fresh parsley, chopped
* **Optional Thickener:** 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour mixed with 2-4 tablespoons cold water (for thickening the sauce if desired)

Equipment

* Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
* Large bowl
* Tongs
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Small bowl (for slurry, if using)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make the most delicious Instant Pot short ribs:

**1. Prepare the Short Ribs:**

* Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it will enhance the flavor of the entire dish.

**2. Sear the Short Ribs:**

* Turn on your Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a few minutes until shimmering. The oil should be hot enough to create a nice sear.
* Working in batches (do not overcrowd the pot), sear the short ribs on all sides until deeply browned. This step is essential for developing rich flavor. Each side should take about 3-4 minutes to brown properly. If the pot gets too crowded, the meat will steam instead of sear. Transfer the seared short ribs to a large bowl and set aside.

**3. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

**4. Add Aromatics:**

* Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the pot. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. The tomato paste will add depth of flavor and help thicken the sauce.

**5. Deglaze the Pot:**

* Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this is called fond). These browned bits are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate slightly.

**6. Add Remaining Ingredients:**

* Pour in the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

**7. Return Short Ribs to the Pot:**

* Place the seared short ribs back into the Instant Pot, nestling them into the braising liquid. Make sure the short ribs are mostly submerged in the liquid. If necessary, add a little more beef broth to ensure they are covered. However, avoid overfilling the Instant Pot.

**8. Pressure Cook:**

* Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to the ‘Sealing’ position.
* Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and set the cooking time to 45 minutes for boneless short ribs or 50 minutes for bone-in short ribs at high pressure. The difference in cooking time accounts for the bone acting as a slight insulator.

**9. Natural Pressure Release:**

* Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15-20 minutes. This gradual release helps the short ribs retain their moisture and tenderness. After 15-20 minutes, you can manually release any remaining pressure by carefully moving the pressure release valve to the ‘Venting’ position. Be cautious of the steam, which can be very hot.

**10. Remove Short Ribs:**

* Carefully remove the short ribs from the Instant Pot and place them in a serving dish. They should be incredibly tender and easily fall off the bone. If they are not tender enough, you can return them to the pot and pressure cook for another 5-10 minutes.

**11. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):**

* If you prefer a thicker sauce, select the ‘Sauté’ function again. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch or flour with cold water to create a slurry. Gradually whisk the slurry into the braising liquid, stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much slurry at once, as it can make the sauce too thick.

**12. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Pour the sauce over the short ribs and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredibly tender and flavorful short ribs. They pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, polenta, creamy grits, roasted vegetables, or egg noodles.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Short Ribs

* **Don’t skip the searing:** Searing the short ribs is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor. It’s worth the extra effort.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pot:** Sear the short ribs in batches to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding the pot will lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of searing.
* **Deglaze thoroughly:** Make sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot when deglazing with red wine. This will add a ton of flavor to the sauce.
* **Adjust cooking time:** Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your Instant Pot and the size of the short ribs. If the short ribs are not tender enough after the initial cooking time, add a few more minutes.
* **Natural pressure release is key:** Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15-20 minutes will help the short ribs retain their moisture and tenderness.
* **Skim the fat:** After pressure cooking, you can skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce for a healthier dish. This is best done after the sauce has cooled slightly.
* **Make ahead:** Short ribs can be made ahead of time and reheated. This makes them a great option for entertaining. The flavor often improves after a day or two in the refrigerator.
* **Freeze for later:** Leftover short ribs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

These Instant Pot short ribs are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** A classic pairing! The creamy mashed potatoes perfectly complement the rich, flavorful short ribs and sauce.
* **Polenta:** Creamy polenta is another excellent choice. The soft texture and mild flavor of the polenta allow the short rib flavor to shine.
* **Creamy Grits:** Similar to polenta, creamy grits provide a comforting and delicious base for the short ribs.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Egg Noodles:** Buttered egg noodles are a simple and satisfying accompaniment to the short ribs and sauce.
* **Risotto:** A creamy risotto, such as mushroom or Parmesan risotto, makes a luxurious and elegant side dish.
* **Green Beans:** A simple side of green beans, either steamed or sautéed, adds a touch of freshness to the meal.
* **Asparagus:** Roasted or grilled asparagus is another great option for a lighter side dish.

Variations and Adaptations

* **Add Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions, carrots, and celery for an earthy flavor.
* **Use Different Wine:** Experiment with different types of red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Chianti, to alter the flavor profile.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the braising liquid for a subtle kick.
* **Add Herbs:** Use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano instead of dried herbs for a brighter flavor.
* **Use Different Broth:** Try using chicken broth instead of beef broth for a slightly lighter flavor.
* **Add Soy Sauce:** A tablespoon of soy sauce can add umami and depth of flavor to the sauce.
* **Asian-Inspired Short Ribs:** Use soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar for an Asian-inspired twist.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

Conclusion

With this easy Instant Pot short ribs recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality short ribs in the comfort of your own home, without spending hours in the kitchen. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking magic transforms tough short ribs into tender, flavorful perfection. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness of these fall-off-the-bone short ribs! Enjoy!