**Updated April 1, 2020**
These Instant Pot Beef Ribs are packed with incredible flavor. They're seasoned to perfection with kosher salt and a lovely Cajun spice blend and pressured cooked until fork tender.
This mouth-watering recipe is done in about an hour and will have your family and friends craving for more.
This Cajun-inspired spice blend that's rubbed generously over each short rib really packs a punch. So, if you're looking for a hassle-free and down-right delicious Instant Pot Beef Rib recipe this is for you.
This recipe is super simple to make and requires a couple key steps and simple ingredients.
I cannot stress enough to really learn how to properly work your instant pot to prevent risk of injury.
If you're not sure how to work your instant pot properly, I'd suggest carefully reading through your owner's manual and/or referring to Youtube. Once you feel comfortable, you're well on your way to making these delicious finger licking beef ribs.
How to make beef short ribs in an instant pot
Now let's get to the fun part of this recipe.
- Wash and pat dry each short rib with paper towels. Season each rib with kosher salt and a generous amount of the Cajun spice blend.
- The MOST important step of this recipe is to SEAR each short rib in a skillet first then transfer to your instant pot or sear in the instant pot itself (This step elevates the flavor of the short ribs).
- Quickly saute minced garlic in the same oil that's used to sear the short ribs for added flavor (do not burn the garlic).
- Whether you sear the short ribs in a skillet or instant pot itself, the instant pot should have the sauteed garlic, seared short ribs, and chicken broth.
- Place the lid on the instant pot, MAKING SURE THE VALVE IS SET TO SEALING
- Press the 'Pressure Cook' button, and increase the cooking time to 45 minutes using the plus sign
- After 45 minutes, allow the pressure to come down naturally for 15 minutes, then do a manual release AND allow the pressure to release until the silver value drops down
- Remove short ribs from the instant pot and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil
- Drizzle your favorite BBQ sauce over each short ribs and set under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the ribs are brown and slightly caramelized.
That's it... fall-off-the-bone beef ribs.
Recipe tips:
- Make sure you know the basics of using your instant pot, so you're not afraid of using it and to prevent injury
- You can add just the minimum amount of liquid to the instant pot for this recipe as it will form a lot of liquid
- I highly recommend searing your ribs FIRST before pressuring cooking them.
- If you have a lot of short ribs, sear in a large skillet on the stove-top then transfer to your instant pot to save time. If you go this route, sear each short rib with the meaty side down.
- Sear the short ribs in batches to create a nice brown outer crust on each rib.
- If using the instant pot to sear your short ribs, plug in your instant pot and press the saute button, add cooking oil and set to 5 to 8 minutes. Sear your short ribs in batches (with the meaty side down)
- After the ribs are done pressure cooking, remove them from the instant pot and place on a prepared baking sheet and place under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes before serving
3 ways to serve this recipe
Here are three quick and easy ways to serve Instant Pot Beef Ribs:
- Serve as they are when they're done in the pressure cooker
- When done, skim off any grease from the liquid and discard. Thicken remaining liquid by making a luscious gravy. You can use a slurry made with cornstarch or arrowroot.
- As with this recipe, turn instant pot beef ribs into BBQ beef short ribs
Can you overcook short ribs
You can't overcook short ribs if you're using a pressure cooker such as an instant pot or when braising. These two cooking methods will eventually result in fall-off-the-bone fork tender meat. You really can't mess up.
In my opinion, this would be a really good recipe for using your instant pot for the first time. It uses multiple steps which will help you become more familiar with the different options and uses of your instant pot.
What can you serve with beef short ribs
The number of side dishes you can serve with beef short ribs are endless.
You can pair them with the same sides you would serve at a BBQ.
You can never go wrong with my Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese or these Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes.
If you're looking for low-carb side dishes, you'll enjoy these:
Healthy Coleslaw Recipe without mayo (served with tahini dressing)
I really hope you enjoy and thanks for visiting.
Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipe ideas.
Take care,
Cree
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Beef Ribs
Instant Pot Beef RibsEquipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
Cajun Spice Blend
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (add more for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Ribs
- 25 short ribs (more or less depending on the number of people you're serving)
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1.5 cup low sodium chicken broth (or minimum amount for your instant pot)
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoon grape-seed oil (extra virgin olive oil or other cooking oil is fine)
Instructions
- Combine spices to make Cajun spice blend. Set aside.
- Wash short ribs and pat dry with paper towels. Season with kosher salt and Cajun spice blend.
- **For Searing: (Use a large skillet on the stove top). If using a skillet, place skillet over medium high heat. Add grape-seed oil. Place short ribs in skillet with meaty side down until brown crusty outer layer develops then place on clean plate. Repeat this process until all short ribs have been seared. Work in batches to avoid over-crowding skillet.
- **For Searing (Using an Instant Pot): Place oil in instant pot, press the Saute button, set the time for 5 to 8 minutes, add short ribs with meaty side down and sear until brown crusty outer layer forms then add to a clean plate. Repeat this process until all short ribs have been seared. Work in batches to avoid over-crowding
- Keep 2 tablespoons of the oil that was used for searing to saute the minced garlic (if there's too much oil, discard some. If too little oil, add more). If you used a skillet on the stove-top for searing, transfer some of that oil to the instant pot to saute the garlic and to finish the recipe.
- Saute the garlic just until fragrant, add the short ribs and chicken broth to the instant pot. Secure the lid and set valve to 'Sealing'. Press Pressure Cook and increase time to 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, allow the pressure to come down naturally then do a manual release until pressure value drops down.
- Broil the ribs (Optional) - Remove ribs from instant pot and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Drizzle your favorite BBQ sauce over each rib and place baking sheet in oven to broil for approximately 3 to 5 minutes until the meat looks brown and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from broiler and serve immediately.
Notes
- Really get to know your instant pot to prevent risk of injury
- You only need a little liquid for this recipe it will form a lot of liquid during the pressure cooking process
- Do not skip the searing process before pressuring cooking your ribs
- Sear each rib with the meaty side down
- Sear the short ribs in batches to create a nice brown outer crust on each rib if not they will steam instead
- After the ribs are done pressure cooking, remove them from the instant pot and place on a prepared baking sheet and place under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes before serving
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For the most accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information using the specific ingredients and brands you use.
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