By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On April 24, 2023
Tender and fall-off-the-bone good, these Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs are going to be a new favorite dish. It's the best pressure cooker beef short ribs recipe, in my opinion.
You are going to love this beef short rib recipe!
Serve these Instant Pot Short Ribs with Red Roasted Potatoes and a salad or grilled veggies for a complete meal. If you like to eat your beef short ribs with cornbread you're going to want to check out my Gluten-Free Cornbread recipe.
Why You Will Love the Recipe
- It takes less than an hour to cook
- Naturally gluten- and sugar-free recipe
- Tender, savory meat
- Easy to make ahead
INSTANT POT BEEF SHORT RIBS RECIPE
Looking for an instant pot short ribs recipe? Or maybe a pressure cooker beef short rib recipe?
This easy beef short ribs recipe produces the best beef short ribs and the sauce is going to have you spooning it on everything.
I used to make beef short ribs in the slow cooker (and sometimes I still will), but lately I have been obsessed with my Instant Pot.
Now we make instant pot short ribs at least twice a month. Keep an eye on the sales, as they go down all the time. You can also get the non-ultra version. It's priced reasonably.
For more meal ideas check out my Gluten-Free Main Dishes.
This instant pot short ribs recipe is so insanely easy, and delicious that you are going to want to make it over and over again.
Pressure Cooker Beef Short Ribs
This Pressure Cooker Beef Short Ribs recipe is a spin off my traditional slower cooker Savory Beef Short Ribs. The instant pot beef short ribs are just as tender and flavorful as when you cook them in a slow cooker.
The Instant Pot has several settings, depending on which model you have. I used the "Pressure Cook" setting, also known as the manual setting to make these.
Some people have a "slow cooker" setting. That setting is to make the instant pot act like a slow cooker.
You'll want to use the pressure cooker setting for these instant pot beef short ribs. The setting is what makes these beef short ribs tender.
How long should you cook short ribs in Instant Pot?
It only takes about 40 - 50 minutes for most beef short rib recipes in the instant pot. When it beeps do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes and then release any remaining steam.
40 minutes may seem like a long time, but most short rib recipes take 6-8 hours in a slow cooker.
The instant pot speeds up the process without compromising on taste or texture in the instant pot short ribs.
Pressure Cooker Ribs
These Pressure Cooker Beef Short Ribs were on the table in less than an hour. I like to serve mine with bok choy and mashed sweet potatoes.
They are naturally gluten-free, and sugar-free, making them Paleo and Primal friendly (for those who eat Paleo or Primal).
The combination of sweet and savory flavors brings a lite smoky BBQ flavor to these short ribs (not sweet at all). These instant pot short ribs are super savory.
You can also use beef rib fingers in this recipe, just reduce the time by 10 minutes.
What is a beef rib finger?
Beef rib Fingers are the thin strips of beef cut from between individual ribs. It's essentially the rib, but without the bone. It's nice an tender when cooked correctly.
This instant pot short ribs recipe is as simple as mixing the spices, or use your favorite rub, and sear the meat. Add in the other ingredients and let the Instant Pot do its magic.
As an added bonus, not only do you get to enjoy amazing beef short ribs, but the bones take on a spicy flavor and are super tasty when used to make bone broth.
Tips and tricks to making perfect beef short ribs:
- Follow the directions and don't skip steps.
- When you brown the short ribs, make sure they have a good brown crust to them.
- Add the ingredients in the order they are listed. If you have questions on substitutions, just ask.
- When the short ribs are done, allow them to go through the cool down cycle on your instant pot for at least 10 minutes, then do a quick release of the pressure.
- Make sure to spoon some extra sauce over the beef short ribs before serving.
- Store leftover beef short ribs in the refrigerator with the sauce covering it. It will help keep the meat from drying out.
Can I cook instant pot short ribs from frozen?
Yes. You can start with frozen beef short ribs for this instant pot beef short rib recipe. Simply add 5 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I quick release my instant pot short ribs?
Instant pots kick into a slow release, or "cool down" function when the cook time is complete. For best results, allow your instant pot beef short ribs to sit in the instant pot while it naturally releases the pressure (about 10 minutes).
You can also "quick" release the pressure when the cooking time is complete. Your instant pot beef short ribs will still be fall-off-the-bone tender.
How do I cook beef short ribs in Instant Pot?
- Mix the first five ingredients (the spices).
- Rub the spices on the outside of the beef short rib; set aside.
- Set your instant pot to sauté. Drizzle oil into instant pot.
- Using tongs, lower short ribs into Instant Pot. Sear all sides.
- Remove short ribs; set aside. Add tomato paste, water, balsamic, Dijon mustard, cocoa, and garlic to the Instant Pot.
- Mix until combined.
- Add short ribs.
- Place lid on Instant Pot and lock into place. Turn the settings to "Pressure Cooker", and set the timer for 40 minutes.
Use the quick release when it's done. Serve hot with additional sauce spooned over the top of the short ribs.
This year we're really trying to get better about making healthy high-protein meals at home.
We will definitely be rotating these Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs into our meal plan at least once a month. You can never have too many leftover beef short ribs.
If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can still enjoy my traditional slower cooker Savory Beef Short Ribs. This Instant Pot Pot Roast is also super simple to make and savory.
How to cook instant pot short ribs in red wine
Adding wine to instant pot short beef ribs is a great way to add more flavor to the dish! Use a splash of dry red wine suitable for drinking, such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet.
Why are my ribs tough in the Instant Pot?
Usually, the ribs turn out tough if they are too large or too thick and the cooking time just isn't enough. The trick is to buy racks that weigh about three pounds each; cut the slab in half before placing it into the instant pot.
How do you get fall off the bone ribs?
To make your ribs fall off the bone, allow the meat to sit in the instant pot while it naturally releases the pressure, which is about 10 minutes after the cooking is done.
Is it better to slow cook or pressure cook ribs?
It all depends on how much time you have. Beef ribs are thicker and take longer to cook. Typically, it takes an hour in an instant pot and up to six hours in the slow cooker.
Do you have to brown short ribs?
There is no rule that says you must brown short ribs. However, browning takes a few minutes and helps add rich flavor to instant pot short ribs!
How many short ribs per person should I plan on?
It depends on the weight and size of the short ribs. Generally, it is recommended to plan 1 to 3 short beef ribs per person. Anyway, everyone loves leftovers!
How I serve these braised Instant Pot short ribs:
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cobb
- Gluten-Free Biscuits
- Lemon Wok Asparagus
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Cheesy Potatoes
- Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole
For dessert we recommend pairing this beef short rib dinner with Black Raspberry Ice Cream. If you're looking for something else, this gluten free tiramisu is lovely as well.
If you make this instant pot beef ribs recipe, please stop back by and let me know what you thought! You can leave a starred rating and a comment below.
Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs - Easy Pressure Cooker Ribs!
Tender and fall-of-the-bone good, these Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs are going to be a new favorite. It's the best pressure cooker beef short ribs recipe, in my opinion.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon onion salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon sage
- 2 lbs. beef short rib
- 2 tablespoons high temperature oil
- 1 6oz can tomato paste
- 1 and ½ cups water or broth
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 cloves garlic, whole
Instructions
- Mix the first five ingredients (the spices) and rub on the outside of the beef short rib; set aside.
- Set your instant pot to sauté.
- Drizzle oil into instant pot.
- Using tongs, lower short ribs into Instant Pot.
- Sear all sides.
- Remove short ribs; set aside.
- Add tomato paste, water, balsamic, Dijon mustard, cocoa, and garlic to the Instant Pot and mix with a spoon until combined.
- Add short ribs.
- Place lid on Instant Pot and lock into place.
- Make sure your steam vent is turned to closed.
- Turn the settings to "Pressure Cooker", and set the timer for 40 minutes.
- Once the 40 minutes are up, let the Instant Pot sit for 10 minutes.
- Carefully press the pressure release valve.
- Once all the pressure is released, unlock the lid.
- Spoon sauce over each piece of beef short rib and serve warm.
Notes
Please note that the nutritional information may not be accurate. It depends on how many short rib you make, and how big they are. Also, how much sauce you drizzle over the short ribs plays into the total nutritional count.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
2 short ribsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 557Total Fat: 39gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 151mgSodium: 563mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 40g
Kelly
I haven't tried short ribs in my IP yet, but you just gave me inspiration. Can't wait to try!
Kortney
The insta pot sounds like such an amazing gadget. I have been an anti-gadget girl and then I got a vitamix, and then a stand mixer, and feel like an insta pot will be making its appearance soon!
Leslie
These short ribs look so tender! Amazing how quickly you can get a meal on the table with the right equipment
Kristina
we LOVE our instant pot - my husband can call on his way home, and I'll START dinner and it will be ready when he gets here! 🙂
Sarah
I still don't have an Instant Pot and all these recipes being posted are making me really debate one!
JoAnn
You will not be sorry to get an Instant Pot. I bought one last week and have used it everyday. I love it ! I find my recepies on the internet or make recepies from ones that I have.
Audrey
I've been looking for new recipes for my Instant Pot. I can't wait to try this! Yum!
Jen
These are my husband's favorite but I've never made them in the IP. Can't wait to try this!
Alisa Fleming
I got my sister a multi-cooker for Christmas, but have actually never used one (or a pressure cooker for that matter). So now I'm wondering how to make these amazing short ribs in the oven - the flavor sounds delicious!
Lindsey
It all looks so good! This is a very appetizing meal.
Amanda
I have an Instant Pot obsession, too! I will have to try these short ribs. I love the idea of making my own bone broth.
Nicole Dawson
Glad to see I'm not the only one without an IP yet, but the more delicious recipes I see, the closer I get to getting one!
Brielle @ Breezy Bakes
The instant pot is everywhere now! I think I need to jump on this bandwagon. And this may be the first recipe I make. Looks delish!
Megan
Ummm...hello--the lighting on that first pic is DREAMY.
Jereann Zann
I just got an Instant Pot and am looking for recipes, so this is perfect timing! The ribs look delicious.
Tommy Coulter
I am searching for short rib recipes and came across yours. I see you add cocoa powder. What does this bring to the final dish? I am curious.
chrystal
Hi Tommy,
In this recipe it lends color, body, and additional flavor. It also helps to enhance the other flavors. You could leave it out if you'd like. I have forgotten the cocoa before and it still turned out lovely.
Best,
Chrystal
sandy
made this last nite its delicious!
chrystal
Thank you for stopping back by and letting me know!
Best,
Chrystal
Margy
Can I double the recipe? I have about 5 pounds of short ribs. Would it take longer to cook them?
Thanks!
chrystal
Hi Margy!
Yes, you can double the recipe. I would add about 10 minutes to the timer, no need to double the time.
Best,
Chrystal
Jenna
This looks delicious! How many servings would you say this makes? Thanks!
chrystal
It makes 4-5 pieces of short rib, but with the sauce, you could go up to at least 8 pieces. I serve two pieces per adult, personally.
Best,
Chrystal
Suzanne
How would I change the cooking time for boneless beef short ribs?
chrystal
Hi Suzanne,
Depending on how thick your ribs are cut, you could decrease the time by 5-10 minutes.
Hope that helps!
Chrystal
Andrew
Holy shit this sauce is unreal.
chrystal
Hi Andrew,
I'd have to agree 🙂 So glad you like it. Thanks for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Heather Whitehouse
I just made these and accidentally put in way too much dijon....1/2 cup! I don't have time to start over. They're in the Instant Pot now. EEEK!!
chrystal
It might be a little tangy 😉 But probably still tasty!
Best,
Chrystal
Denise
What brand of baksamic vinegar do you use? There are so many varying strengths. I currently have 3 ranging from very mild and thin, to very strong, and thick...somewhat like a glaze.
chrystal
HI Denise,
You can use a mild, and thin one. I don't typically use the thicker balsamic in this recipe. 🙂
Best,
Chrystal
Gina Kelley
Do you use Low Pressure or High Pressure setting o. Instant Pot?
chrystal
Hi Gina,
The model I have has a control for "meat". I believe it's considered high pressure.
Best,
Chrystal
Daphne
Really surprising recipe! It is a sort of mole, as in Mexican cooking. I love the thickness and complex flavor of the sauce, and the beef was tender and delicious. I was concerned about the amount of balsamic vinegar, as both my spouse and I have issues with acidity. Next time I would only use a tablespoon (I used less than 1/4 cup this time). Also, I do not like the off flavor of powdered onion, so next time I would think about very finely diced onions instead. (Although I do realize that part of the appeal of this sauce was its smoothness).
Otherwise, this was fantastic.
chrystal
Hi Daphne,
Thank you so much for stopping back by and letting me know. I know not all recipes work for every person. I'm glad you enjoyed it and have ideas on how you'll make it work more to you and your husband's taste next time. 🙂
All my best,
Chrystal
Irina
Tried the recipe. Modified only slightly the ingredients. It came out delicious. But 40 mins was not enough. Had to restart the pot for another 20 mins on high power.
chrystal
Hi Irina,
So glad you liked it! I've always cooked mine on high pressure for 40 minutes, then did slow release. Is that what you did?
Best,
Chrystal
Yen
I made this last night and it turned out great. Thank you for this easy and quick recipe. It was a big hit with my family and guests. The meat was so tender. I added one diced onion and a few mushrooms and left out the dijon mustard and cocoa.
Christjna
What cooking time would you recommend forif cooking ribs from frozen? (New IP owner her)
chrystal
I haven’t tried cooking them from frozen, but add about five more minutes.
I haven’t tried cooking them from frozen, but I would add five more minutes.
Best,
Chrystal
Linda
I do not have a slow release button on my IP. I am really new at this. So am I missing something in the translation? Is is the release valve on top? Please help!
chrystal
Hi Linda,
No worries at all. After the beef short ribs are doing cooking, let them sit for about 15 minutes during the "cool down" cycle. Then press the button on top to release the steam. Hope that helps!
Best,
Chrystal
Kellie
My husband thinks my pressure cooker is ridiculous, but when I made this recipe oh boy did he change his mind! He wouldn’t stop talking about the meat. It was tender and flavorful, perfect! Thank you for the great recipe.
chrystal
Hello Kellie,
I love that this recipe changed his mind about your pressure cooker 😉 Thank you so much for taking time to leave a comment and let me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Paw
In various places in the article and recipe you say to release the pressure after 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes. Which one works best?
chrystal
Hi Paw,
Thanks for the catch. I'm not sure what happened. I have updated it, it should be 10 minutes.
Best,
Chrystal