Ingredients
Beef Short Ribs
- 3 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking Aromatics and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup red wine (optional, or substitute extra broth)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Season the Ribs: Pat short ribs dry and season evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to enhance the beefy flavor.
- Brown the Ribs: Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Brown the short ribs on all sides in batches to develop flavor and color; then remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release aromas.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook it for 1 minute to deepen the sauce flavor.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift up any browned bits, which adds rich flavor.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf to build layers of savory taste.
- Pressure Cook: Return the browned short ribs to the Instant Pot, secure the lid, and set to Pressure Cook (High) for 45 minutes to tenderize the meat quickly.
- Natural Release: Allow a 15-minute natural release to keep the ribs moist and tender, then carefully vent the remaining pressure.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): Remove the ribs and, if desired, simmer the sauce on Sauté mode to reduce and thicken. For an extra-thick gravy, stir in a slurry made from 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water and cook until thickened.
- Serve: Plate the ribs and generously spoon the rich sauce over them. Enjoy with sides like mashed potatoes, polenta, or rice.
Notes
- Bone-in ribs provide the best flavor and tenderness.
- For thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and simmer on sauté until thickened.
- Short ribs pair well with mashed potatoes, polenta, or rice.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free