Prepare to experience beef short ribs like never before! These **Instant Pot short ribs** are so incredibly tender, they effortlessly fall off the bone and melt in your mouth with every savory bite. If that sounds amazing, imagine achieving this level of deliciousness in just **45 minutes** using your trusty Instant Pot! This recipe transforms tough cuts into succulent, sticky **BBQ beef short ribs** with minimal effort, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
Effortless & Flavorful Instant Pot Short Ribs
There’s an undeniable allure to perfectly cooked short ribs. For years, our oven-braised short ribs recipe held the top spot as a family favorite, delivering rich, deep flavors that truly hit the spot. That success sparked a flood of creative ideas, leading to the creation of decadent Korean oven-braised short ribs. But the real game-changer emerged when we discovered the incredible potential of cooking **beef short ribs** in the Instant Pot.
The Instant Pot not only dramatically cuts down cooking time but also infuses the ribs with an unparalleled tenderness and flavor. These **easy sticky BBQ beef short ribs** are bursting with classic barbecue tastes – smoky, sweet, and tangy – and require surprisingly little hands-on time. The result is a dish that tastes like it braised all day but is ready in a fraction of the time. We love pairing these rich **Instant Pot short ribs** with comforting steakhouse smashed potatoes and a crisp, refreshing garden balsamic avocado salad. Get ready for a new family favorite that will impress everyone at the dinner table!
Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Short Ribs
One of the best aspects of this **pressure cooker short ribs** recipe is that it relies mostly on readily available pantry staples. This makes it a convenient option to whip up even at short notice, without the need for a special grocery run. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients that come together to create these incredibly flavorful and tender **Instant Pot beef ribs**:
- Bone-in Beef Short Ribs: We prefer bone-in for maximum flavor and tenderness, though boneless can also work.
- BBQ Rub: A good quality BBQ rub adds an initial layer of smoky, savory flavor during the searing process.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a crucial tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, balancing the flavors.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep umami richness that enhances the overall savory profile of the sauce.
- Liquid Smoke: Delivers an authentic smoky flavor without needing to fire up the smoker. Essential for that classic BBQ taste.
- Ground Mustard: Offers a subtle pungency and helps to emulsify the sauce, adding depth.
- Ketchup: Forms the sweet and tangy base of our homemade smoky BBQ sauce.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Contributes to the rich, caramelized sweetness and sticky texture of the sauce.
- Red Onion: Finely minced, it adds aromatic sweetness and a savory base to the sauce.
- Garlic Powder: A staple flavor enhancer, complementing the robust beef and BBQ notes.
- BBQ Sauce: You’ll use a prepared BBQ sauce as a base, which we then customize into our signature sticky sauce.
- Apple Juice: Used in the Instant Pot to create the braising liquid, adding a subtle sweetness and helping to tenderize the meat. Pineapple juice can be used as an alternative for a slightly different fruity note.
Tip: For the BBQ sauce base, you have options! You can use our Classic BBQ Sauce for a traditional flavor or try our Carolina BBQ Sauce for a mustard-based twist. Both work wonderfully in this recipe!
How Many Bone-In Short Ribs Per Person?
When planning your meal, it’s generally a good idea to anticipate serving **2 beef short ribs per adult**. This portion size accounts for the richness of the meat and ensures everyone gets a satisfying amount. For children, you might find that one rib is sufficient, depending on their appetite. If you’re hosting a particularly enthusiastic eater, or simply want to ensure ample leftovers (which are fantastic!), you might consider adding an extra rib or two per person. These ribs are so delicious, you can be sure there won’t be many left!
Crafting Your Perfect Instant Pot Short Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking succulent BBQ beef short ribs in an Instant Pot offers the rich, deep flavors of oven-braised ribs but with incredible speed and convenience. The Instant Pot truly performs miracles, transforming tough cuts of meat into fall-off-the-bone tenderness in just 45 minutes, a process that traditionally takes hours in the oven. It’s like having a superhero in your kitchen, delivering fantastic results when you need them most!
Here are the detailed steps for creating these amazing **BBQ Instant Pot short ribs**:
1. Prepare the Smoky BBQ Sauce: The heart of these **sticky BBQ beef short ribs** lies in their irresistible, smoky sauce. This step elevates a standard BBQ sauce into something truly finger-licking good! In a medium pot, combine the apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, ground mustard, ketchup, dark brown sugar, minced red onion, garlic powder, and your chosen BBQ sauce base. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for at least 10 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a rich and complex sauce. Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.
2. Sear the Short Ribs for Deep Flavor: Searing is a crucial step that locks in juices and develops a beautiful, caramelized crust, adding significant depth of flavor to your **Instant Pot short ribs**. Begin by generously sprinkling all sides of your bone-in beef short ribs with your favorite BBQ rub. Ensure each rib is thoroughly coated. Heat your Instant Pot by selecting the “Sauté” mode and setting it to “more” or “high” heat. Drizzle a tablespoon or two of olive oil into the hot pot. Once the oil shimmers, add the short ribs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until deeply browned. This process creates a delicious foundation of flavor. Once seared, remove the ribs and set them aside.
3. Pressure Cook to Perfection: Now it’s time for the Instant Pot to work its magic. Pour 1/2 cup of apple juice (or pineapple juice) into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place a trivet into the pot, which will keep the ribs slightly elevated from the liquid. Carefully arrange the seared short ribs on top of the trivet. Pour 1 cup of the smoky BBQ sauce you just prepared evenly over the ribs. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring it’s properly sealed, and set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting, set it to “High Pressure,” and cook for **45 minutes**.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a **natural release** for 10-15 minutes. This is important for maintaining the tenderness of the meat and preventing it from becoming dry. After the natural release, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, open the lid. Gently transfer each incredibly tender rib to a baking sheet. Brush the ribs with a little more of the smoky BBQ sauce. Finally, broil them in the oven for 2-4 minutes, or until the sauce is deliciously caramelized and sticky, adding a final layer of texture and flavor. Serve immediately with extra sauce and your favorite sides.
Tip: New to the Instant Pot? Don’t miss our Instant Pot Cheat Sheet! It’s an invaluable resource with all the basic information you need to confidently cook a variety of ingredients in your pressure cooker.
Can You Cook These BBQ Beef Short Ribs in the Oven?
Absolutely! While the Instant Pot offers unmatched speed, these **beef short ribs** can certainly be prepared in the oven using a classic braising technique. Braising involves searing the meat, then slowly cooking it in a flavorful liquid in a covered pot over low heat for an extended period. This method also yields incredibly tender, juicy ribs, though it requires a longer cooking time – typically 2-3 hours. For a comprehensive guide on achieving perfectly braised short ribs in your oven, including all the specific details and tips, please refer to our dedicated post on oven-braised short ribs.
Can You Cook These Beef Short Ribs in a CrockPot?
Yes, the slow cooker (CrockPot) is another fantastic method for achieving incredibly tender **BBQ beef ribs**. It’s a “set it and forget it” approach that delivers deep, slow-cooked flavor. To adapt this recipe for your slow cooker, follow the same initial steps for preparing the smoky BBQ sauce and searing the short ribs. Once seared, place the ribs in your slow cooker, pour the apple or pineapple juice, and then cover with 1 cup of the smoky BBQ sauce. Cook on the **low setting for 4-5 hours**, or until the ribs are fork-tender. While the slow cooker provides amazing tenderness, we still highly recommend transferring them to a baking sheet and broiling them for a few minutes just before serving. This quick broil creates that desirable sticky, caramelized crust that makes these BBQ ribs truly irresistible.
What Temperature Should Short Ribs Be Cooked to for Optimal Tenderness?
When it comes to **short ribs**, don’t just aim for the minimum safe internal temperature recommended by the USDA (145°F). While safe, this temperature won’t give you the fall-off-the-bone tenderness you desire. Short ribs are rich in collagen and connective tissue, which require a much higher temperature and longer cooking time to break down and transform into gelatin. This breakdown is what makes the meat incredibly moist, tender, and “melt-in-your-mouth.”
For optimum tenderness and flavor, you’ll want your **beef short ribs** to reach an internal temperature between **190-203°F**. At this range, the collagen has fully rendered, resulting in that desired silky, succulent texture. Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone, to ensure they’ve reached this sweet spot of tenderness.
Pro Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Short Ribs
Achieving restaurant-quality **Instant Pot short ribs** at home is easier than you think, especially with a few expert tips in mind:
- Bone-In vs. Boneless: While boneless beef short ribs can be used, we strongly recommend opting for **bone-in beef short ribs** for this recipe. The bones impart a richer, deeper flavor to the meat and contribute to a more succulent, tender result. When shopping, look for bone-in short ribs that have already been cut into individual portions, as this saves prep time. If only boneless are available, they will still yield a delicious meal, just with a slightly less intense beefy flavor.
- Don’t Crowd the Pot While Searing: This is a critical step for developing maximum flavor. When browning the ribs in the Instant Pot on sauté mode, ensure you don’t overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will steam the meat instead of searing it, preventing that delicious caramelized crust from forming. Work in batches, giving each rib enough space to achieve a beautiful, deep brown color on all sides. It might take a few rounds, but the enhanced flavor is well worth the extra few minutes.
- Invest in a Good BBQ Rub: The quality of your BBQ rub significantly impacts the final flavor. Choose a rub with a good balance of sweet, savory, and smoky notes. You can make your own homemade blend or select a high-quality store-bought option.
- Natural Pressure Release is Key: While it might be tempting to quick-release the pressure, don’t skip the natural release step. Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes helps the meat fibers relax, resulting in significantly more tender and juicy ribs. It’s a small wait that makes a big difference in texture.
- Save on Short Ribs: **Beef short ribs** can sometimes be a more expensive cut of meat. To enjoy this dish more often without breaking the bank, keep an eye out for sales at your local butcher or grocery store. When you find them at a good price, stock up! You can easily freeze them using a Food Saver or airtight freezer bags, ensuring you always have some on hand for a special meal.
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to customize the spice level of your BBQ sauce. If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
More Irresistible Rib Recipes:
- Traeger Smoked Ribs
- Smoky BBQ Instant Pot Ribs
- Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
- Braised Beef Short Ribs in the Oven
- Asian Sticky Slow Cooker Ribs
- Mustard Carolina BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs
- Korean Oven Braised Short Ribs
- Easy BBQ Ribs
- Blackberry Hoisin BBQ Ribs
Discover More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes:
- Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes
- Healthy Instant Pot Turkey Chili
- Instant Pot Taco Soup
- Award Winning Instant Pot Turkey
- Instant Pot Southern Macaroni and Cheese
- Better Than Grandma’s Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Easy Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
- BBQ Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- ALL OF OUR INSTANT POT RECIPES!
Sticky BBQ Instant Pot Bone-In Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients
For the BBQ sauce:
- 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Liquid Smoke
- 2 teaspoons Ground Mustard
- 1 1/4 Cups Ketchup
- 1 1/4 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Minced Red Onion
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 Cup BBQ Sauce
For the short ribs:
- 4 Pounds Bone-in Beef Short Ribs
- 2 Tablespoons BBQ Rub
- 1/2 Cup Apple juice , (or pineapple juice)
Instructions
Make the BBQ sauce:
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In a pot, add the vinegar, worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, ground mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, red onion, garlic powder and bbq sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce, 2 Tablespoons Liquid Smoke, 2 teaspoons Ground Mustard, 1 1/4 Cups Ketchup, 1 1/4 Cup Dark Brown Sugar, 1/2 Cup Minced Red Onion, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 3/4 Cup BBQ Sauce
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Turn the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
Make the short ribs:
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Sprinkle all sides of the ribs with the bbq rub.4 Pounds Bone-in Beef Short Ribs, 2 Tablespoons BBQ Rub
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Heat an Instant Pot with the saute mode on more heat and add a drizzle of oil.
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Brown each side of the ribs and set aside.
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Place the apple juice or pineapple juice in the bottom of the Instant Pot and set in a trivet.1/2 Cup Apple juice
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Add the ribs on top and pour over 1 cup of the smoky bbq sauce that you just made in the pot. Place the lid on and set the valve to seal.
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Turn the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high, setting the time for 45 minutes.
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Allow a natural release for 10-15 minutes, then remove the lid.
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Set the ribs on a baking sheet and brush with a little sauce, then broil for 2-4 minutes in the oven.
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Brush with more sauce and serve over smashed potatoes.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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