Short ribs are a tasty and flavorful cut of meat, beloved by many for their rich and succulent taste. While traditionally cooked in the oven or on the stovetop, using an Instant Pot can save you time and effort without compromising on the taste.
With the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function, you can achieve tender and juicy short ribs in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. The pressure cooker locks in the flavors and ensures that the meat is cooked evenly throughout. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or wanting to prepare a delicious meal for your family, cooking short ribs in the Instant Pot is a great choice.
In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to cook short ribs in the Instant Pot. We will cover the preparation of the meat, the cooking process, and offer some tips and variations to make your short ribs exceptional.
Get ready to impress your guests or have a delightful family dinner with perfectly cooked short ribs made in the Instant Pot. Let’s get started!
Preparing the short ribs
Before cooking the short ribs in the instant pot, it is essential to prepare them properly. Follow these steps to ensure your ribs are deliciously tender:
1. Trim excess fat
Start by trimming any excessive fat from the short ribs. While some fat adds flavor, too much can make the dish greasy. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the fat, being mindful not to cut into the meat.
2. Season the ribs
Seasoning is key to adding flavor to the short ribs. Generously sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper all over the ribs. You can also add your favorite rub or seasoning mix for additional flavor. Make sure to coat all sides of the ribs evenly.
3. Sear the ribs
To enhance the taste and texture of the short ribs, searing them is highly recommended. Heat some oil in the instant pot using the sauté function. Once hot, carefully add the ribs and sear them for a few minutes on each side until browned. Searing helps seal in the juices and creates a flavorful crust.
Remember, the browning process should be done in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing, resulting in less desirable texture.
Note: For extra depth of flavor, you can also add diced onions, carrots, and celery during the searing process.
Now that the short ribs are trimmed, seasoned, and seared, they are ready to be cooked in the instant pot. Follow the remaining steps in your recipe to enjoy melt-in-your-mouth short ribs in no time!
Seasoning the meat
Seasoning the meat properly is essential to enhance the flavor and taste of your short ribs. The right combination of spices and herbs can make all the difference in creating a delicious dish. Here are some recommended seasonings:
1. Salt and pepper
Start by generously sprinkling kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper all over the short ribs. The salt helps to bring out the natural flavors of the meat, while the pepper adds a subtle spicy kick.
2. Garlic and onion powder
Add a hint of savory flavor by dusting the short ribs with garlic and onion powder. These powders provide a fragrant and aromatic taste that pairs well with the meat.
3. Paprika
Paprika adds a beautiful reddish color to the short ribs and imparts a slightly smoky and sweet flavor. Sprinkle a small amount all over the meat for a delightful visual and taste enhancement.
4. Brown sugar
For a touch of sweetness, sprinkle some brown sugar on the meat. It helps to balance out the flavors and adds a caramelized note to the final dish.
Once you have seasoned the meat, gently rub the spices and herbs into the short ribs, ensuring that they are evenly coated. Allow the meat to sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors before moving on to the next step.
Seasonings | Quantity |
---|---|
Salt | 1 tablespoon |
Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
Brown sugar | 1 tablespoon |
Searing the short ribs
Before cooking the short ribs in the instant pot, it’s essential to sear them first. Searing helps enhance the flavor and texture of the meat.
Here’s how to properly sear the short ribs:
- Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Heat the instant pot on the sauté function or set a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a small amount of oil to the pot or skillet.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the short ribs in the pot or skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd them.
- Sear the short ribs for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a brown crust.
- Remove the seared short ribs from the pot or skillet and set them aside.
Searing the short ribs not only adds flavor but also helps lock in the juices for a more tender and succulent final dish.
Cooking the short ribs in the instant pot
Once you have prepared the short ribs by trimming any excess fat and seasoning them with salt and pepper, it’s time to cook them in the instant pot. The instant pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can significantly reduce cooking time while still producing tender and flavorful meat.
Steps to cook the short ribs in the instant pot
1. Preheat the instant pot by selecting the “Sauté” function and setting it to high heat. Allow the pot to heat for a few minutes until the display shows “Hot.”
2. Add a small amount of oil to the instant pot, enough to coat the bottom. Carefully place the short ribs in the pot, being mindful of the hot oil. Sear the ribs on all sides until browned, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot.
3. Remove the seared short ribs from the instant pot and set them aside on a plate. This step is important as it helps to develop the rich flavours of the meat. It also helps to render some of the fat, resulting in a more tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
4. Reduce the heat of the instant pot to the medium setting and add chopped onions, garlic, and any other desired aromatics to the pot. Sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Return the short ribs to the instant pot, placing them on top of the onions and garlic. Add any liquids, such as beef broth, red wine, or a combination of both, to the pot. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the ribs, but not cover them completely.
6. Seal the instant pot with its lid, ensuring that the vent is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Meat/Stew” function and set the cooking time according to the size and thickness of the ribs. Typically, short ribs require around 35-40 minutes of cooking time under pressure.
7. Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow the instant pot to perform a natural release for about 10-15 minutes. This means letting the pressure release on its own without manually opening the vent. After the natural release, carefully perform a quick release by turning the vent to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure.
8. Carefully open the lid of the instant pot, being cautious of the hot steam. The short ribs should be tender and fall off the bone. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the ribs from the pot and transfer them to a serving plate.
Optional step: Reducing the cooking liquid for a sauce
If desired, you can reduce the cooking liquid left in the instant pot to create a flavorful sauce. Select the “Sauté” function again and adjust it to high heat. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Serve the sauce along with the short ribs for added flavor.
Now that you know how to cook short ribs in the instant pot, you can enjoy this delicious and comforting dish in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods. The instant pot makes cooking short ribs a breeze and guarantees impressive results every time.
Allowing the pressure to release
Once the cooking time has completed, it’s important to allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 to 20 minutes. This ensures that the meat will be tender and flavorful.
After the natural release time, you can use the quick-release method to release any remaining pressure. Be careful when doing this, as there can be hot steam. Simply turn the valve on the Instant Pot from “Sealing” to “Venting” to release the pressure.
Once all the pressure has been released, it’s safe to open the Instant Pot. Take off the lid and carefully remove the short ribs using tongs or a slotted spoon.
If you want to thicken the sauce, you can do so by turning on the “Saute” mode on the Instant Pot and allowing the sauce to simmer and reduce until desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Short Ribs | Ingredients |
---|---|
4 pounds | beef short ribs |
1 tablespoon | vegetable oil |
1 teaspoon | salt |
1/2 teaspoon | black pepper |
1/2 teaspoon | garlic powder |
1/2 teaspoon | paprika |
1 cup | beef broth |
1 tablespoon | soy sauce |
1 tablespoon | worcestershire sauce |
1 tablespoon | brown sugar |
1/2 tablespoon | tomato paste |
1/2 tablespoon | dijon mustard |
FAQ
What are short ribs?
Short ribs are a cut of beef that come from the lower rib section of the cow. They are often known for their rich flavor and tender, meaty texture.
Can I cook short ribs in an instant pot?
Yes, you can definitely cook short ribs in an instant pot. It’s a quick and easy way to prepare them, and the pressure cooking helps to make the meat tender and flavorful.
How long does it take to cook short ribs in an instant pot?
The cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the short ribs, but generally it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook short ribs in an instant pot.
Can I cook short ribs in a slow cooker instead of an instant pot?
Yes, you can also cook short ribs in a slow cooker. The cooking time will be longer compared to using an instant pot, but the result will be similarly tender and flavorful.
What are short ribs?
Short ribs are a cut of beef taken from the rib section of the cow. They consist of a short portion of the rib bone, along with meat that surrounds it.