If you are craving tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness without spending all day slow-cooking, this Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe will become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine beef ribs so juicy and flavorful that every bite melts in your mouth, crowned by a smoky spice rub and finished with a tangy barbecue glaze. The magic of the Instant Pot not only speeds up the process but locks in the rich, robust flavors you want in a mighty satisfying meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, these ribs promise comfort and delight with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering feast. Each component plays a crucial role, from the smoky paprika bringing warmth to the ribs, to the barbecue sauce layering tang and sweetness that ties it all together beautifully.
- 3 pounds beef short ribs (bone-in): The star of the dish, bone-in ribs ensure juicy, flavorful meat with perfect texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve a delicious sear that locks in juices and adds depth to the ribs.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky, slightly sweet note that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds aromatic savoriness for balanced seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides subtle sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning meat and bringing out natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Contributes a gentle heat and sharpness to the rub.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional): For a mild kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- 1 cup beef broth: Creates a rich cooking liquid that keeps ribs moist and tender during pressure cooking.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Adds smoky sweetness and tang; plus more for brushing and serving.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Balances richness with a tangy brightness that cuts through the meatiness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami depth and a slight tang to the cooking liquid.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub and Coat the Ribs
Start by mixing smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl. This blend is what gives your ribs their signature smoky, savory flavor packed with personality. Pat your ribs dry and rub the spice mixture all over them evenly, ensuring every inch is coated to build a flavorful crust during searing.
Step 2: Sear the Ribs
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil until shimmering. Carefully add ribs in batches, leaving room between pieces to avoid steaming rather than browning. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a rich mahogany color and irresistible aroma. This step adds layers of flavor and gives the meat a satisfying bite.
Step 3: Deglaze and Add Cooking Liquid
Remove the ribs and pour the beef broth into the pot. Scrape the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon or spatula — this flavorful residue is pure gold. Stir in barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a perfectly balanced braising liquid that infuses the ribs with tanginess, sweetness, and depth.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Ribs
Return the ribs to the Instant Pot, stacking them neatly if needed to fit. Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 40 minutes, allowing the meat to become irresistibly tender. When complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes to maintain juiciness, then carefully quick release the rest of the pressure.
Step 5: Finish with a Glaze
Remove the ribs and brush generously with additional barbecue sauce. For a caramelized finish with a delightful crisp, broil on a baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. If you prefer a saucier experience, feel free to skip broiling and enjoy them straight from the pot.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten this rich dish with fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can also add crunch and visual appeal, making the ribs look as fantastic as they taste.
Side Dishes
These ribs pair wonderfully with classic comfort sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob. If you want to keep it light, a crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad provides contrast and balances the meal. For a Southern vibe, baked beans or grilled vegetables bring extra heartiness and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe family-style on a wooden platter for a rustic, inviting look. You can also slice the ribs and pile the meat onto toasted buns with pickles and extra barbecue sauce for mouthwatering sliders that will disappear in no time. Another fun idea is to serve alongside a dipping station with various sauces, from spicy mustard to creamy ranch, letting everyone customize their perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef ribs keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to reserve any extra barbecue sauce separately to brush on when reheating for that freshly glazed finish.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save for another meal, wrap the ribs tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay delicious in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the ribs in the oven at 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil to keep them moist, brushing on more barbecue sauce as they heat through. You can also reheat in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of beef broth to stay juicy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may dry the meat out.
FAQs
Can I use boneless beef ribs for this Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute boneless beef ribs if you prefer. Just note that the cooking time should be reduced to about 35 minutes under high pressure to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
Do I have to broil the ribs after pressure cooking?
Broiling adds a wonderful caramelized crust and intensifies the barbecue sauce flavor, but it is entirely optional. If you favor a saucier, softer finish, you can skip this step and serve the ribs straight from the Instant Pot.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free barbecue sauce. Always double-check labels to ensure all your ingredients meet your dietary needs.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
You can double the ingredients but keep in mind the size and capacity of your Instant Pot. You may need to cook in batches or adjust timing slightly. Avoid overfilling the pot for optimal pressure cooking results.
What is the best way to reheat the ribs for leftovers?
The best way to reheat is in the oven wrapped in foil at a low temperature, which keeps the ribs moist and tender. Adding a little extra barbecue sauce or broth helps maintain their delicious flavor and juiciness.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe is a true game-changer when you want impressive, finger-licking ribs but without the long wait. It combines simplicity with bold flavors and succulence that makes every meal feel like a celebration. Give it a try and see how this quick and flavorful method turns beef ribs into an everyday favorite you’ll reach for again and again.
Print
Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Beef Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful ribs cooked quickly using the pressure cooker. The ribs are seasoned with a smoky spice rub, seared for a caramelized crust, then pressure cooked in a savory barbecue sauce mixture. A final broil adds a delicious caramelized finish, perfect for an effortless yet impressive main course.
Ingredients
Beef Ribs
- 3 pounds beef short ribs (bone-in)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spice Rub
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Pressure Cooking Liquid
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Rub this spice mixture evenly over all sides of the beef short ribs to coat fully.
- Sear the ribs: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the ribs in the pot in batches, searing each side for 2 to 3 minutes until nicely browned. Remove the browned ribs and set them aside.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour beef broth into the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds rich flavor and prevents a burn warning during pressure cooking.
- Add sauce and ribs: Stir in the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to the broth mixture. Return the seared ribs to the pot, stacking them if needed.
- Pressure cook the ribs: Lock the Instant Pot lid in place and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 40 minutes. Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to release the remaining pressure.
- Finish under the broiler: Carefully remove the ribs and brush them with additional barbecue sauce. Place the ribs on a baking sheet and broil for 3 to 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce and add a delicious finishing glaze. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- You can skip broiling if you prefer a saucier finish without the caramelized crust.
- If using boneless beef ribs, reduce pressure cooking time to 35 minutes as they cook faster.
- For a gluten-free dish, ensure your barbecue sauce is gluten-free.
- Allowing the natural pressure release helps keep the ribs tender and juicy.
