Description
This Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. Searing the ribs first creates a rich crust, while sautéing shallots and mushrooms builds a deeply savory base. Braised under high pressure with red wine, beef broth, and aromatic herbs, these short ribs become meltingly soft with a luscious, thickened gravy to spoon over them. Perfect for an impressive yet hands-off dinner for four.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Short Ribs
- 3 lb bone-in beef short ribs
- Sea salt (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 shallots, quartered
- ½ lb cremini mushrooms, quartered
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup red wine (or substitute with balsamic vinegar)
- 1 ¼ cup beef broth
Thickening Agent & Garnish
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Fresh herbs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil, heating it until shimmering.
- Sear the short ribs: Season the ribs generously with sea salt on all sides. Place them in the pot and sear until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté shallots and mushrooms: Add quartered shallots and cremini mushrooms to the pot. Sauté for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Deglaze the pot if needed with a splash of water, scraping up browned bits to deepen flavor.
- Add garlic and season: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Season lightly with salt.
- Add flavorings and wine: Mix in fresh thyme sprigs, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine. Let the liquid simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and cook out the alcohol.
- Add broth and bay leaves: Turn off Sauté mode. Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaves. Stir everything to combine, then nestle the short ribs back into the pot.
- Pressure cook the ribs: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 1 hour. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the ribs and keep the meat on the bones.
- Prepare the gravy: Take about 1/4 cup of cooking liquid from the pot and mix it thoroughly with cornstarch in a small bowl.
- Thicken the sauce: Pour the remaining cooking liquid into a saucepan and heat on high. Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the liquid and cook for about 2 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
- Serve: Place the short ribs on a serving plate, spoon the rich gravy over the top, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy your hearty, comforting meal!
Notes
- If you don’t have red wine, balsamic vinegar is a great substitute to add acidity and depth.
- Use fresh thyme for the best flavor; dried thyme can be used but reduce the quantity to 1 teaspoon.
- For extra richness, skim some fat from the cooking liquid before making the gravy.
- Natural pressure release is essential to keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
