Are you craving melt-in-your-mouth beef ribs but intimidated by long cooking times? Then look no further! This Instant Pot Beef Ribs recipe delivers unbelievably tender, juicy ribs in a fraction of the time of traditional methods. It's a perfect example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be, ideal for a quick dinner idea or a special occasion meal. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, showcasing the best of easy recipes and healthy meals (when paired with the right sides, of course!).
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef short ribs, bone-in
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite!)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
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Sear the Ribs (Optional but Recommended): For extra flavor, sear the ribs in a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot and sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Layer and Season: Place the seared (or unseared) ribs on top of the vegetables in the Instant Pot. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Pour this mixture over the ribs.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for at least 20 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
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Shred and Serve: Carefully remove the ribs from the Instant Pot. Using two forks, shred the meat from the bones. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid. You can either serve the shredded ribs directly in the cooking liquid or thicken the sauce by simmering it on the stovetop for a few minutes. Serve on buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Ribs:
- Don't overcrowd the Instant Pot: If your ribs are very large, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time: For extra tender ribs, increase the cooking time to 75 minutes. For slightly chewier ribs, reduce it to 45 minutes. Always check the meat's tenderness before serving.
- Bone-in vs. boneless: This recipe works well with both bone-in and boneless ribs, but bone-in ribs generally offer more flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly if using boneless ribs.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Ribs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cooking liquid for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Savory Ribs: Increase the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons for extra sweetness.
- BBQ Rub: Experiment with different BBQ rubs instead of just using pre-made barbecue sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate per serving (assuming 6 servings) is:
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 40-50g
- Fat: Approximately 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This Instant Pot Beef Ribs recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of food recipes. It's a delicious and efficient way to enjoy this classic comfort food. It's the perfect blend of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, proving that homemade cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be amazing. Enjoy!