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I've got to share my absolute favorite way to make short ribs that will seriously change your dinner game. After countless attempts to perfect this recipe I discovered that my Instant Pot mixed with a splash of bourbon creates the most tender fall off the bone ribs you've ever tasted. Trust me your kitchen will smell amazing and everyone will think you've been cooking all day.
Why You'll Love This Method
Before I got my Instant Pot making short ribs meant hours of slow cooking but now? We're talking restaurant quality ribs in about an hour. My secret weapon is a splash of bourbon which adds this incredible depth that makes everyone ask what's in these.
What You'll Need
- Beef Short Ribs: Go for 2-3 pounds with good marbling that's where the flavor lives.
- Bourbon: Just 1/4 cup my little secret but wine or coffee work too.
- Stock: 1-2 cups I prefer homemade but store bought is fine.
- Seasonings: A teaspoon each of cayenne and paprika adjust to your taste.
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic and thyme make everything better.
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Let's Make It Together
- First Things First
- Give those ribs a quick soak and pat them super dry we want them ready for a perfect sear.
- Season With Love
- Don't be shy with the salt. I like to let them sit for an hour when I have time.
- Get That Sear
- Use your Instant Pot's sauté setting and work in batches. We want them golden and gorgeous.
- The Magic Touch
- Pour in that bourbon and scrape up all those tasty bits then add everything else.
- Pressure Time
- 35 minutes under pressure then be patient for 10 minutes of natural release.
Perfect Pairings
In my house we love these ribs over creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash for a lighter option. Don't forget some crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce. Roasted veggies on the side make it a complete meal.
Saving For Later
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers they'll keep beautifully in the fridge for 3 days. I love turning them into amazing sandwiches the next day or shredding them for tacos.
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My Kitchen Secrets
Take your time with the sear that's where all the flavor starts. I've learned to be generous with the seasonings and patient with the natural release these little things make a big difference.
The Important Step
Don't skip the searing step it's what gives us that rich deep flavor we're looking for. When those ribs are golden brown you know you're on your way to something special.
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Mix It Up
Sometimes I switch out the bourbon for red wine or add in some root vegetables. My kids love when I add a touch of honey to the sauce. Make it your own that's what cooking is all about.
Why The Instant Pot Works
This little kitchen wizard traps all the moisture and flavor while it works its magic. What used to take me hours of babysitting now happens in a fraction of the time with even better results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
- You'll need a pressure cooker for this quick version. For traditional cooking, use a Dutch oven and slow cook for 2-3 hours until tender.
- → Is the overnight chilling step necessary?
- While optional, chilling helps remove excess fat and deepens the flavors. If you're short on time, you can skip it and just skim off some fat before serving.
- → Can I skip the bourbon?
- You can replace bourbon with beef broth or red wine. The bourbon adds depth but isn't essential to the recipe's success.
- → Why wash the ribs first?
- Rinsing removes bone dust and excess blood, giving you a cleaner flavor. Make sure to dry them well before seasoning for better browning.
- → How spicy is this recipe?
- The basic recipe is mildly spicy. You can double the cayenne for more heat or reduce it for a milder version. Adjust the sugar to balance the heat level.