Tender Instant Pot Bourbon-Braised Short Ribs Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Perfectly Tender Every Time

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There’s something deeply satisfying about sinking your teeth into tender, richly flavored short ribs. If you’ve ever tried to make this classic dish at home, you might know the frustration of waiting hours, only to get tough meat or bland sauce. What if you could capture that slow-braised, melt-in-your-mouth experience without spending an entire afternoon in the kitchen? That’s where your Instant Pot becomes your best friend. This Tender Instant Pot Bourbon-Braised Short Ribs recipe will transform your weeknight dinner routine, delivering bold flavors and tenderness in a fraction of the time.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a game-changer. You’ll master a foolproof method that locks in flavor and produces consistently tender ribs. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this irresistible dish at home.

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Why Choose Instant Pot for Bourbon-Braised Short Ribs?

When you think about braising, you might imagine a long, slow cook in the oven or on the stove. While those methods yield excellent results, they can take 3-4 hours or more, which doesn’t always fit your schedule. Using your Instant Pot revolutionizes this process, delivering tender results much faster without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Here’s why the Instant Pot is ideal for bourbon-braised short ribs:

• Speed Without Sacrifice: Pressure cooking dramatically reduces cooking time by increasing the boiling point of water. What usually takes hours happens in under an hour.
• Intensified Flavors: The sealed environment traps steam and juices, which infuse the ribs with rich, concentrated flavors.
• Tender Texture Every Time: The high-pressure steam breaks down tough connective tissue, leaving you with ribs that practically fall off the bone.
• Convenience: Less active cooking time and fewer pots to wash mean more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
• Versatility: You can adapt this recipe with different spices or liquids without losing the magic.

Many chefs and home cooks alike praise pressure cookers for bringing out the best in traditionally slow-cooked meats. It’s a smart investment for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meals without the wait.

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Ingredients for Tender Instant Pot Bourbon-Braised Short Ribs

Having quality ingredients is essential to any recipe, and these ribs are no exception. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose/Flavor Contribution
Beef Short Ribs	8 pieces	The star of the dish, rich and meaty
Salt	To taste	Enhances all flavors
Yellow Onion	1 medium	Adds sweetness and depth
Smoked Paprika	1 tablespoon	Provides a warm, smoky undertone
Cayenne Pepper	1 teaspoon	Adds a gentle kick without overwhelming
Brown Sugar	3 tablespoons	Balances acidity and adds caramel notes
Balsamic Vinegar	3 tablespoons	Adds acidity and complexity
Garlic Cloves	6 cloves	Offers aromatic, savory richness
Fresh Thyme Sprigs	3 sprigs	Infuses herbal freshness
Beef Broth	1 cup	Adds moisture and savory depth
Cornstarch	1 tablespoon	Thickens the sauce
Water	1 tablespoon	Used to dissolve the cornstarch
Olive Oil	2 tablespoons	For searing the ribs and sautéing

You don’t need to complicate this recipe with extra ingredients—each component plays a vital role in balancing flavors and texture. However, feel free to customize by adding a splash of bourbon if you want that traditional twist, or swap fresh thyme for rosemary for a slightly different herbal note.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tender Instant Pot Bourbon-Braised Short Ribs

Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s walk through the cooking process. You’ll see how each step builds layers of flavor and tenderness.

Preparation and Searing

1. Rinse and Dry: Start by rinsing the short ribs under cold water to remove any excess blood or bone fragments. Then pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels. This step helps achieve a nice, brown crust when searing.
2. Sear the Ribs: Turn your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Working in batches, place the ribs in the pot without overcrowding. Sear each side for about 2–3 minutes until browned. This caramelization locks in juices and flavor. Remove the browned ribs and set aside on a plate.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Building Flavor: Sauté and Deglaze

3. Sauté Onions: Remove about 1 tablespoon of oil from the pot to avoid excess grease. Add the sliced onion and sauté briefly until slightly softened and fragrant.
4. Deglaze: Instead of using bourbon here, deglaze the pot by scraping the browned bits stuck to the bottom with a wooden spoon while stirring in balsamic vinegar. These browned bits are flavor gold.
5. Add Spices: Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar, combining everything thoroughly to build a rich sauce base.

Pressure Cooking

6. Return the Ribs: Place the seared ribs back into the pot, nestling them into the onion-spice mixture.
7. Add Aromatics and Liquid: Toss in the garlic cloves, fresh thyme sprigs, and salt to taste. Pour in the beef broth, stirring gently to combine the ingredients.
8. Set to Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.

Finishing Touches: Thickening the Sauce

9. Natural Pressure Release: After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally. This extra time helps the ribs relax and absorb flavors fully.
10. Remove Ribs: Carefully open the lid, remove the ribs, and place them on a serving dish.
11. Thicken the Sauce: Switch the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then pour the slurry into the pot. Stir and simmer until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or balsamic vinegar if needed.
12. Coat and Serve: Return the ribs to the pot, turning to coat them in the luscious sauce. Turn off the sauté function, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

These short ribs shine when served over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside roasted vegetables. The sauce’s richness makes it perfect for soaking up with bread or buttery noodles.

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Cooking Tips and Variations for Perfect Short Ribs

If you want to make the most of your short ribs experience, keep these tips in mind:

• Choosing Your Meat: Look for short ribs with a good amount of marbling—the fat keeps the meat moist and tender.
• Substituting Spices: If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne or omit it. For extra smokiness, add a dash of liquid smoke.
• Adding Bourbon: For an authentic bourbon flavor, add ¼ cup bourbon during the deglazing step, but be sure to let it cook off to avoid harsh alcohol taste.
• Slow Cooker Option: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, braise ribs in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours for similar tenderness.
• Leftover Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to keep ribs moist.

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Nutrition Facts and Serving Information

Knowing the nutritional content can help you plan balanced meals, especially when indulging in rich dishes like these.

Nutrient	Approximate Amount per Serving (1/6th)
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	35 g
Fat	28 g
Carbohydrates	10 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	650 mg

This hearty meal offers a satisfying balance of protein and fat, perfect for a filling dinner. Pair it with fiber-rich sides to round out your plate.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tender Instant Pot Bourbon-Braised Short Ribs

How long does it take to cook bourbon-braised short ribs in the Instant Pot?

You’ll spend about 45 minutes on high pressure cooking, plus the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and natural release, totaling approximately one hour.

Can I add bourbon to this Instant Pot recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the balsamic vinegar with bourbon during the deglazing stage. Just be sure to cook it long enough to let the alcohol evaporate, leaving behind only rich flavor.

What should I serve with Instant Pot bourbon-braised short ribs?

Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted root vegetables pair beautifully with these ribs. The sauce is perfect for drizzling over your sides, too.

How do I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?

You can reduce the sauce by simmering it longer on sauté mode, which intensifies flavor and thickens naturally. Alternatively, a flour slurry works if cornstarch isn’t available.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! Just make sure your Instant Pot can comfortably fit the additional ribs without overcrowding. You may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time for even heat distribution.

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Conclusion: Enjoy the Ultimate Tender Instant Pot Bourbon-Braised Short Ribs at Home

You now have a trusted, step-by-step method for creating mouthwatering, tender bourbon-braised short ribs using your Instant Pot. This recipe combines convenience and deep flavor in a way that fits your busy lifestyle without sacrificing the soul-satisfying comfort of slow-cooked beef.

Ready to wow your family or guests? Gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and enjoy the process as your kitchen fills with enticing aromas. Once you taste these ribs, you’ll want to make them again and again.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to share your results and any twists you added! Your cooking journey is just beginning, and I’m excited to see where it takes you.

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