If you love bold flavors that satisfy your cravings for rich, tender meat layered with tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy notes, you are going to adore this Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of Carolina-style mustard sauce with mouthwatering beef short ribs cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection in your Instant Pot. This recipe captures the essence of Southern BBQ with a modern twist, getting you dinner on the table faster without sacrificing any of that smoky, saucy goodness that makes ribs so irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this unforgettable Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe, the ingredient list is wonderfully straightforward and designed to bring maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Each component plays a special role, whether adding richness, tang, sweetness, or heat to bring your ribs alive with that authentic backyard BBQ charm.
- 4-5 lbs beef short ribs: The star of the dish, these ribs become luxuriously tender in the Instant Pot.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the ribs evenly for a caramelized crust.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance natural beef flavors.
- 1 cup yellow mustard: The foundation of the classic Carolina mustard BBQ sauce, tangy and creamy.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds the signature tang and cuts through the richness.
- 1/4 cup honey: Gives the sauce a subtle floral sweetness balanced perfectly against the vinegar.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and adds a touch of molasses flavor.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami depth and savory complexity.
- 1 tbsp ketchup: Adds a hint of tomato richness and balances the mustard’s acidity.
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional): For those who love a little kick, it layers in gentle heat.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses subtle aromatic flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory base of the sauce.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Another optional choice for extra warmth and spice.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Adjust the final seasoning for perfect balance.
How to Make Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Ribs
Start by patting your beef short ribs dry and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in your Instant Pot using the sauté function. Once hot, brown the ribs on all sides, which locks in juices and builds an incredible depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step – a nice caramelized crust is what makes the difference.
Step 2: Whip up the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
While the ribs are browning, whisk together the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce if using. This vibrant sauce will be the magic that infuses every bite with that tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy punch you expect from true Carolina-style BBQ.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Ribs
Once the ribs are browned, carefully pour the mustard BBQ sauce over them in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and set the pot to manual pressure cook for about 45 minutes. The high pressure will transform the ribs into fork-tender perfection, while the sauce thickens and melds beautifully with the meat.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
After the cooking cycle finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. Remove the ribs gently, and if the sauce seems too thin, you can use the sauté function again to reduce it to your preferred consistency. This finishing step intensifies the flavors and makes for a gorgeous glossy sauce to coat the ribs.
How to Serve Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish to restaurant-quality presentation. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives over the ribs for a pop of color and an herbaceous brightness that cuts through the rich sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, thinly sliced pickled red onions add a tangy crunch and a vibrant hue that perfectly complements the mustard BBQ flavors.
Side Dishes
This Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides. Creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch and cool contrast, while buttery cornbread riffs on the sweetness of the sauce. For a healthier touch, roasted vegetables or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balance the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
You can get creative by serving these ribs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or even pulled into warm slider buns for tasty BBQ sandwiches. Adding a drizzle of extra Carolina mustard sauce on the side invites your guests to customize each bite, turning your meal into an interactive, delicious experience everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (and who wouldn’t?), store your short ribs and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to blend and deepen overnight, making for even more delicious meals the next day. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
This Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the ribs with sauce into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen ribs will maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, perfect for meal prepping or saving for a special occasion.
Reheating
Gently reheat the ribs on the stovetop over low heat to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce is too thick. Reheating in the microwave works too, but do it in short intervals to avoid overheating, which can toughen the meat.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef instead of short ribs?
While beef short ribs are ideal for their rich marbling and tenderness, you can substitute with chuck roast or beef brisket. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly, and the texture will be a bit different but still delicious with the Carolina mustard BBQ sauce.
Is the sauce very spicy?
The heat level is quite mild and adjustable. The recipe includes optional cayenne pepper and hot sauce, so feel free to leave them out if you prefer a milder sauce or increase if you enjoy a little fiery kick.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can slow cook these ribs in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or braise them in the oven at 300°F for 3-4 hours. The key is low and slow cooking to get that tender texture and deep flavor.
How thick should the BBQ sauce be when done?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the ribs nicely without being too runny. If it’s thinner right after cooking, simply use the sauté function to reduce it until it reaches your preferred consistency.
What can I serve instead of traditional Southern sides?
If you want to try something different, pickled vegetables, grilled polenta slices, or even a crunchy Asian-style slaw can be fantastic alternatives that complement the tangy mustard BBQ flavor wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone who loves bold flavors and tender meat without spending hours tending a grill or smoker. It’s approachable, utterly delicious, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Give it a try and watch those ribs disappear faster than you can say “more sauce please!”
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Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs recipe offers a tender, flavorful twist on traditional short ribs with a tangy mustard-based barbecue sauce. Using the Instant Pot, the ribs are cooked quickly to achieve a juicy and fall-off-the-bone texture, complemented by a bold sauce featuring mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and spices. Perfect for a comforting meal with Southern flair.
Ingredients
Beef Short Ribs
- 4–5 lbs beef short ribs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Short Ribs: Pat the beef short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Ribs: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the short ribs in batches, browning them on all sides to lock in flavor, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Make the BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Pressure Cook the Ribs: Pour a small amount of the sauce into the bottom of the Instant Pot to prevent burning. Place the seared ribs back into the pot and pour the remaining mustard BBQ sauce evenly over them.
- Seal and Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 45 minutes to achieve tender, melt-in-your-mouth ribs.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Serve: Remove the ribs from the pot and spoon the mustard BBQ sauce over the top. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, sear the ribs well until golden brown on all sides.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce based on your spice preference.
- Letting the ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Serve with classic Southern sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Southern American
