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

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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