Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs

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Introduction

Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs are a tender and flavorful dish that combines the deep, rich taste of slow-cooked short ribs with the convenience of the Instant Pot. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that fits within the Paleo lifestyle. With minimal prep and cook time, you can enjoy melt-in-your-mouth short ribs that are full of savory flavors. Whether you’re making this dish for a family dinner, a special occasion, or a busy weeknight meal, Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Family gatherings
• Special occasions or celebrations
• Paleo and whole30 diets
• Meat lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs will become your go-to dish:

• Tender, Flavorful Meat: The Instant Pot locks in moisture, cooking the short ribs to perfection while keeping them tender and juicy.
• Quick and Easy: Traditional short ribs require hours of slow cooking, but with the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious meal in just a fraction of the time.
• Paleo-Friendly: This recipe is entirely Paleo, meaning no grains, dairy, or refined sugars are used—just wholesome, nutrient-packed ingredients.
• One-Pot Meal: This recipe is a one-pot wonder, which makes clean-up easy and convenient.
• Rich, Savory Sauce: The broth made from the cooking process creates a rich, savory sauce that is perfect for drizzling over the ribs and any side dish you serve with them.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 people
• Calories per serving: Approximately 500-600 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 45g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 35g

Ingredients

To make these Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3-4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee (for searing)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth (ensure it’s Paleo-friendly)
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (a Paleo-friendly soy sauce alternative)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Bone-In Short Ribs: Bone-in ribs are ideal for slow cooking because the marrow in the bones adds richness and depth to the broth, making it more flavorful.
• Coconut Aminos: This is a great Paleo alternative to soy sauce, offering a sweet and savory umami flavor without any of the gluten or refined sugars.
• Smoked Paprika: This adds a subtle smoky flavor to the dish, enhancing the savory richness of the short ribs.
• Beef Broth: Always choose a high-quality beef broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium) to create a flavorful base for your cooking liquid.

Step-by-Step

Instructions for Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs:

Sear the Short Ribs:

1. Sear the Meat: Start by seasoning your short ribs generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried rosemary. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” setting. Add the olive oil or ghee, and once hot, brown the short ribs on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once seared, remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics:

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance its flavor.

Deglaze the Pot:

3. Deglaze with Liquids: Pour in the beef broth, coconut aminos, and balsamic vinegar (if using), stirring well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce.

Cook the Short Ribs:

4. Add the Short Ribs Back: Return the seared short ribs to the Instant Pot, nestling them into the broth and aromatics. Ensure that the ribs are mostly submerged in the liquid.
5. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing”. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes. Then, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.

Finish and Serve:

6. Remove and Rest: Carefully remove the short ribs from the Instant Pot and place them on a platter. Let them rest for a few minutes while you finish the sauce.
7. Reduce the Sauce: If the sauce in the pot is too thin, switch the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” function and simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes, until it has thickened to your liking. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed (more salt, pepper, or coconut aminos).
8. Serve: Serve the short ribs with the reduced sauce poured over them. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs

Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs can be served in a variety of ways to complement their rich flavor:

• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve your short ribs with a side of roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a complete and nutritious meal.
• With Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice makes a perfect accompaniment that soaks up the savory sauce.
• With Mashed Potatoes: For a more indulgent option, serve the short ribs over mashed potatoes (made with ghee instead of butter for a Paleo-friendly touch).
• On a Salad: Shred the short ribs and serve them over a fresh mixed green salad for a lighter yet still hearty meal.

Additional Tips for Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs

Here are some tips to make your Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs even better:

• Use Bone-In Short Ribs: Bone-in ribs create a richer, more flavorful dish. The bones contribute to the depth of the broth.
• Don’t Skip Searing: Searing the ribs before pressure cooking locks in flavor and adds a beautiful, caramelized crust to the meat.
• Adjust the Cooking Time: If you prefer your ribs to be fall-off-the-bone tender, increase the cooking time by 10 minutes.
• Make the Sauce Even Richer: For an even richer sauce, add a splash of homemade bone broth or some Paleo-friendly tomato sauce to the cooking liquid.
• Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well, fresh thyme and rosemary can be added just before serving for an aromatic touch.

Recipe Variations for Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs

Here are some variations you can try with this Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs recipe:

• Garlic & Herb Short Ribs: Add extra garlic and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano to the cooking liquid for an aromatic twist.
• Spicy Short Ribs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a little heat.
• BBQ Short Ribs: After pressure cooking, brush the short ribs with Paleo-friendly BBQ sauce and broil them for a few minutes to create a caramelized, smoky glaze.
• Mushroom Short Ribs: Add sliced mushrooms to the pot along with the broth for a delicious earthy flavor that complements the beef.
• Citrus-Infused Short Ribs: For a fresh twist, add the zest and juice of an orange or lemon to the sauce before serving.

Freezing and Storage for Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs

• Freezing: You can freeze the short ribs for up to 3 months. Once they have cooled completely, place the short ribs and sauce in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the leftovers even more delicious!

Special Equipment for Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs

Here are a few pieces of equipment you might need to make your Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs:

• Instant Pot: The star of the recipe! An Instant Pot or pressure cooker is essential for making these short ribs quickly and efficiently.
• Tongs: Use tongs to handle the hot short ribs when searing and removing them from the pot.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the fond (caramelized bits) from the bottom of the pot during deglazing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure you’re using the right quantities of each ingredient for perfect results.
• Serving Platter: A large platter or dish for resting and serving the short ribs.

FAQ Section about Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs

1. Can I use boneless short ribs?
   Yes, boneless short ribs can be used, but bone-in ribs tend to be more flavorful. If using boneless, reduce the cooking time by 10 minutes.
2. Can I make these ribs without coconut aminos?
   Yes, you can substitute coconut aminos with another Paleo-friendly soy sauce alternative or use a small amount of tamari sauce.
3. Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot while cooking the short ribs?
   Absolutely! Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips can be added to the pot along with the short ribs to cook together in the broth.
4. Can I cook these ribs on the stovetop instead of in the Instant Pot?
   Yes, you can braise the ribs on the stovetop in a heavy Dutch oven. Simply follow the same searing and simmering steps, but cook them on low heat for 2-3 hours until tender.
5. How do I know when the short ribs are done?
   The short ribs are done when they are fork-tender and easily pull away from the bone. If you use boneless ribs, they should shred easily with a fork.

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Conclusion

Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs offer a perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and tender meat, making them an ideal dish for any occasion. With easy-to-follow instructions and minimal prep time, this recipe delivers a delicious meal in less time than traditional methods. Whether you’re following a Paleo lifestyle or just looking for a hearty, flavorful meal, these short ribs will surely satisfy your cravings. Enjoy them with your favorite sides or as part of a family dinner, and savor every bite of this mouthwatering dish!