If you are craving melt-in-your-mouth beef short ribs with a tangy, boldly flavored sauce, the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish combines tender, fall-off-the-bone meat with a vibrant mustard-based barbecue sauce that balances sweetness, tang, and a little heat perfectly. Using the Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process without sacrificing flavor or texture, making it a perfect meal for gatherings or a comforting weekend dinner. Once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for a taste of Southern-inspired BBQ in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together to create the rich and zesty flavors of this dish. Every item plays a crucial role—from the hearty beef short ribs that provide the ultimate tenderness to the mustard-based sauce that defines the dish’s personality.
- 4-5 lbs beef short ribs: Choose well-marbled ribs for juicy, flavorful meat.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the ribs and locking in flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances the natural meat flavor.
- 1 cup yellow mustard: The star of the sauce, delivering tangy, sharp notes.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to balance the richness.
- 1/4 cup honey: Provides a subtle, natural sweetness that rounds out the sauce.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Deepens sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth.
- 1 tbsp ketchup: Brings a touch of tomato tang and color.
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional): For those who like a little spicy kick.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses subtle garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Enhances savory notes in the sauce.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Adds warmth and complexity.
- Salt and pepper, to taste (again): Final seasoning to perfect the sauce.
How to Make Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Preparing and Searing the Short Ribs
Start by patting your beef short ribs dry with paper towels—this helps you get a beautiful sear. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Next, heat olive oil in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting, and carefully brown the ribs on all sides to lock in juices and develop a rich crust. This initial searing step adds a depth of flavor that sets your ribs apart.
Step 2: Mixing the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
While the ribs are searing, combine yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, and your optional hot sauce and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and fully blended. This sauce is the heart of your dish, balancing tangy, sweet, and savory elements for a true Southern BBQ experience.
Step 3: Pressure Cooking the Ribs
Once the ribs are browned, remove them and pour a little of the sauce mixture into the Instant Pot to deglaze the bottom—this prevents the burn notice and captures those delicious browned bits. Place the ribs back into the pot, pour over the remaining sauce, ensuring the ribs are well coated but not fully submerged. Seal the lid and set the pot to pressure cook on high for 45 minutes. This method tenderizes the meat quickly while infusing rich flavor.
Step 4: Finishing the Sauce
After the cooking cycle completes, carefully release the pressure. Remove the ribs and set them aside, tenting with foil to keep warm. Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté and simmer the cooking liquid until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency. Pour this luscious sauce generously over the short ribs before serving.
How to Serve Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions add a pop of color and a fresh note that complements the rich ribs perfectly. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can also provide a lovely crunch and nutty aroma that pairs well with the mustard BBQ sauce.
Side Dishes
Classic Southern sides work beautifully here, such as creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or tangy pickled vegetables. For something heartier, mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables help soak up all the incredible sauce. These sides balance the richness of the ribs and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the ribs over a bed of creamy grits or even on toasted buns for a delicious sandwich twist. You can also slice the meat off the bone after cooking for bite-sized appetizers, perfect for parties or casual gatherings, showcasing the finger-licking goodness of the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store the ribs with some of the sauce to help retain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save it for later. Place the ribs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the meat moist. Reheating in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting also works great, just be careful not to overcook further.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot for this recipe?
Absolutely! Cooking the short ribs in a slow cooker will take longer—about 6 to 8 hours on low—but will still yield tender, flavorful meat. Just brown the ribs first for best results, then add the sauce and cook low and slow.
Is the heat in the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce strong?
The heat level can be easily adjusted. The hot sauce and cayenne pepper are optional and can be omitted or added according to your preference, making this recipe adaptable for those who prefer mild or spicy flavors.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Beef short ribs with good marbling are ideal because their connective tissues break down during pressure cooking, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat that pairs perfectly with the tangy mustard sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The Carolina mustard BBQ sauce can be mixed a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This lets the flavors meld beautifully and will make the cooking process even quicker when you’re ready to prepare the ribs.
Do I need to add water or broth when pressure cooking the ribs?
The mustard BBQ sauce provides enough liquid for pressure cooking, especially after deglazing the pot. However, if your Instant Pot instructions recommend additional liquid, you can add a small amount of broth to ensure proper pressure buildup.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the indulgent experience of tender beef ribs bathed in a tangy, slightly sweet mustard BBQ sauce, and this Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe delivers that every single time. Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe brings bold Southern flavors to your table with the ease and speed of the Instant Pot. Give it a try and prepare to have a new favorite BBQ dish that’s both fuss-free and full of soul.
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Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs are tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection in just under an hour. The tangy and slightly sweet mustard-based sauce infuses the ribs with a classic South Carolina BBQ flavor, enhanced by a touch of heat and balanced by apple cider vinegar and honey. Using the Instant Pot makes this traditionally slow-cooked dish quick and easy, ideal for a comforting family meal or special gathering.
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. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Meat: Select the ‘Sauté’ function on your Instant Pot. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering. Brown the short ribs in batches, ensuring each side is well-seared for about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove ribs 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 additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Pressure Cook: Pour a small amount of the BBQ sauce into the Instant Pot to deglaze the bottom, scraping any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Return the short ribs to the pot, then pour the remaining sauce over the meat, making sure it’s well coated.
- Set Cooking Time: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ on high pressure for 45 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Serve: Remove short ribs carefully from the pot. Optionally, skim off fat from the sauce left in the pot and simmer it with the ‘Sauté’ mode for a few minutes to thicken. Serve the ribs hot, topped with the thickened mustard BBQ sauce.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper and hot sauce according to your preference.
- If you don’t have an Instant Pot, these ribs can be slow-cooked on low for 6-8 hours or braised in the oven at 300°F for 3 hours.
- Use bone-in short ribs for best flavor and texture.
- Leftover ribs and sauce freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Pair this dish with coleslaw and baked beans for a traditional BBQ feast.
