If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat, the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish perfectly marries the tangy zing of Carolina mustard BBQ sauce with the rich, succulent beef short ribs, all cooked effortlessly in an Instant Pot to lock in maximum juiciness. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Southern BBQ or new to this cuisine, this recipe shines with a deep, authentic taste and an unbeatable texture that will have everyone asking for seconds—and thirds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up this Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe is surprisingly straightforward because of its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role: tender beef ribs provide hearty depth, the dry spices enhance smoky warmth, and the vibrant mustard sauce adds tang and sweetness for a well-balanced feast.
- 3–4 pounds beef short ribs: Choose bone-in for the richest flavor and juiciness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the ribs beautifully and develop flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to bring out the savory taste of the beef.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a lovely smoky undertone without needing a grill.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that aromatic, garlicky touch that pairs well with beef.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances depth and rounds out the spice rub.
- 1 cup beef broth: Keeps the ribs tender and juicy under pressure cooking.
- ½ cup yellow mustard: The cornerstone of the Carolina mustard BBQ sauce with its tangy zip.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Balances the sauce with bright acidity.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds natural sweetness to complement the mustard tang.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Deepens sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Introduces tomatoey richness for a fuller BBQ flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional): For a gentle kick of heat, if you like things spicy.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the sauce’s savory notes.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives the sauce a subtle warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To perfectly season your sauce.
How to Make Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Ribs
Start by mixing together salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. This spice rub is your ticket to rich, smoky flavor. Generously coat the beef short ribs with this blend, ensuring every inch is covered. This step not only seasons the meat but also builds the base for the final taste explosion.
Step 2: Brown the Short Ribs
Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Brown your short ribs in batches, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This browning process gives the ribs a robust flavor through the Maillard reaction and makes the final dish irresistibly savory. Once browned, set them aside for the pressure cooking step.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Ribs
Pour the beef broth into the Instant Pot, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift up all those flavorful browned bits left behind after searing. Return the short ribs to the pot, seal the lid tightly, and cook on Manual High Pressure for 45 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes before quickly releasing the remaining pressure. This method ensures the meat turns incredibly tender, falling off the bone.
Step 4: Make the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
While the ribs are cooking, bring together your sauce ingredients in a saucepan: yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, optional hot sauce, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld into an irresistible tangy glaze.
Step 5: Finish and Glaze the Ribs
Carefully remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and brush them liberally with the mustard BBQ sauce. For an added layer of caramelized goodness, pop the ribs under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to get that bubbly, sticky glaze. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping and savor every bite of this Southern classic.
How to Serve Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up the hearty ribs with fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or parsley to add a pop of vibrant color and fresh flavor contrast. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can also provide a subtle nutty crunch that complements the tangy BBQ sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Classic Southern sides make a perfect match: creamy coleslaw cuts through the richness with its crisp texture, buttery cornbread adds a comforting sweetness, and baked beans bring smoky depth to the plate. Feel free to pair with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these ribs as sliders for a party, layered on soft buns with extra BBQ sauce and pickles. Alternatively, place them atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or cheesy grits for a soulful, satisfying dish that looks as good as it tastes. No matter how you present them, these ribs will steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe, let any leftovers cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to reheat and enjoy another delicious meal without extra effort.
Freezing
If you want to save the ribs for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the ribs tightly in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container, including some of the barbecue sauce to keep the meat moist. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover ribs gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil to prevent drying out, or warm them up in a skillet over medium-low heat. Be sure to brush on additional Carolina mustard BBQ sauce during reheating to revive that tangy, lip-smacking flavor.
FAQs
Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in ribs offer a richer flavor, boneless short ribs work just as well and will cook faster. Adjust the pressure cooking time slightly if needed to avoid overcooking.
Is the hot sauce in the BBQ sauce necessary?
The hot sauce is optional and used to add a mild kick. If you prefer a milder sauce, feel free to skip it without losing any of the signature tangy flavor.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
You can! While the Instant Pot speeds up cooking and keeps the meat tender, you can slow-cook the ribs in a crockpot or braise them in the oven at a low temperature for 3 to 4 hours until tender.
How spicy is the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce in this recipe?
This sauce leans more toward tangy and sweet with a subtle hint of heat from cayenne and optional hot sauce. You can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste by adding more or less cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
What kind of mustard is best for the sauce?
Yellow mustard is traditional for Carolina BBQ sauce and provides that distinct tang and color. Avoid Dijon or spicy brown mustard unless you want a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe—a recipe that captures the spirit of Southern comfort food with all the ease modern home cooks crave. The tender, flavorful ribs paired with the tangy, slightly sweet mustard BBQ sauce make each bite a joyful adventure. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. Give it a go and let yourself fall in love with Southern BBQ all over again!
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Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (plus 15-minute natural release)
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender and flavorful beef short ribs cooked in an Instant Pot and smothered with a tangy Carolina mustard BBQ sauce. This Southern-inspired dish combines rich, slow-cooked beef with a bright, slightly spicy mustard sauce, perfect for an easy yet impressive main course.
Ingredients
Beef Short Ribs
- 3–4 pounds beef short ribs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup beef broth
Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the short ribs: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the spice mix evenly over the short ribs to coat all sides thoroughly for infused flavor.
- Brown the ribs: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering. Brown the short ribs in batches, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side until they develop a deep sear. Remove browned ribs and set aside.
- Deglaze and pressure cook: Pour beef broth into the pot and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom with a wooden spoon to enhance flavor. Return the short ribs to the pot. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 45 minutes.
- Pressure release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the ribs from the pot.
- Make the mustard BBQ sauce: While ribs cook, whisk together yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, optional hot sauce, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
- Finish and serve: Brush the cooked ribs generously with the Carolina mustard BBQ sauce. For an optional caramelized finish, broil the ribs for 2–3 minutes. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- The tangy mustard sauce pairs beautifully with the richness of beef short ribs.
- Make the sauce ahead and refrigerate for up to a week for convenience.
- Serve alongside classic Southern sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a complete meal.
