If you ever dreamt of tender, flavorful beef short ribs infused with a tangy, slightly sweet mustard BBQ sauce, then you are in for a treat with this Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe. This dish combines the rich depth of slow-cooked beef with the bright zing of classic Carolina mustard BBQ sauce, all achieved in under an hour thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. It’s comfort food elevated with a Southern twist that will make you wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe balances bold flavors and simple pantry staples to create an unforgettable meal. Each component plays an important role, from the sharpness of yellow mustard to the subtle sweetness of honey and the hearty, juicy beef short ribs themselves.
- Beef short ribs (4-5 lbs): The star of the show—well-marbled ribs provide rich, tender meat that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps sear the ribs to lock in juices and add a subtle crispness to the meat’s edges.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the natural flavor of the ribs.
- Yellow mustard (1 cup): The base of the signature Carolina mustard BBQ sauce, delivering tanginess and a little kick.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/2 cup): Adds acidity to balance the richness and tenderize the meat during cooking.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Brings a gentle sweetness that rounds out the sharpness of the mustard and vinegar.
- Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Deepens the sauce’s flavor with caramel notes and helps achieve a balanced glaze.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tbsp): Adds umami and complexity that amplify the overall savoriness of the dish.
- Ketchup (1 tbsp): Thickens the sauce slightly while infusing subtle tomato brightness.
- Hot sauce (1 tsp, optional): For those who love a hint of heat, this amps up the flavor without overpowering it.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Brings a gentle warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): A subtle savory background note that complements the other spices.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp, optional): Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the sauce if you like it spicy.
How to Make Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Ribs
Begin by patting your beef short ribs dry and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in your Instant Pot on the “Sauté” setting. Once hot, carefully brown the ribs on all sides, which creates a lovely caramelized crust and locks in juices that will keep the meat moist and flavorful after pressure cooking.
Step 2: Make the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
While the ribs are resting off to the side, whisk together 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. This sauce perfectly captures the essence of Carolina BBQ with its tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy profile.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Ribs
Return the ribs to the Instant Pot and pour the mustard BBQ sauce over them, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on “High Pressure” for 45 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes to allow the meat to relax and become even more tender.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Carefully remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside. If you want a thicker sauce, switch back to “Sauté” mode and simmer the cooking liquid for a few minutes until it reduces slightly. Pour this luscious sauce over the ribs or serve it on the side for dipping. Now, your Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top of your ribs for a fresh pop of color and flavor. A handful of toasted sesame seeds can also add a pleasant texture contrast and a subtle nutty note to the dish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs brilliantly with creamy mashed potatoes or a vibrant coleslaw to contrast the rich meat. For a lighter option, roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad will balance every bite perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the ribs over a bed of buttery cornbread or tucked inside warm sandwich buns for a delicious BBQ slider experience. For a fun twist, drizzle extra Carolina mustard BBQ sauce on top and garnish with pickled red onions to highlight the tangy flavors even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover ribs should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 4 days while maintaining their wonderful flavor and tenderness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked short ribs by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or placing them in freezer-safe containers. Stored this way, they keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the ribs gently in the oven covered with foil at 300°F until heated through, or microwave on a medium setting, being careful not to overcook and dry them out. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce while reheating can help keep the meat moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can adapt the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe for a slow cooker by browning the ribs first and then cooking them on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until tender.
Is yellow mustard necessary for the sauce, or can I substitute it?
Yellow mustard is key for that authentic Carolina mustard BBQ taste, delivering the tangy flavor that defines the sauce. Substituting with Dijon or spicy brown mustard will change the flavor profile but can work if you’re in a pinch.
How spicy is this recipe with the hot sauce and cayenne?
The amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper in this recipe is mild and balanced, adding just a gentle warmth without overpowering the ribs. You can adjust the heat levels up or down according to your preferences.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring that your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are gluten-free brands. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Beef short ribs are ideal because of their marbling and connective tissue that break down beautifully during pressure cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat perfect for absorbing the Carolina mustard BBQ sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a soulful Southern classic with the convenience of modern cooking technology. It’s rich, tangy, and packed with comforting flavors that will quickly make it a go-to favorite. Do yourself a favor and give this recipe a try—you’re guaranteed to impress family and friends with every bite!
Print
Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Tender and flavorful beef short ribs simmered in a tangy and slightly spicy Carolina mustard BBQ sauce, made quickly and easily in an Instant Pot for a perfect weeknight meal.
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
- Season and Sear the Ribs: Pat the beef short ribs dry with paper towels and season them generously on all sides with salt and pepper. Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, sear the short ribs in batches, browning them well on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste until smooth and well combined.
- Deglaze the Pot: After removing the ribs, pour a small amount of the prepared sauce into the Instant Pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom using a wooden spoon. This adds rich flavor and prevents burning.
- Pressure Cook the Ribs: Add the seared short ribs back into the Instant Pot and pour the remaining Carolina mustard BBQ sauce over them, making sure they are well coated. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ mode on high pressure for 45 minutes.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before carefully switching to a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Serve: Remove the beef short ribs from the pot and spoon some of the mustard BBQ sauce from the pot over the ribs. Serve hot with your favorite sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a classic Southern-style meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of heat by omitting or including the hot sauce and cayenne pepper.
- For thicker sauce, remove the ribs after cooking and simmer the sauce on ‘Sauté’ mode until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and the flavors deepen overnight.
- This recipe can be adapted for stove-top cooking, but cooking times will vary.
- Use bone-in short ribs for the best flavor and tenderness.
