Savory Instant Pot Short Ribs Paleo Whole30 Keto Approved

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting unbelievably tender and flavorful Instant Pot Short Ribs that perfectly align with your Paleo, Whole30, and Keto lifestyle. If you haven’t yet discovered the pure bliss of fall-off-the-bone short ribs, prepare for a culinary revelation! This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking a hearty, satisfying, and compliant meal that works seamlessly with your dietary goals. We’re thrilled to add this savory delight to your regular rotation, offering comprehensive instructions for both the time-saving Instant Pot and the classic Slow Cooker.

Short ribs, known for their rich marbling and deep beefy flavor, transform into an incredibly succulent dish when cooked slowly. This recipe enhances their natural goodness with a vibrant, umami-packed sauce, ensuring every bite is a burst of savory perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned short rib enthusiast or trying them for the first time, our detailed guide will help you achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Instant pot short ribs in two bowls with greens, mayo sauce and chopped green onion. Extra green onion, garlic, shallot and ginger on the table.

Effortless Cooking: Instant Pot or Slow Cooker

One of the beauties of this Paleo, Whole30, and Keto short ribs recipe is its adaptability to your schedule and preferred cooking method. We provide clear instructions for both the Instant Pot and the Slow Cooker, ensuring you can achieve perfectly tender results no matter which appliance you choose.

The Instant Pot is a modern marvel for its speed and efficiency. It significantly reduces cooking time, allowing you to enjoy these delectable short ribs even on a busy weeknight. In a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven or slow cooker, the Instant Pot uses pressure to tenderize the meat to perfection, infusing it with all the incredible flavors of the sauce. It’s the ideal choice when you crave a deeply satisfying meal without the all-day wait.

On the other hand, the Slow Cooker offers a more traditional, hands-off approach. It’s perfect for those mornings when you have a few minutes to prepare the ingredients, set it, and forget it. Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of slowly braised short ribs, ready to melt in your mouth after simmering gently all day. This method requires minimal effort and delivers consistently tender, flavorful results. Whether you opt for speed or a leisurely simmer, we’ve got you covered with cooking instructions that guarantee success.

Close up overhead shot of instant pot short ribs in a bowl with greens, mayo sauce and chopped green onion.

The Secret to Unforgettable Flavor: Our Savory Sauce

While short ribs are inherently rich and flavorful, it’s our signature sauce that elevates this dish to an extraordinary level. This carefully crafted blend of ingredients creates a special, savory, and unmistakably umami flavor profile that truly makes these short ribs stand out. The ribs are first seasoned simply, allowing their natural beefy essence to shine, and then generously coated with this magnificent sauce. As they cook, the ribs slowly braise, soaking up every drop of the luscious, juicy goodness.

Our sauce is a harmonious combination of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. Coconut aminos provide a rich, salty depth without soy, making it perfect for Paleo and Whole30 diets. Fish sauce adds an incredible layer of umami that enhances the overall savoriness without overpowering the dish. Fresh garlic and shallots contribute aromatic sweetness and a pungent kick, while ginger adds a warm, zesty brightness. Chicken bone broth forms the nourishing base, enriching the sauce with collagen and nutrients. The unique addition of fresh pear introduces a subtle, natural sweetness and tenderizing enzymes that complement the savory elements beautifully, creating a well-rounded and deeply satisfying mix of flavors. This thoughtful blend ensures a complex and irresistible taste that will have you reaching for seconds.

Instant pot short ribs on a plate garnished with chopped green onion.

Crafting a Complete and Delicious Meal

These Paleo, Whole30, and Keto Instant Pot short ribs are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic foundation for a variety of meals. We’ve enjoyed them in many ways, from pairing them with simple roasted vegetables to transforming them into a delightful bowl meal with fresh greens. For an extra layer of flavor and a touch of creamy heat, we often whip up an optional quick sauce by combining mayo with your favorite hot sauce. A simple drizzle over the ribs elevates the dish, adding a tangy kick that perfectly complements the rich, savory meat.

But the possibilities don’t stop there! These tender short ribs are excellent with a range of compliant side dishes. Consider serving them alongside cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or with a vibrant medley of steamed or roasted non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. For those on a Paleo or Whole30 journey, a side of mashed sweet potatoes or parsnips can add a wonderful creamy texture and natural sweetness. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your accompaniments to build a full, balanced, and incredibly satisfying meal.

Instant pot short ribs served in a bowl with greens and topped with mayo sauce and chopped green onion.

Inspiring Side Dish Pairings for Your Short Ribs

THE BEST POTATO SALAD
TURMERIC MAPLE ROASTED BEETS & CARROTS
HEALTHY COLESLAW

GARLIC & SAGE BROWN BUTTER MUSHROOMS
BUTTERNUT SQUASH FRIES
GRILLED MARINATED VEGGIES

Why Choose Paleo, Whole30 & Keto Short Ribs?

Beyond their incredible flavor, these short ribs offer significant benefits for those following specific dietary paths. For Paleo and Whole30 adherents, short ribs are a fantastic source of nutrient-dense protein and healthy fats. They are naturally grain-free, dairy-free, and free from added sugars, making them a perfect fit for a clean eating regimen. The collagen-rich connective tissue breaks down during the slow cooking process, contributing to a tender texture and providing beneficial nutrients for gut health, skin, hair, and joints.

For those on a Keto diet, short ribs are a dream come true. Their high fat content makes them ideal for maintaining ketosis, providing sustained energy and satiety. The minimal carbohydrate count from the pear and other sauce ingredients means this dish easily fits within your daily macros. This recipe ensures you don’t have to compromise on flavor or satisfaction while adhering to your low-carb lifestyle. Enjoy a meal that nourishes your body and delights your taste buds, all while staying true to your health goals.

Tips for Perfect Fall-Off-The-Bone Short Ribs

Achieving truly fall-off-the-bone short ribs is simpler than you might think with a few key techniques. First, always select good quality, bone-in short ribs. The bone adds incredible flavor and helps keep the meat moist. While this recipe doesn’t explicitly call for searing, briefly browning your short ribs on all sides before adding the sauce and cooking them can add another layer of depth and richness to the final dish. This step creates a beautiful crust and locks in even more flavor, though it’s optional for a quicker preparation.

When cooking in the Instant Pot, ensure your liquid level is appropriate; the recipe calls for 3/4 cup of chicken broth, which is sufficient to create pressure and braise the ribs without diluting the rich sauce. For the Slow Cooker, low and slow is the mantra. Resisting the urge to lift the lid during cooking is crucial, as each peek releases precious heat and extends the cooking time. Trust the process, and you’ll be rewarded with incredibly tender, succulent short ribs every time.

Your Turn To Try Our Instant Pot Short Ribs

These Instant Pot short ribs are more than just a meal; they’re the perfect meal prep recipe. Imagine preparing a batch on Sunday evening and enjoying delicious, wholesome leftovers throughout the busy week. They reheat beautifully, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and deepen. This recipe is designed to simplify your healthy eating routine without sacrificing taste or quality.

We absolutely love seeing your culinary creations! Once you’ve made these incredible short ribs, please leave a comment below to let us know how they turned out. Your feedback helps us improve and inspires others to try our recipes. Don’t forget to take a picture and share it on Instagram, tagging us @realsimplegood, so we can admire your delicious results! And if you haven’t already, give us a follow; we’d love to stay connected and share more healthy, simple recipes with you.

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Instant pot short ribs on a plate garnished with chopped green onion. Long pin for pinterest.


Instant Pot Short Ribs garnished with green onion.
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Instant Pot Short Ribs (Paleo + Whole30)

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 1 hr 25 mins
Total: 1 hr 35 mins
Servings: 6

These Paleo + Whole30 Instant Pot Short Ribs are full of savory, fall off the bone goodness. Instructions for both the Instant Pot + Slow Cooker.

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Ingredients

For the Ribs:

  • 4 lbs bone-in short ribs
  • 1 tsp chipotle powder
  • 2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

For the sauce:

  • 1 medium pear, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 shallot, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 2 tsp coconut vinegar
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth

Optional topping:

  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

For the Instant Pot:

  1. Season the ribs on both sides with the salt, pepper, and chipotle powder. Place ribs in the Instant Pot.
  2. Add all of the sauce ingredients into a high-powered blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
  3. Pour the sauce over and around the ribs. Using tongs or spoons, mix the ribs to coat with the sauce.
  4. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and close the pressure valve. Press the “manual” button (or “pressure cook” button) and set the time to cook for 45 minutes at high pressure. Once the time is up, let the pressure naturally release on its own for 20 minutes.
  5. Manually release any remaining pressure and remove the lid.
  6. Spoon some of the sauce from the Instant Pot over the ribs for serving. Add optional toppings (just combine mayo and hot sauce in a small bowl and drizzle) if desired.

For the slow cooker:

  1. Season the ribs on both sides with the salt, pepper, and chipotle powder. Place ribs in the slow cooker.
  2. Follow steps 2 & 3 from the Instant Pot instructions above to prepare and add the sauce.
  3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours. Spoon some of the sauce from the slow cooker on top of the ribs for serving. Add any optional toppings if desired. We just combine the mayo and hot sauce in a small bowl and drizzle on top.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Nom Nom Paleo.

Nutrition facts are an estimate provided for those following a Ketogenic or low-carb diet. See our full nutrition information disclosure here.

Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving)

Calories: 484kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 42g, Fat: 29g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Fiber: 1g

Course: Main Course

Author: Erica Winn

Cuisine: American

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe?

A: While bone-in short ribs are recommended for maximum flavor and richness, you can certainly use boneless short ribs. The cooking time might need slight adjustment, potentially reducing it by 5-10 minutes in the Instant Pot and an hour or two in the Slow Cooker. Keep an eye on the tenderness; they should still be easily shredded.

Q: Where can I find coconut aminos and coconut vinegar?

A: Coconut aminos and coconut vinegar are popular alternatives for soy sauce and traditional vinegars in Paleo and Whole30 cooking. You can usually find them in the health food aisle of larger grocery stores, specialty health food stores, or easily order them online through retailers like Amazon.

Q: How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

A: After the short ribs are cooked and removed, you can thicken the sauce by simmering it on the “Sauté” function (Instant Pot) or on high heat (Slow Cooker, transferred to a saucepan) until it reduces to your desired consistency. For a thicker, more gravy-like sauce, you can also whisk in a small amount of arrowroot starch slurry (1 tablespoon arrowroot starch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and simmer until thickened.

Q: Can I freeze cooked short ribs?

A: Absolutely! These short ribs freeze wonderfully. Once cooled, transfer the ribs and sauce to an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: Are these short ribs spicy?

A: The recipe includes 1 tsp of chipotle powder, which provides a mild smoky heat. If you prefer less spice, you can reduce or omit the chipotle powder. For more heat, feel free to add a pinch more or include a dash of your favorite hot sauce directly into the cooking liquid.