Ultimate Comfort: Easy Instant Pot Short Rib Osso Buco with Zesty Gremolata
Indulge in a luxurious meal with minimal effort! This Instant Pot Short Rib Osso Buco recipe transforms a classic Italian dish into a hearty, one-pot masterpiece. Using succulent short ribs instead of traditional veal shanks, we create an even more satisfying experience. Crowned with a vibrant, herbaceous gremolata, this elegant dish promises to impress with remarkable ease.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Instant Pot! As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
In our increasingly busy lives, finding time to prepare elaborate, gourmet meals can feel like an impossible task. We crave the rich flavors and comforting warmth of classic dishes, but often lack the hours required for traditional slow-cooking methods. This is where the magic of the Instant Pot truly shines, allowing us to turn ambitious recipes into accessible, weeknight wonders. I’ve been on a mission to adapt as many fancy culinary creations as possible into Instant Pot masterpieces, and this Short Rib Osso Buco is a prime example of that success.
Let’s be honest: spontaneous dinner parties or a desire for a truly special meal shouldn’t be derailed by demanding schedules. Traditional Osso Buco, a Milanese classic typically made with braised veal shanks, demands patience and a good few hours on the stovetop. While undeniably delicious, this commitment can be daunting after a long day. My goal is to equip you with a method that delivers all the incredible depth of flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness of a slow-braised dish, but in a fraction of the time, all within a single pot. This recipe is proof that you can achieve gourmet results without an insane amount of effort.
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The Hearty Difference: Short Rib Osso Buco
The flavor profile of this Instant Pot Short Rib Osso Buco is nothing short of heavenly. It’s a symphony of savory notes that will undoubtedly elevate your evening meal to perfection. We start by building a robust foundation with crispy bacon, whose rendered fat then becomes the base for sautéing aromatic vegetables. This simple step infuses the entire dish with a subtle smokiness and unparalleled richness right from the start. Then, deeply seared, bone-in beef short ribs are introduced, locking in their magnificent meaty juices. A generous splash of dry red wine deglazes the pot, lifting all those caramelized bits and adding a layer of complex acidity. Finally, rich tomatoes and savory beef stock complete the braising liquid. The result is a profoundly flavorful, intensely satisfying dish that boasts layers upon layers of gastronomic complexity.
Not only does this dish stun with its incredible flavor, but its appearance is equally impressive. Imagine a plate showcasing tender, succulent short ribs, glistening with a rich, dark sauce, and crowned with a vibrant pop of green gremolata. It’s a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the palate. Just thinking about that meaty perfection makes my mouth water all over again!
What truly sets this recipe apart is how all these incredible flavors and textures come together effortlessly in a single cooking vessel: the Instant Pot. This multi-cooker streamlines what would traditionally be a multi-step, multi-hour process into a simple, efficient, and wonderfully convenient cooking experience.
Unlocking Potential with the Instant Pot Max 6 Quart
This particular model, the Instant Pot Max 6 Quart, is, in a word, phenomenal. Seriously, I’m not sure how I managed without it! Many of you might be wondering about the distinctions between this Instant Pot model and others on the market. There are indeed several noteworthy differences that make the Max a standout:
- **Revolutionary 15psi Pressure Cooking:** The Max reaches a higher pressure (15 psi) compared to standard Instant Pots (typically 10-12 psi). This capability means even faster cooking times and more tender results, bringing it closer to traditional stovetop pressure cookers. Paired with its NutriBoost™ technology, the cooking process is enhanced, and it uses up to 70% less energy than conventional cooking methods.
- **Integrated Sous Vide Program:** For those who have always wanted to experiment with sous vide at home, the Max offers a dedicated program. This precise cooking method ensures perfect results and helps retain more vitamins and minerals in your food, all within the convenience of your Instant Pot. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your culinary skills without needing an additional appliance.
- **Enhanced Slow Cook Function:** The slow cook function on the Instant Pot Max has been significantly improved to closely mimic the performance of a traditional slow cooker. This enhancement provides greater control and customization over your slow-cooked dishes, ensuring consistent and delicious results every time.
As you might gather, this appliance has become an indispensable part of my daily life in the kitchen. Beyond its impressive features, it’s incredibly energy-efficient. One of its most user-friendly innovations is the automatic steam release control; you no longer need to manually press a button to release pressure. Simply set it via the intuitive touch screen, and the Instant Pot handles the rest, eliminating any worry about steam burns. This focus on safety and convenience truly sets it apart.
And yes, the LCD touchscreen interface is genuinely one of its best attributes. I confess, I’m a bit of a technology nerd, so I appreciate such thoughtful design in my kitchen appliances!
Essential Tools for This Recipe
This Recipe’s Must-Haves
To successfully bring this Instant Pot Short Rib Osso Buco to life, a few key tools will make your cooking experience seamless:
- **The Amazing Instant Pot Max 6 Quart:** While this recipe specifically highlights the Instant Pot Max 6 Quart Multi-use Electric Pressure Cooker with 15psi Pressure Cooking, Sous Vide, Auto Steam Release Control and Touch Screen, any Instant Pot model (excluding the mini, unless you halve the recipe) can be used. The Max simply offers enhanced features that elevate the process.
- **Dreamfarm Clongs 12-Inch:** I’m a huge fan of these locking Dreamfarm Clongs 12-Inch. The locking mechanism is incredibly easy to open and shut with just a tap, and their unique bent design allows you to set them down without dirtying your countertop. Because good kitchen hygiene is key!
- **Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls:** You already know how much I rely on my versatile Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls. I literally can’t get through a day of cooking without using at least one of them for prepping ingredients, making the gremolata, or holding the seared short ribs.
Don’t Forget to Pin This Recipe!
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Instant Pot Short Rib Osso Buco
Equipment
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Instant Pot Max
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Dreamfarm Clongs 12-Inch
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1/2 lb thick-cut bacon cut into lardons
- 8 bone-in beef short ribs patted dry with a paper towel
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 onion diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 medium carrots diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 celery stalk diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 3 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 2/3 cup dry red wine
- ½ cup beef stock
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes drained
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- Finely grated zest of 1/2 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Pinch of kosher salt plus more as needed
Instructions
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Begin by preparing your aromatic bundle: tie together the fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs with kitchen twine. Set this herb bundle aside.
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Set your Instant Pot Max to the “Sauté” function. Once the pot is hot, add the cut bacon lardons and cook until they are crispy and have rendered their fat. Carefully remove the crispy bacon with a slotted spoon and reserve it for later use.
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While the pot retains the delicious bacon fat, season the bone-in beef short ribs generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Add the short ribs to the Instant Pot in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear them on all sides until deeply browned and caramelized, which typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes per batch. This searing step is crucial for developing rich flavor. Once seared, remove the short ribs to a clean plate and set aside.
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To prevent burning the next ingredients, briefly unplug the Instant Pot for about 3 minutes to allow it to cool slightly. While it cools, melt the unsalted butter in the pot and stir in the diced onions, carrots, and celery.
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Plug the Instant Pot back in and return it to the “Sauté” setting. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they have softened, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Then, stir in the thinly sliced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the dry red wine and use a wooden spoon to vigorously scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step adds immense flavor. Stir in the beef stock and drained diced tomatoes. Carefully nestle the seared short ribs back into the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
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Add the prepared herb bundle to the pot. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to cook on High pressure for 40 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally. This typically takes 15-20 minutes and helps ensure the meat remains incredibly tender.
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Carefully remove the tender short ribs from the pot and set them aside. Discard the herb bundle. Switch the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” function and simmer the remaining sauce until it has reduced and thickened to your desired consistency, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The sauce should be rich and glossy.
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While the sauce is reducing, prepare the gremolata: in a small bowl, stir together the finely chopped fresh parsley, finely grated zest of 1/2 lemon, minced garlic cloves, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix well.
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To serve, place the magnificent short ribs on plates. Spoon a generous amount of the rich, reduced sauce over them, and finally, sprinkle with the bright and zesty gremolata. Enjoy your gourmet, yet effortless, meal!
Notes
Whether you’re looking to impress guests without breaking a sweat, or simply crave a deeply satisfying, luxurious dinner on a weeknight, this Instant Pot Short Rib Osso Buco recipe is your answer. It combines the speed and convenience of modern appliances with the timeless appeal of classic comfort food, proving that elegance in the kitchen can indeed be effortless. Give it a try, and prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor and tender perfection you can achieve with your Instant Pot!