Instant Pot Korean Short Ribs (Kalbi)
These Instant Pot Korean Short Ribs, also known as Kalbi, are coated in a thick homemade glaze that’s bursting with umami, sweet and spicy flavors. They’re cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection in only 30 minutes and sure to be a new favorite.
Having made ribs in the Instant Pot multiple times, I can now say it’s one of the best ways to cook them. Flavors are infused deep into the meat and it’s guaranteed tender and juicy.
With this simple Kalbi Ribs recipe, you’ll have fall off the bone Korean Beef Short Ribs in about 30 minutes. If that wasn’t easy enough, the Korean sauce whisks together with a handful of common pantry ingredients, and marinating isn’t required.
These Instant Pot Korean Beef Short Ribs are sticky and loaded with savory umami flavors, some sweetness, and a bit of spice. It’s finger-licking good and easy enough to make on a weeknight.
What Are Kalbi Ribs?
Kalbi ribs refers to the specific cut of meat. Unlike traditional American-style ribs or baby back ribs that include the whole rib, kalbi ribs are cut thinly across the bone to create small circles of bone lengthwise across the meat. Kalbi ribs are also known as flanken ribs.
The size of kalbi ribs are typically 8 inches by 1.5 inches and about a ¼ thick. This makes them great for grilling or roasting as they cook quickly. Making them in the Instant Pot will create fall of the bone kalbi ribs and my preferred method of cooking.
Where to Find Kalbi Ribs?
Most specialty or health food grocery stores should carry Kalbi ribs. The distinct cut is easy to recognize. You can also find them at Asian markets.
Unable to find kalbi ribs? You could substitute them with beef short ribs.
Bone-in vs Boneless Short Ribs
Bone-in ribs will yield juicer ribs and have more flavor. Since these are cooked in the Instant Pot the meat will fall off the bone, making them easy to eat. If you can’t find bone-in ribs you can substitute them with boneless ribs. The cooking time will be the same.
Ingredients for Korean Rib Sauce
I prefer to make a sauce from scratch for the best flavor. These Korean Short Ribs will have the same flavor as marinated ribs. However, a long marinade process isn’t required as the flavors will infuse while cooking. The sauce is also smothered on afterward to create a flavor-infused glaze.
Here’s a list of what you’ll need for Korean rib sauce:
- Soy sauce (regular, not low sodium)
- Honey
- Sesame oil
- Garlic chili paste
- Rice vinegar
- Black pepper
- Crushed red chili flakes
- Minced garlic
- Freshly grated ginger
How Long to Cook Short Ribs in an Instant Pot
Ribs take about 25-35 minutes depending on the cut and thickness. For thin Kalbi ribs, 30 minutes will create fall-off-the-bone, melt in your mouth ribs.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- For best flavor, let the ribs soak in the sauce ingredients for 10-15 minutes. This will allow it to infuse into the meat. To save time you could skip this step as you’ll be glazing it with sauce once cooked.
- No salt is needed in this recipe as soy sauce contains plenty of sodium.
- Do not discard the liquid after cooking the ribs. This will be used to create the Korean rib sauce.
- If the sauce is too liquidy or isn’t thickening fast enough, you can stir in a bit of cornstarch mixed in water and simmer to thicken.
- Optional: Broil the ribs in the oven after cooking to crisp the tops of the ribs slightly and caramelize the glaze
How to Store and Serve Leftovers
Ribs will store in a sealed container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can also make a large batch and freeze up to 3 months.
To serve leftovers: Reheat in the microwave or for better texture reheat in the oven at 400 degrees F for 6-8 minutes.
More Instant Pot Recipes
More Rib Recipes to Try:
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Instant Pot Korean Short Ribs (Kalbi)
Ingredients
- 4 pounds flanken beef short ribs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic chili paste
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, as garnishes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients except ribs and sesame seeds. Add beef short ribs and toss to coat. Let rest for 15 minutes for flavors to soak in.
- Place the prepared ribs on a wire rack in the Instant Pot. Pour remaining liquid over the ribs. Close the lid and cook on manual HIGH pressure for 30 minutes.
- Once cooked, allow steam to release manually. Or open the release valve after 5 minutes with tongs. Remove the ribs carefully, set aside, and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Set the Instant Pot to high saute and simmer sauce with the lid open until thickened, about 5-10 minutes.
- Coat both sides of the ribs with the sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Seriously impressed! I’ve tried instant pot short ribs about a half dozen times before and it always turns out either chewy, soggy or under seasoned. Bleh. I wasn’t holding my breath walking into this recipe but WOW. Totally blew it out of the water! It was a huge hit – my husband and kids devoured it and we had no leftovers (a rarity!). Will definitely be coming back to this recipe in the future but will have to try to remember to cut off a little of the fat on my ribs & also may go lighter on the sesame oil – the sauce was very oily but likely more user error than anything, still tasted fantastic! Thanks so much for this!
These ribs are some of the best I’ve had, all of the flavors just work so well together! I’ll definitely be making this recipe again, and probably soon at that!
That’s so wonderful to hear! I appreciate the great feedback.
I haven’t had korean short ribs in such a long time. This recipe was perfect to satisfy my cravings.
It must be the umami flavors. Glad you liked it, thanks!
I LOVE that these are made in the instant pot. My life just got a whole lot easier and tastier!
It’s the best way to make them! Fall of the bone tender and super juicy. Thanks!
We love Kalbi beef from our local restaurant and now I can make them at home in my Instant Pot?!?! We may never leave the house again, these look so good!
I’m always happy to find a recipe I can make at home similar to a restaurant favorite. Glad you found yours! Thanks!
Wow! These short ribs are bursting with so much flavor. My mouth is watering just looking at the pictures.
Thanks!