Instant Pot Short Rib Tacos with Tropical Tequila Sauce: A Juicy, Flavorful Fiesta Made Easy

If you’re looking to bring something bold, juicy, and unforgettable to your dinner table, these Instant Pot Short Rib Tacos with Tropical Tequila Sauce are here to impress. Perfect for taco Tuesdays, weekend gatherings, or even just a weeknight indulgence, this dish offers melt-in-your-mouth beef short ribs wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with a bright, pineapple-tequila glaze that cuts through the richness with flair.

Using the Instant Pot slashes cooking time dramatically, tenderizing the short ribs in under an hour while locking in flavor. The tropical tequila sauce adds a vibrant punch—think fresh pineapple, citrus, and just a kiss of agave sweetness, with a splash of tequila to round things out. And don’t worry: the alcohol cooks off, leaving just the essence and depth behind.

Unlike traditional taco fillings, these short ribs offer hearty, satisfying flavor and a unique twist your guests won’t forget. Whether served family-style or pre-built for a party tray, this is the kind of taco that becomes the center of attention.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make these tacos both tender and tropical, you’ll need a blend of savory and sweet elements. Here’s everything required:

For the short ribs:

• 2 ½ pounds beef short ribs, bone-in
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

For the tropical tequila sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned, no sugar added)
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons tequila (silver or blanco)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (slurry)

For assembly:

• 8 to 10 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija (optional)
• 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
• Lime wedges for serving
• Thinly sliced red onions or pickled onions (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and sear the short ribs

• Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season all over with salt and pepper.
• Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
• In batches, sear the short ribs for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate.

Step 2: Sauté aromatics and spices

• Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
• Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze and build flavor

• Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly, about 30 seconds.
• Pour in beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (this adds flavor and prevents the burn warning).
• Return the seared short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the liquid.

Step 4: Pressure cook

• Lock the Instant Pot lid in place and set the valve to Sealing.
• Cook on High Pressure for 45 minutes.
• Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Make the tropical tequila sauce

• While the ribs are cooking, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, tequila, lime juice, and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Simmer for 10–12 minutes until slightly reduced.
• Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook another 2–3 minutes until thickened.
• Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6: Shred the beef

• Remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a cutting board.
• Shred the meat using two forks, discarding bones and large pieces of fat.
• Skim excess fat from the liquid in the pot and optionally return the shredded beef to the juices to keep it moist.

Step 7: Assemble the tacos

• Warm tortillas until soft and pliable.
• Add a generous spoonful of shredded beef to each tortilla.
• Drizzle with tropical tequila sauce.
• Top with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, onions, and crumbled cheese if using.
• Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Don’t skip the sear. Searing the ribs creates a caramelized crust and deeper flavor, especially important in pressure cooking where flavors can sometimes flatten.
• Adjust the heat. If you want more kick, add a pinch of cayenne to the spice rub or top with a few jalapeño slices.
• Use boneless short ribs if preferred. They cook a little faster and make shredding easier, though bone-in ribs provide more flavor during cooking.
• Make ahead friendly. You can cook and shred the beef a day in advance. Store it in its juices and reheat gently before assembling tacos.
• Tequila tip. The alcohol in tequila cooks off during sauce reduction, but if you prefer to skip alcohol entirely, substitute with more orange juice and a splash of white vinegar for tang.

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Serving Suggestions

These tacos are bursting with flavor on their own, but they shine even brighter with the right sides and presentation:

• Serve with sides:
  • Cilantro-lime rice
  • Grilled street corn or corn salad
  • Black bean and mango salsa
• Add optional toppings for variety:
  • Pickled red onions
  • Shredded cabbage or lettuce
  • Thin jalapeño slices
  • A drizzle of Mexican crema or sour cream
• Family style presentation: Lay out warmed tortillas, bowls of shredded beef, sauce, and all toppings on the table so everyone can build their own tacos. This also works beautifully for parties or casual gatherings.
• Taco bar tip: Label the toppings and provide a few unexpected extras like charred pineapple chunks or crushed tortilla chips for texture.

Final Thought

These Instant Pot Short Rib Tacos with Tropical Tequila Sauce bring together the richness of slow-cooked beef with the zest of tropical fruit and a touch of flair from tequila. They’re indulgent but approachable, festive yet comforting—a recipe made for those who want to elevate their taco night without overcomplicating the process.

The Instant Pot handles the heavy lifting, making this a perfect choice even on a busy evening. And the tropical sauce? It’s more than just an accent—it transforms the entire taco into a bite of sunshine.

Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, this dish proves that with the right ingredients and a little pressure, dinner can be both easy and extraordinary. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on this juicy, unforgettable twist on tacos.