Transform your weeknight dinners with this incredible Instant Pot Ribs recipe! Say goodbye to long hours of slow cooking or smoking, and hello to tender, fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs that are ready in a fraction of the time. This recipe is your ultimate guide to achieving perfectly succulent ribs, even on the busiest of evenings.
Elevate your rib experience with the perfect side dishes. These Easy Baked Beans with Bacon offer a savory, hearty complement, or for a lighter, refreshing option, try this delightful Bow Tie Pasta Salad. Both are fantastic pairings that will complete your barbecue feast.
There’s something universally appealing about a plate of perfectly cooked ribs. For many families, including my own, a succulent meat dish is always a welcome sight at the dinner table. While steak often tops the list of favorites, ribs hold a special place, promising a delightful culinary experience with every bite.
Like many home cooks, I’ve explored various methods for preparing ribs, from the low-and-slow embrace of a Slow Cooker to the smoky depths of a Smoker. While those traditional methods undoubtedly yield delicious results, they often demand a significant time commitment – a luxury not always available on a busy weeknight. Who has an entire day to dedicate to monitoring a smoker or oven?
This common dilemma is precisely why I’m excited to share a game-changing solution with you today: preparing ribs in the **Instant Pot**. It’s the ultimate kitchen tool for achieving that desired tender texture and rich flavor without the all-day wait.
The Magic of Instant Pot Ribs: Weeknight BBQ Made Easy
While the Instant Pot won’t deliver ribs in a mere 15 minutes, it drastically cuts down the cooking time to approximately an hour and a half, including pressure build-up and release. For ribs that are incredibly tender and flavorful, this timeframe is nothing short of amazing. The pressure cooking environment creates an intensely moist heat that breaks down the tough connective tissues in the ribs, ensuring they reach that coveted “fall-off-the-bone” perfection.
Admittedly, ribs cooked in an Instant Pot will offer a slightly different experience than those slow-smoked over wood or roasted for hours in an oven. The deep, smoky crust developed by a smoker or the caramelized edges from extended oven cooking are unique. However, the Instant Pot method comes remarkably close, delivering an unbelievably tender texture and infusing the meat with fantastic barbecue flavor. It’s a truly easy, no-fuss dinner that sacrifices very little in terms of deliciousness, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Choosing the Perfect Ribs for Pressure Cooking
When it comes to making Instant Pot ribs, selecting the right cut can make a significant difference in the final outcome. We recommend using baby back ribs for this recipe. Baby back ribs are cut from the top of the rib cage, near the backbone. They are shorter, curvier, and typically leaner than spare ribs, with a good amount of tender meat between and around the bones.
The average rack of baby back ribs weighs about 2 to 4 pounds. For this recipe, a rack of approximately 4 lbs is ideal, and we suggest cutting it into 4 manageable sections. This allows for easier handling inside the Instant Pot and ensures even cooking. When purchasing, look for ribs with a good amount of meat and a relatively uniform thickness. Avoid racks that are overly fatty or have dry spots. A fresh, pink color is a good indicator of quality.
The Homemade Spice Rub: A Flavor Foundation
As a passionate enthusiast of bold flavors, I often find myself gravitating towards crafting my own spice blends. While store-bought mixes offer convenience, creating your own allows for unparalleled customization, letting you tailor the taste to your exact preferences. You can easily adjust the heat, sweetness, or savory notes by adding more of a particular spice or omitting one entirely.
For this irresistible barbecue rub, I’ve carefully selected a balance of ingredients to create a deeply flavorful crust on your ribs. Here’s what goes into my essential blend:
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the meat.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelization during broiling.
- Chili Powder: Provides a mild, earthy heat and vibrant color.
- Paprika: Offers a sweet, peppery flavor and a rich red hue, enhancing the visual appeal of the ribs.
- Garlic Powder: A fundamental savory component, delivering aromatic depth.
- Black Pepper: For a classic, pungent kick.
- Cayenne Pepper: A dash provides a subtle, but noticeable, warmth. Feel free to increase or decrease this based on your preferred spice level.
Preparing the rub couldn’t be simpler: just combine all the spices in a small bowl until well mixed. This recipe utilizes the entire amount of rub for one rack of baby back ribs, ensuring maximum flavor penetration. However, don’t hesitate to double or even triple the batch to keep some on hand. This versatile spice rub isn’t just for ribs; it’s fantastic on barbecue chicken, pork chops, or even sprinkled on roasted vegetables.
Gather Your Ingredients for Succulent Ribs
Beyond the homemade spice rub, you’ll be pleased to find that this Instant Pot Ribs recipe requires only a handful of common ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare:
- The homemade spice rub (ingredients listed above).
- Baby Back Ribs: One rack, approximately 4 lbs, cut into 4 sections for optimal fit and cooking in the Instant Pot.
- Water: Essential for creating the steam needed for pressure cooking.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the meat.
- Soy Sauce: Contributes umami depth and a savory backbone to the cooking liquid.
- Barbecue Sauce: Choose a brand you genuinely love, or even better, use your favorite homemade recipe, as this will be key to the final flavor profile.
How to Make Instant Pot Ribs: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these sensational Instant Pot Ribs is a simple process. Follow these steps to achieve tender, flavorful barbecue ribs that everyone will adore. For precise ingredient measurements and full details, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.
- Prepare the Ribs & Rub: Begin by patting your baby back ribs dry with paper towels. If there’s a thin membrane on the back of the ribs, remove it for a more tender result (see tips below). Cut the full rack into 4 equal sections. Generously apply the homemade spice rub all over the ribs, ensuring every surface is coated.
- Set Up the Instant Pot: Place the trivet (the metal rack that comes with your Instant Pot) at the bottom of the inner pot. Pour in the water, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. These liquids will create the steam needed for pressure cooking and infuse the ribs with flavor.
- Arrange and Cook: Carefully arrange the seasoned rib sections on top of the trivet, standing them upright and leaning them towards the center to form a “teepee” shape. This prevents them from being completely submerged in the liquid and allows for even steam circulation. Lock the lid in place, ensure the sealing vent is set to “sealing,” and set your Instant Pot to Manual (or Pressure Cook) on High for 35 minutes.
- Natural and Quick Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. This crucial step helps the ribs tenderize further and prevents them from drying out. After 10 minutes, carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure by turning the vent to “venting.”
- Broil for Perfection: While the ribs are pressure cooking, preheat your broiler to high and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Once the ribs are out of the Instant Pot, carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Brush them generously with about 1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Achieve a Sticky Glaze: Place the baking sheet under the broiler, about 4-6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them, until the sauce is bubbly, caramelized, and slightly crusted. This step adds an irresistible sticky glaze and a beautiful finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the ribs from the broiler. Serve immediately with the remaining barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for an extra touch of color and freshness.
Expert Tips for Flawless Instant Pot Ribs
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful ribs in your Instant Pot is easier than you think. Here are some invaluable tips and tricks to ensure your barbecue ribs are a resounding success every time:
- The Membrane Removal: The thin, silvery membrane on the bone side of baby back ribs can become tough and chewy when cooked. To remove it, use a butter knife to gently pry up a corner of the membrane on one end of the rack. Once you have a good grip, use a paper towel to pull the membrane off in one swift motion. It might take a little effort, but it’s worth it for a truly tender rib.
- Generous Rub Application: Don’t be shy with the spice rub! Place the rib sections on a large baking sheet or tray and use your hands to firmly massage the rub into all surfaces of the meat. Ensure every crevice is covered. The amount specified in the recipe might seem substantial, but it’s precisely balanced to create a robust flavor crust. Trust the process!
- The Importance of the Trivet: Always use the metal trivet that comes with your Instant Pot. While ribs might technically cook if placed directly in the liquid, using the trivet elevates them, allowing them to steam effectively rather than boil. This leads to a more consistently tender and less waterlogged texture.
- Barbecue Sauce Selection: Your choice of barbecue sauce plays a huge role in the final flavor. Whether you prefer a smoky, sweet, tangy, or spicy profile, select a high-quality store-bought sauce that you genuinely love, or better yet, whip up a batch of your favorite homemade BBQ sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Don’t Skip the Broiling Step: This step is non-negotiable for achieving truly authentic barbecue ribs. The Instant Pot excels at tenderizing, but it doesn’t create the browned, slightly crispy, sticky exterior that is characteristic of classic ribs. A quick stint under the broiler caramelizes the barbecue sauce, enhancing its flavor and creating that irresistible texture. It’s only a few extra minutes but makes all the difference.
- Proper Arrangement in the Pot: Arranging the ribs in a teepee shape on the trivet is crucial. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other, as this can lead to uneven cooking. The teepee allows steam to circulate around each piece, ensuring uniform tenderness.
Serving Suggestions & Delightful Sides
Once your Instant Pot Ribs are glistening with that perfect barbecue glaze, it’s time to complete your meal with some mouth-watering side dishes. Classic pairings are always a hit, but don’t shy away from creative additions to make your meal truly memorable.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The crisp, cool crunch of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, tender ribs.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn is a quintessential barbecue side. Grill it, boil it, or even cook it in your Instant Pot for extra convenience.
- Potato Salad: Whether you prefer a classic creamy potato salad or a tangy, mustard-based version, it’s a hearty and satisfying accompaniment.
- Garlic Bread or Cornbread: Perfect for soaking up any extra barbecue sauce.
- Green Salad: A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the ribs.
- Roasted Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, asparagus, or broccoli roasted with a touch of garlic and olive oil make a healthy and flavorful side.
Storage and Reheating Your Instant Pot Ribs
If you happen to have any leftover Instant Pot Ribs (a rare occurrence!), they can be stored and reheated easily. Place cooled ribs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the oven, air fryer, or even the microwave. For best results, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, brushing with a little extra barbecue sauce to prevent drying out. An air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes also works wonderfully for crispy edges.
Explore More Instant Pot Culinary Adventures
The Instant Pot is a versatile appliance, perfect for a wide range of dishes. If you loved these ribs, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic Instant Pot recipes:
For your next taco night, this Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef is an absolute must-try! It’s one of my personal favorites.
These Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken Thighs are consistently a hit. They’re incredibly simple to prepare and burst with amazing flavor.
Another beloved Mexican-inspired dish, this Chipotle Shredded Beef is perfect for stuffing into tacos, enchiladas, or burritos.
I’ve been making a slow cooker version of this Pressure Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken for years, but the Instant Pot rendition has completely won me over.
Craving a homemade takeout favorite? This Pressure Cooker Cashew Chicken is exactly what you need for a quick and satisfying meal!
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Instant Pot Ribs
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- 1 rack baby back ribs about 4 lbs
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce divided
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Cut the ribs into 4 equal portions. Rub the ribs generously with the spice rub.
- Place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour the water, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce into the bottom. Arrange the ribs on top of the trivet in a teepee shape, ensuring they are not stacked directly on each other.
- Lock the lid in place and make sure the vent is closed. Select Manual (or Pressure Cook) High Pressure and set the time to 35 minutes. When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Turn the broiler on high. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Carefully remove the cooked ribs from the Instant Pot and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the ribs with 1/2 cup of the barbecue sauce.
- Broil the ribs 4-6 inches from the heat until a delicious crust has formed and the sauce is caramelized (approximately 3-5 minutes, watch closely to prevent burning).
- Serve immediately with the remaining barbecue sauce on the side.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information
Calories: 370kcal (19%),
Carbohydrates: 11g (4%),
Protein: 43g (86%),
Fat: 16g (25%),
Saturated Fat: 6g (38%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 120mg (40%),
Sodium: 1846mg (80%),
Fiber: 1g (4%),
Sugar: 8g (9%)