Instant Pot Ribs
Tender, flavorful, and delicious Instant Pot Ribs, cooked in just about 30 minutes! A great, easy meal made with your pressure cooker.
Nutrition
per per servingIngredients
| 2 racks | pork ribs (*see note) | |
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml | salt |
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml | freshly ground black pepper |
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml | garlic powder |
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml | chili powder |
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml | onion powder |
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml | light brown sugar |
| 1 cup | 240 ml | water |
| 0.5 cup | 120 ml | apple juice, or 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar |
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml | liquid smoke, optional |
| 1 cup | 240 ml | barbecue sauce, homemade or store-bought (*see note) |
Instructions
Prep Time: 10 mins. Cook Time: 1 hr. Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins. Course: Main Course. Cuisine: American. Keyword: BBQ, pork ribs, ribs recipe. Servings: 6. Calories: 219 kcal. Author: Lauren Allen.
- Remove membranes from the back of ribs, if needed.
- Rub seasonings over both sides of ribs.
- Place wire trivet rack in the bottom of the instant pot.
- Add water, apple juice (or apple cider vinegar) and liquid smoke (optional, but recommended for that great smokey flavor).
- Place the ribs upright, with the meat side facing out. If you're using one large rack of ribs, then circle them around the pot.
- Secure lid and close vent.
- Press "manual" or "pressure cook" and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- When the timer beeps, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 min, then turn the valve to quick release.
- Carefully remove ribs to a large, foil-lined baking sheet and slather them in BBQ sauce.
- Optional: broil them in the oven for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the bbq sauce.
Recipe Notes: *For spare ribs, add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time (high number for higher altitudes and very "fall-off-the-bone" ribs, lower number for lower altitude and tender ribs). *Liquid smoke can be found near the bbq sauces at your local grocery store. It will add an amazing smokey flavor to the ribs. *For the BBQ sauce I prefer Sweet Baby Ray's original, or a homemade bbq sauce.
What type of ribs to use: I prefer baby back ribs but you can also use spare ribs. Your cooking time will vary, depending on your altitude and what type of ribs you choose. Pressure cooking time for different types of ribs: Baby Back Ribs 25-30 minutes; Spare Ribs 30-35 minutes. For low altitude, use the lower number, and for high altitude cook them a little longer. Also, the longer you cook them, the more "fall-off-the-bone" tender they will be.
What size Instant Pot: Any 6 quart or larger instant pot will work!
Remove membrane from the back of ribs: Depending on where you buy your ribs, they may still have the white, shiny membrane connective tissue on the back (bone side). Flip the ribs so the top (meaty part) is face down, slide your fingers or a butter knife under the membrane and rip it off.
A reader review: Would make these again. Made these tonight with the changes I saw in the comments. Substituted one cup of beer for water (Yuengling). Sliced one medium onion, put some rub on it and threw it in the middle of the pot. Cooked the ribs according to directions, then finished them in the oven at 400 with Baby Rays BBQ sauce for 7 minutes, then turned for 7 more. Finger licking good. Really good recipe, I highly recommend giving it a try.