Easy Instant Pot Ribs Recipe You’ll Love
Craving tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs without spending hours over the grill? This Instant Pot Ribs recipe is your answer. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have succulent, juicy ribs that are perfectly seasoned and ready to impress your taste buds.
With a blend of brown sugar, paprika, and a touch of heat from cayenne, these ribs offer a mouthwatering balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The Instant Pot ensures the ribs are cooked to perfection, while a quick brush of barbecue sauce takes them to the next level.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend barbecue or craving comfort food for dinner, these Instant Pot Ribs are a game-changer. Fast, easy, and incredibly satisfying, they’ll become your new go-to for a hearty meal.
Instant Pot Ribs: Ingredients Section
- Baby Back Ribs: The star of this recipe, delivering tender, juicy bites with a perfect balance of meat and bone that cooks to perfection in the Instant Pot.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully, creating a rich, mouthwatering crust on the ribs.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the ribs with an earthy, aromatic depth, enhancing the savory notes of each bite.
- Paprika: Provides a hint of smoky warmth, adding a subtle layer of complexity to the seasoning blend.
- Cayenne: A touch of heat that elevates the overall flavor profile, offering a gentle kick that balances the sweetness.
- Barbecue Sauce: The finishing touch, delivering a tangy, rich coating that complements the ribs’ succulent texture.
Recipe Tips for Instant Pot Ribs
1. Removing the Membrane for Tender Ribs:
Before seasoning the ribs, ensure you remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs. This membrane can become tough when cooked, preventing the seasoning and barbecue sauce from penetrating the meat. To remove it, slide a knife under the membrane and gently peel it away with your hands. This step might take a few extra minutes but will result in a more tender and flavorful bite.
2. Standing the Ribs Properly in the Instant Pot:
To achieve evenly cooked ribs, stand them upright on the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Curl the ribs around the pot, ensuring that the meaty side faces out. This arrangement allows the steam to circulate around each rack, cooking the ribs evenly and keeping them tender. It’s a simple trick that ensures every inch of your ribs gets the perfect amount of heat and steam.
3. Quick Release with Care:
When releasing pressure from the Instant Pot, use the quick release method, but be careful of the steam. Stand back and use a long utensil to move the valve, allowing the steam to escape gradually. This helps maintain the ribs’ texture and prevents overcooking. Waiting until the pressure is fully released before unlocking the lid ensures that the ribs stay juicy and tender.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Ribs
1. Classic Coleslaw:
The tangy crunch of coleslaw perfectly complements the rich and tender ribs. It provides a refreshing contrast that balances out the smoky, sweet barbecue flavors. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an easy side dish to throw together while your ribs cook.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
A side of buttery mashed potatoes offers a comforting pairing with Instant Pot Ribs. The creamy texture of the potatoes absorbs the barbecue sauce, creating a delightful blend of flavors on your plate. It’s a filling and satisfying accompaniment that rounds out the meal.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob:
For a summer-inspired touch, serve your ribs with grilled corn on the cob. The smoky char of the corn pairs wonderfully with the rich, saucy ribs. Simply brush the corn with some butter and a sprinkle of salt, and you’ve got a side dish that enhances the savory depth of the ribs.
FAQ for Instant Pot Ribs
1. Can I use different types of ribs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs instead of baby back ribs. Just keep in mind that they may need a few extra minutes of cooking time due to their larger size and higher fat content.
2. Can I make these ribs without an Instant Pot?
While this recipe is designed for the Instant Pot, you can adapt it for a slow cooker or the oven. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours. If using an oven, bake the seasoned ribs at 300°F for 2-3 hours until tender.
3. How can I add a smoky flavor to these ribs?
For a smoky twist, try adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the water in the Instant Pot. Alternatively, after cooking, you can finish the ribs on a hot grill for 5-10 minutes, brushing with extra barbecue sauce to caramelize.
4. Can I make the ribs ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the ribs in the Instant Pot, then refrigerate them for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply brush with barbecue sauce and reheat them in the oven or on a grill until warmed through and slightly caramelized.
Instant Pot Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 1.5-lb. baby back ribs
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups warmed barbecue sauce
Instructions
- If there is a thin membrane on the back of the ribs, remove it by sliding a knife underneath and peeling it off carefully. This will help the seasoning penetrate the meat better.
- Step 2:
- Combine the brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, mustard powder, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over the ribs to ensure full flavor.
- Step 3:
- Insert the metal trivet into a 6-quart Instant Pot and pour in the water. Position the ribs upright on the trivet, coiling them around the pot if needed to fit. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure Cook mode for 20 minutes.
- Step 4:
- After cooking, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for a quick release of pressure. Make sure to wait until the process is complete before removing the lid to avoid steam burns.
- Step 5:
- Carefully transfer the ribs from the Instant Pot to a large baking sheet. Generously coat both sides with warmed barbecue sauce before serving.
