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Pressure Cooker Sticky Tamarind Baby Back Ribs

These ribs, glazed in a ginger-infused tamarind sauce, deliver a delightful balance of sweet and sour flavors. Whether you’re using baby back ribs or spare ribs, this recipe ensures tender meat infused with an irresistibly tangy, savory glaze.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 People

Ingredients
  

  • Baby back ribs 4 to 5 pounds
  • Tamarind paste or concentrate ¼ cup
  • Fresh orange juice from approximately half an orange (¼ cup)
  • Honey ¼ cup, with extra as needed
  • Soy sauce 2 tablespoons
  • Lime zest finely grated (¼ teaspoon)
  • Fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon
  • Kosher salt 1 teaspoon, plus additional to taste
  • Star anise pod 1
  • Neutral oil such as safflower or canola (2 tablespoons)
  • Shallots diced (about ⅓ cup or 4 small)
  • Fresh ginger grated (1½ teaspoons)
  • Garlic finely minced or grated (2 cloves)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Ribs
  • Divide the ribs into sections of two or three bones each, based on their size. Place the sections in a large bowl, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and set aside to allow the seasoning to permeate the meat.
  • Create the Sauce
  • In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, lime zest, lime juice, and the star anise. Set this mixture aside to meld the flavors.
  • Sauté Aromatics
  • Activate the sauté function on the pressure cooker and heat the neutral oil. Add the diced shallots, cooking until they begin to caramelize, approximately 5 minutes. Incorporate the ginger and garlic, cooking for another minute until aromatic. Stir in the prepared tamarind mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Transfer this sauce to the bowl containing the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  • Arrange and Cook
  • Position the ribs upright along the outer perimeter of the pressure cooker, forming a circular arrangement with the meat side facing outward. Continue layering the ribs to create concentric circles, pouring any remaining sauce over them. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 32 minutes, allowing the pressure to release naturally afterward.
  • Broil and Reduce Sauce
  • Preheat the broiler. Remove the ribs and place them meat-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Switch the pressure cooker back to the sauté function, reducing the remaining sauce until thickened, about 15 minutes. Skim off excess fat, adjust the sweetness with additional honey if needed, and brush the sauce generously over the ribs.
  • Char and Serve
  • Broil the ribs for 1 to 3 minutes on each side, brushing with additional sauce before flipping. Once charred to your liking, serve the ribs immediately, accompanied by any extra sauce on the side.

Notes

For a slow cooker alternative, add ¾ cup of water when introducing the sauce in Step 4. Cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. Reduce the sauce and broil the ribs as directed in Step 6.
Keyword Pressure Cooker Sticky Tamarind Baby Back Ribs