Instant Pot Ribs

There’s nothing quite like the tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness of perfectly cooked ribs. But let’s be honest — traditional methods often mean hours of slow cooking or grilling, and not everyone has the time or outdoor space for that. Enter the Instant Pot: a game-changer for rib lovers who want rich, juicy, and flavorful ribs without the wait. This method infuses the meat with a beautiful blend of spices and cooks it to tender perfection in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weeknight cook looking to impress, these Instant Pot ribs are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Instant Pot ribs bring together convenience, incredible flavor, and that coveted tender texture all in one pot. Using a blend of aromatic spices and a touch of sweetness, these ribs are seasoned to perfection before being pressure-cooked to juicy tenderness. The best part? You can finish them off with your favorite barbecue sauce for that sticky, caramelized finish that makes ribs irresistible. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual weekend dinners, or anytime you want a mouthwatering meal with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Plus, the Instant Pot locks in all the juices, so every bite is moist and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1-2 racks baby back ribs (about 3 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup water, or apple cider, or apple juice
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)

How To Make Instant Pot Ribs

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Start by removing the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs. This thin layer can prevent seasonings from penetrating and can make ribs tougher, so it’s best to take it off. Use a butter knife to gently lift one corner and then peel it off with your fingers or a paper towel for grip.

Step 2: Make the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly combined.

Step 3: Season the Ribs

Rub the spice mixture generously all over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides evenly. The brown sugar will help create a beautiful caramelized crust later, while the spices add depth of flavor.

Step 4: Add Liquid to Instant Pot

Pour 1 cup of your chosen liquid — water, apple cider, or apple juice — into the bottom of the Instant Pot. This liquid is essential to create the steam needed for pressure cooking and adds subtle flavor.

Step 5: Place Ribs in the Instant Pot

Roll the ribs up (if needed) and place them standing upright on the trivet inside the Instant Pot. If cooking two racks, you can cut them in half to fit, or layer carefully without overcrowding.

Step 6: Pressure Cook the Ribs

Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 25 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Finish with Barbecue Sauce

Carefully remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush generously with your favorite barbecue sauce.

Step 8: Broil for Caramelization

Set your oven to broil on high. Place the ribs under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the barbecue sauce is bubbly and caramelized. This step adds that classic sticky finish.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the ribs between the bones and serve hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Pair with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted veggies.

Expert Tips

• Remove the membrane: This makes a huge difference in tenderness and flavor absorption.
• Don’t skip the resting period: Let the ribs rest after broiling to allow juices to redistribute for moist meat.
• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• Use natural release: For the best texture, let the pressure release naturally instead of quick releasing.
• Save the leftover cooking liquid: It’s packed with flavor and can be used as a base for soups or sauces.

Variations and Customizations

• Spice blends: Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika or add cumin for a smoky twist.
• Sweeteners: Instead of brown sugar, try coconut sugar or honey for a different sweetness profile.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free barbecue sauce to keep this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Liquid choices: Apple cider vinegar or even a light broth can be used instead of water or juice.
• Smoky flavor: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce for that grilled taste without a grill.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover ribs store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly with foil. To reheat, place ribs in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave on medium power, covered, to retain moisture. You can also freeze leftover ribs by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

FAQ

Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?

Yes! Spare ribs have a bit more fat and connective tissue, which can make them even more tender and flavorful when cooked in the Instant Pot. You may want to increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes for best results.

Is it necessary to broil the ribs after cooking?

Broiling is optional but highly recommended. It caramelizes the barbecue sauce and adds a delicious sticky finish that mimics grilled ribs. If you prefer, you can serve the ribs straight from the Instant Pot with sauce brushed on.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! This recipe does not include any dairy ingredients, making it naturally dairy-free and perfect for those with dairy sensitivities.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

While this recipe is designed for the Instant Pot, you can adapt it for a slow cooker by cooking the ribs on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender. Then finish with barbecue sauce under a broiler or grill.

Conclusion

Instant Pot ribs are the perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness — tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. This recipe’s balanced spice rub and choice of cooking liquids create a mouthwatering depth of flavor, while the final broil with barbecue sauce gives you that irresistible sticky finish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these ribs will impress every time. Give this recipe a try and enjoy restaurant-quality ribs made easy right at home!