Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

If you’ve been dreaming of melt-off-the-bone, flavor-packed ribs but don’t want to fuss with hours of slow cooking, these Instant Pot Ribs are here to save your dinner! They’re gloriously tender, smoky, and sticky with barbecue sauce—your shortcut to pitmaster-level perfection, right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You truly only need a handful of pantry staples to create Instant Pot Ribs that taste like they came from a top-notch BBQ joint. Each ingredient plays an important role, building that classic sweet, smoky, tangy profile and ensuring each bite is deliciously unforgettable.

• Rack of Ribs (baby back or spare, 1.5–2 pounds): Baby backs cook up extra tender, while spare ribs offer a meatier, slightly more robust bite—both work beautifully, just adjust timing.
• Water: Essential for pressure cooking, helping to steam the ribs to perfection without drying them out.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Lends gentle tang, helps tenderize the meat, and brightens all the flavors.
• Liquid Smoke: Just a splash gives that hickory-and-fire essence we love in classic BBQ—all with zero need for outdoor grilling.
• Homemade or Store-Bought Barbecue Sauce: Sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor—choose your favorite or make it from scratch for a personal touch.
• Brown Sugar: Brings sweetness and creates gorgeous caramelization on the crust.
• Paprika: Adds classic BBQ color and a mild peppery warmth.
• Black Pepper & Kosher Salt: Simple but crucial for great seasoning and depth.
• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Smoky, savory, and aromatic—these spices build that crave-worthy BBQ rub foundation.
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch for subtle heat; totally optional if you like it mild.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to give these Instant Pot Ribs your own spin! This recipe is incredibly flexible—perfect for adapting to what you have on hand, your favorite BBQ styles, or any dietary needs.

• Spicy Chipotle Ribs: Swap some or all of the paprika for chipotle powder and bump up the cayenne if you crave bold, smoky heat.
• Honey Bourbon Glaze: Brush the finished ribs with a mixture of barbecue sauce, honey, and a splash of bourbon for a sweet, gently boozy twist.
• Keto-Friendly: Use a sugar-free barbecue sauce and a brown sugar substitute for the rub to keep things low-carb without skimping on taste.
• Asian-Inspired: Try brushing with hoisin sauce or sweet chili sauce instead of classic BBQ for a totally different but seriously delicious flavor profile.

How to Make Instant Pot Ribs

Step 1: Prep the Ribs

First things first, give your ribs a quick rinse and pat them absolutely dry. If you notice a thin, shiny membrane on the underside, don’t skip removing it—it can make ribs chewy! Just slip a butter knife underneath to loosen, use a paper towel to grip, and peel off gently. Your Instant Pot Ribs will be infinitely more tender!

Step 2: Mix and Apply the Rub

In a bowl, combine all the rub ingredients: brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, kosher salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Massage this mixture all over both sides of the ribs (don’t be shy!) for incredible crust and flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Set Up the Instant Pot

Fit the trivet or rack in your Instant Pot, then pour in the water, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke. This flavorful liquid is your secret weapon for ultra-juicy, aromatic ribs that capture true BBQ vibes—no fire needed.

Step 4: Cook the Ribs

Stand the ribs upright on the trivet, wrapping them around the inside of the pot (like a rib crown). Seal the Instant Pot and cook: for baby back ribs, select high (manual) pressure for 23 minutes (25 if super meaty or you’re doubling up); for spare ribs, set it for 35 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally—no need to rush—then do a quick release for baby backs, or wait until the pin drops for spare ribs.

Step 5: Sauce & Broil for Caramelization

While the ribs are finishing, heat your broiler and prepare a foil-lined sheet pan. Carefully transfer the cooked ribs, brush liberally with barbecue sauce, and pop under the broiler for just 2 minutes—watch closely for perfect bubbling, caramelized, sticky-sweet goodness!

How to Serve Instant Pot Ribs

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and a burst of freshness, sprinkle your finished Instant Pot Ribs with finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. A few sliced green onions or thin rounds of fresh chili work wonders for presentation and flavor, too!

Side Dishes

Pair these ribs with classic barbecue sides—think creamy coleslaw, roasted potato wedges, baked beans, buttered corn, or even a simple garden salad. Anything cool and crunchy will perfectly balance the richness of your saucy, tender ribs.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the ribs on a wooden board with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce and pickles for DIY dipping. Or, slice them into bite-sized pieces and pile them into soft rolls for unforgettable rib sliders at your next party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to four days. The flavors get even better the next day, making leftover Instant Pot Ribs the winning lunch you’ll look forward to!

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooked ribs in a single layer (sauced or unsauced) in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat ribs in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through—this usually takes about 10-15 minutes. For a quick fix, use a microwave, but add a splash of BBQ sauce to keep them moist and scrumptious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been hesitant to try ribs at home, let this be your sign. These Instant Pot Ribs are unfussy, crowd-pleasing, and pure magic for weeknights or cookouts. Give them a go—you deserve ribs this easy and this delicious!

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