Instant Pot Ribs

Servings:

These Pressure Cooker Ribs (Instant Pot Ribs) are fall off the bone tender and cooked in 30 minutes! Seasoned with a simple dry rub and then smothered in BBQ sauce. These BBQ ribs are quick, easy and delicious!

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, mix the spice rub ingredients.
  2. Rinse ribs and pat dry with paper towels. Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs.
  3. Season the baby back ribs generously on both sides with the spice rub.
  4. Place the trivet (or pressure cooker rack) in the bottom of your pressure cooker. Add the juice and the apple cider vinegar.
  5. Place the ribs inside the pressure cooker, standing up and wrapping around the pot. Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 23 minutes (25 if the ribs are meaty).
  6. Once done, allow the instant pot to naturally release for 5 minutes, then open the valve to release the remaining pressure.
  7. While the ribs are cooking, prepare the BBQ sauce. Place all the ingredients (except the ribs cooking liquid) in a small saucepan and stir to combine. Simmer on low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the ribs are done, remove 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid and add it to the sauce. Stir and simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes.
  8. Remove the ribs from the pressure cooker and place them on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet. Brush them generously with the BBQ sauce (on both sides), and place them under the broiler for about 5 minutes or until slightly charred. Serve with the remaining BBQ sauce.

Notes

  • Ribs Cooking Liquid – after the ribs are completely cooked, I add 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid (from the bottom of the instant pot) to the BBQ sauce. It adds a bit of delicious meaty flavor. You could add broth, apple juice or water instead. If you like the BBQ sauce to be thick, you can omit this step.

Baby Back Ribs: To cook baby back ribs in the instant pot (from fresh), cook on high pressure for 23 -25 minutes + 5 minutes of natural pressure release (npr).

Spare Ribs: To cook spare ribs in the instant pot (from fresh), cook on high pressure 30-35 minutes + 20 minutes of natural release. Do not skip the natural pressure release (npr). This is an important step that will guarantee tenderness.

St. Louis Style Ribs: To cook St. Louis style ribs in the instant pot (from fresh), cook on high pressure 30-35 minutes + 20 minutes of natural release. Do not skip the natural pressure release (npr).

Ingredients Login Here to add items to your shopping list

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt
For the Spice Rub
  • 1 rack baby back pork ribs
  • 1 1/4 cup apple juice
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
For the BBQ Sauce
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store bought)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup Maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Texas Pete)
  • 1/4 cup ribs cooking liquid
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