Instant Pot Ribs: Quick & Delicious

Tired of ribs being a restaurant-only treat? This recipe makes enjoying tender, flavorful ribs at home a breeze. It’s the perfect solution for those who want a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Introducing: Instant Pot Ribs! These ribs cook to perfection in an “instant,” delivering amazing results. The first time you make them, you’ll be amazed by how delicious they are. They fall right off the bone and have incredible flavor, all ready in about an hour and a half.

Easy Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

Pressure Cooked Perfection: The beauty of Instant Pot ribs is that you get tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs without the long slow-cooking process. Pressure cooking achieves this in about an hour and a half. The hands-off nature of the Instant Pot makes it a winner. This method is also fantastic for short ribs, which also traditionally take a long time to cook.

Smoky, Delicious Flavor: While it may not replicate the exact taste of slow-smoked ribs (nothing beats that!), the addition of liquid smoke offers a similar smoky profile without the need for a smoker. Skip the smoker, wood chips, and hours of waiting – enjoy that smoky flavor quickly and easily.

BBQ Bliss: The ribs get their fantastic flavor from a homemade rub that infuses the meat as it cooks. It’s simple to make using pantry staples. After cooking, slather your favorite BBQ sauce on the ribs (I love this
homemade BBQ sauce). Finish them off under the broiler for caramelized sauce and a perfect barbecued exterior.

Ingredient Insights

• Baby Back Pork Ribs: Plan for a rack of ribs (3 to 5 pounds) to fit comfortably in a 6-quart Instant Pot. This makes approximately four servings, but adjust to your liking. The recipe card also includes instructions for St. Louis-style ribs if you prefer those.
• Yellow Mustard: Applying yellow mustard before the rub helps it stick to the ribs. Don’t worry, you won’t taste the mustard, but it plays a crucial role.
• BBQ Rub: The ribs are seasoned with a blend of brown sugar and spices. Check your pantry for chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, celery seeds, salt, and pepper. You can make the rub ahead of time. This is essentially my homemade
  BBQ rub, perfect for ribs, chicken, or anything you like. You can substitute a store-bought rub if you prefer.
• Broth: The broth provides steam for pressure cooking, poured into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Beef broth, chicken broth, water, or beer work well.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet touch to the ribs.
• Liquid Smoke: Optional, but highly recommended for a smoky flavor. It’s made by condensing the smoke from burning wood, offering a quick and easy way to add that delicious smoked flavor.
• BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce. I often make my own
  BBQ sauce; it’s easy and tastes great.

How to Make Instant Pot Ribs: Step-by-Step

Prepare the BBQ Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the rub ingredients: brown sugar, salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and celery seeds. Set aside.

Prepare the Instant Pot: Place the metal steamer rack inside the Instant Pot. Add a cup of broth, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using).

Prep the Ribs: For super tender ribs, remove the silvery membrane from the back. Use a knife or fork to loosen it, grip with a paper towel, and peel it off.

Season the Ribs: Rub yellow mustard over the meat. Then, generously sprinkle the BBQ rub mixture over the ribs, rubbing it in lightly. The mustard helps the rub stick.

Arrange Ribs in Instant Pot: Because the rack of ribs won’t lie flat, stand the ribs on their side and curve them around the inside of the pot, meat facing outwards. See the photos for guidance. Close and seal the Instant Pot lid.

Pressure Cook the Ribs: Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook for 30 minutes (or Manual, High Pressure, depending on your model). It takes about 15 minutes to reach pressure. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes.

Broil the Ribs: While the pressure releases, preheat your broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil and place the ribs on it, meat-side up. Brush with BBQ sauce. Broil until bubbling and slightly caramelized, watching carefully to avoid burning the sauce or drying the ribs out. This final step enhances the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Instant Pot ribs with a side of homemade healthy coleslaw and
crispy roasted potatoes for a complete meal. You can also pair it with
broccoli salad or
baked macaroni and cheese. Consider adding homemade
air fryer tater tots. Finish the meal with a dessert like
Kool-Aid pie or chocolate delight.

Recipe Adaptations

• Use St. Louis Ribs: This recipe works for various ribs, including spare ribs. St. Louis-style ribs are meatier and fattier. You can use the same method, but cooking will take slightly longer. The recipe card details the adjustments.
• Use Your Favorite BBQ Rub: Feel free to use any rub you prefer rather than making your own.
• Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer slow cooking, try my
  slow cooker ribs recipe. Cook on High for 4-5 hours, or Low for 8-10 hours.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate/Freeze: Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat: The microwave works for small portions, but the oven is recommended. Wrap the ribs in foil, add a little water or extra sauce if desired, and bake in a 300°F oven for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.