Tender Instant Pot Ribs with BBQ Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Instant Pot ribs are a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful pork ribs without the long wait. This method uses pressure cooking to achieve fall-off-the-bone results in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 pounds pork ribs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Your favorite seasoning blend (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the pork ribs generously with your chosen seasoning blend on both sides.
- Step 2: Place the ribs in the Instant Pot, curl them to fit if needed, and add 1 cup of water or broth to the pot.
- Step 3: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 25 minutes.
- Step 4: When the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Step 5: Remove the ribs carefully and brush them generously with BBQ sauce.
- Step 6: Optional: To caramelize the sauce, place the ribs under a broiler or on a grill for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the seasoning blend.
- Use apple juice instead of water for pressure cooking to add subtle sweetness to the ribs.
- Serve with coleslaw or baked beans for a classic BBQ meal.
Storage
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, brushing with extra BBQ sauce to keep them moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use baby back ribs instead of spare ribs?
Yes, baby back ribs work well and may cook slightly faster. Adjust the pressure cooking time to about 20 minutes for tender results.
Do I need to brown the ribs before pressure cooking?
It’s not necessary, but browning ribs in a hot pan before cooking can add extra flavor and color. You can skip this step for convenience.
PrintTender Instant Pot Ribs with BBQ Sauce Recipe
Tender and flavorful Instant Pot ribs cooked under pressure to lock in moisture and tenderness, then finished with a rich BBQ sauce for a perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors. This recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy fall-off-the-bone ribs without the long wait of traditional slow cooking or grilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (pressure cooking) + 5 minutes (broiling/grilling)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ribs
- 2 racks pork ribs (about 3 pounds total)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water or beef broth (for pressure cooking)
BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs: Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Set up the Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of water or beef broth into the Instant Pot. Insert the trivet inside and place the ribs on top, curling them around the edge to fit if necessary.
- Pressure cook the ribs: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. After the cooking time finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Apply BBQ sauce: Carefully remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and brush liberally with BBQ sauce on all sides.
- Finish under broiler or grill: Preheat your oven broiler or grill. Place the sauced ribs under the broiler or on the grill for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes and is slightly charred. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing between the bones. Serve with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Notes
- Removing the membrane from the ribs improves tenderness and allows the seasoning to penetrate better.
- You can substitute water with beef broth or apple juice for enhanced flavor in the pressure cooking liquid.
- If you do not want to use the broiler or grill to finish, you can brush BBQ sauce on the ribs after pressure cooking and serve immediately, though the caramelized finish adds great flavor and texture.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your ribs; thicker ribs may need a few extra minutes.
- Leftover ribs can be refrigerated and reheated gently or repurposed into sandwiches or tacos.
Keywords: Instant Pot ribs, pressure cooker ribs, BBQ ribs, quick ribs recipe, tender ribs, easy ribs
