If you believe that barbecue ribs can only be cooked low and slow for hours, we have good news. Instant Pot ribs have all the fall-apart tender texture and rich barbecue flavor of grilled baby back ribs or oven-barbecued spareribs, but they can be done in a fraction of the time. While we love slow-cooked or smoked ribs, sometimes you want to get dinner on the table in just over an hour. That’s where this easy Instant Pot baby back ribs recipe comes into play.
Instant Pot pork ribs are perfect for rainy weeknights when a long grilling marathon isn’t possible, or for parties where you’d rather mingle and watch the big game than be stuck in your hot kitchen away from the action.
As with many of our best barbecue rib recipes, making ribs in an Instant Pot keeps them perfectly juicy. The high pressure in the machine forces the liquid into the ribs as they cook, helping to quickly tenderize the meat and infuse it with moisture and flavor. Now, that’s what we call magic—correction, delicious magic!
What type of ribs can you use in the Instant Pot?
The best ribs for this Instant Pot ribs recipe are baby back pork ribs. Baby back ribs are those taken from the top of the rib cage near the backbone, as opposed to spareribs, which are taken from the low portion of the rib cage. When cooking ribs in an Instant Pot, baby back ribs are ideal since they are smaller, leaner and typically more tender than other kinds of ribs. They fit easily into an Instant Pot and cook quickly with tasty results.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Ribs
- Baby back ribs: Instant Pot baby back ribs are the name of the game here. Save your spareribs for this slow-cooker spareribs recipe and your country ribs for this barbecue country ribs recipe.
- Apple cider vinegar: While adding a bit of tang and acidity, apple cider vinegar also tenderizes the meat by breaking down the muscle fibers in the ribs.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce lends a lovely umami flavor to the Instant Pot pork ribs. It also works as a tenderizer by helping the meat retain moisture as it cooks.
- Mesquite seasoning: You can choose your favorite store-bought mesquite spice blend or make your own using individual spices from your pantry. Many mesquite spice blends include a combination of paprika, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, brown sugar and liquid smoke flavoring.
- Barbecue sauce: You can use your favorite homemade regional barbecue sauce or the best barbecue sauce from the store.
Directions
Step 1: Add the liquids
In a 6-quart electric pressure cooker, combine the water, vinegar and soy sauce.
Step 2: Season the ribs
Next, rub the meat on all sides with the mesquite seasoning, and arrange the ribs in the Instant Pot.
Editor’s Tip: Most store-bought ribs have a silver skin on their underside (pork tenderloin also has a silver skin). You should remove this thin, tough membrane before cooking the ribs. To remove the silver skin, insert a knife between the membrane and the meat, and gently lift and separate a small section from the meat and bone. Next, carefully work your fingers under the remaining skin to loosen it, then tug it off. It should come off in a single piece.
Step 3: Cook the ribs
Seal and lock the lid on the pressure cooker, and close the pressure-release valve. Adjust the machine’s settings to pressure-cook on high for 35 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
Editor’s Tip: Don’t skip the natural pressure release. Releasing the pressure too soon may result in undercooked Instant Pot pork ribs that are tough and chewy. If you are new to the Instant Pot, here’s everything you need to know about the natural release and quick-release methods.
Step 4: Broil and baste the ribs
Remove the ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet and preheat the broiler. Brush the ribs with half the barbecue sauce, then broil the ribs 4 to 6 inches from the heat until glazed, two to four minutes.
Editor’s Tip: Putting the saucy ribs under the broiler helps caramelize the glaze, giving the ribs that sticky texture you’re after. Here are classic mistakes to avoid with your broiler, if it’s been a while since you used it.
Brush the ribs with the remaining barbecue sauce and serve warm.
Recipe Variations
- Change up the sauce: While classic barbecue-basted Instant Pot baby back ribs will never go out of fashion, try a different style of barbecue sauce. Or copy the sauce from something like these Asian-glazed meatballs for a fun twist.
- Make the ribs spicy: If you like your barbecue hot, season the ribs with chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes before cooking them. You can also try the sauce from these jalapeno ribs.
How to Store Instant Pot Ribs
Store leftover Instant Pot ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheating Instant Pot pork ribs is like reheating steak: Go low and slow for the best results. Warm the ribs on a sheet pan positioned on the center rack of a 250°F oven. We don’t recommend microwaving leftover Instant Pot baby back ribs because they tend to dry out and become tough.
Instant Pot Rib Tips
Can you overcook ribs in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Despite what you may think, it is possible to overcook Instant Pot baby back ribs. In general, overcooked ribs will be tender, but they will also be very dry and lack flavor. For best results, follow the recommended cooking time.
How much liquid should you add to ribs in an Instant Pot?
Most Instant Pots require a minimum of 1 cup liquid to be added to a recipe for it to work properly. For the best results, consult your user manual, as smaller or larger pressure cookers may have slightly different requirements. For more tips, check out our Instant Pot cooking guide.
Why are the Instant Pot ribs tough?
Ribs in the Instant Pot can turn out tough for several reasons. First, if you skip the removal of the silver skin membrane, your ribs may taste tough or chewy. Otherwise, it’s possible your ribs weren’t cooked long enough, or you may have released the pressure too soon. Ribs are a tough cut of meat and usually take time to get tender. If your Instant Pot pork ribs are large, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.
What can you serve with Instant Pot ribs?
Serve this Instant Pot ribs recipe with your favorite barbecue sides. Oven-roasted corn on the cob, a big pot of homemade baked beans, or a pan of homestyle baked mac and cheese would all pair great with these finger-licking-good Instant Pot pork ribs. Oh, and don’t forget the skillet cornbread!
