Hey there, friends! Today, let’s talk ribs—BBQ ribs, to be exact! Is there anything more satisfying than tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs slathered in barbecue sauce? Now, imagine making them in a fraction of the time using your Instant Pot. Yes, friends, we’re skipping the hours-long process today and heading straight to deliciousness. Trust me, this recipe is a game changer for busy nights or when you have a craving that just won’t wait.
Hook: If you think barbecue ribs should only be reserved for weekends or summer cookouts, this recipe is about to knock your socks off. Juicy, smoky, and ready in under an hour—yes, it’s possible, thanks to the Instant Pot magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: No need to plan hours ahead. You can enjoy ribs on a weeknight without breaking a sweat.
- Perfectly Tender: The Instant Pot locks in moisture, giving you restaurant-quality ribs with minimal effort.
- Customizable: Love smoky heat? Sweet and tangy? You can make the ribs your own with different sauces and rubs.
- Great for Any Season: Rain or shine, you can have BBQ ribs any time of year with this indoor method.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Pork Ribs: Baby back ribs or spare ribs work best. I recommend removing the silver skin (the thin membrane on the back) for maximum tenderness.
- Dry Rub: A mix of paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne for just a hint of heat.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite bottled barbecue sauce, or make your own if you’re feeling fancy.
- Liquid for Pressure Cooking: I love using a mix of water and apple cider vinegar to amp up the flavor while tenderizing the meat.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the dry rub—it’s where the ribs take on most of their flavor! Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to soak in (or overnight in the fridge if you plan ahead).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Ribs: Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs. Pat them dry with paper towels and generously rub the dry seasoning mix all over both sides.
- Set Up the Instant Pot: Place a trivet or steamer rack into the Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar to the bottom.
- Cook Under Pressure: Arrange the ribs around the inner pot, curving them to fit. Close and lock the lid, setting the valve to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 25 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining steam.
- Slather with Sauce: Carefully remove the ribs and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Generously brush BBQ sauce over both sides.
- Broil for a Finishing Touch: Pop the ribs under your oven’s broiler for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce caramelizes and becomes irresistibly sticky. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Layer the Flavor: For even more flavor, let the dry rub sit on the ribs overnight in the fridge.
- Avoid Soggy Ribs: Use a trivet or steamer rack to keep the meat out of the liquid while cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Broiler: Those few minutes of caramelization take these ribs from good to WOW.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
Want to shake things up? Try these ideas:
- Different Sauces: Swap the BBQ sauce for a honey mustard glaze, spicy Korean gochujang, or even teriyaki sauce for a global twist.
- Make It Smokier: Add a drop or two of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid for that just-off-the-grill flavor.
- Pair It Up: Serve these ribs with creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or some buttery cornbread on the side for a classic BBQ feast.
FAQs
- Can I Use Frozen Ribs? Yes, you can! Just add 5 extra minutes to the pressure cooking time.
- How Do I Store Leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat under the broiler or in a 350°F oven covered with foil.
- Can I Double the Recipe? Absolutely! Just be sure not to overfill your Instant Pot. You may need to curl the ribs tightly to fit them all.
Recipe Card
Instant Pot BBQ Ribs
Cook Time: 25 minutes (plus natural release and finishing time) | Servings: 4
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Remove the silver skin from the ribs and coat with the dry rub.
- Add water and vinegar to the Instant Pot, then place the ribs inside on a trivet.
- Pressure cook on high for 25 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
- Brush with BBQ sauce and broil for 5-7 minutes until caramelized. Serve and enjoy!
This recipe is hands-down one of my favorites when I’m craving ribs without the wait. Let me know in the comments how they turned out, and don’t forget to tag your delicious photos with #TheKitchensAid! I can’t wait to see your rib-tastic creations. Bon appétit!
