Name: Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American (BBQ)
Ingredients: Baby back ribs: 2 racks (about 2-3 pounds); Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (for searing); Dry rub (or use a homemade mix):; Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon; Paprika: 1 tablespoon; Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon; Onion powder: 1 teaspoon; Salt: 1 teaspoon; Pepper: 1 teaspoon; Chili powder: 1 teaspoon; BBQ sauce: 1/2 cup (or more for serving); Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon; Water or broth: 1 cup (for pressure cooking)

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If you’re craving tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs but don’t have hours to spend by the grill or smoker, these Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs are the answer! The Instant Pot works its magic, cooking the ribs quickly while keeping them incredibly juicy and tender. With a delicious dry rub and a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, these ribs come out perfectly cooked and full of flavor every time. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe will have you enjoying ribs in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

We all love ribs, but let’s be real—cooking them can take hours. The beauty of making them in the Instant Pot is that you can get that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness in a fraction of the time. The dry rub creates a savory crust on the ribs, and once you slather on the BBQ sauce and pressure cook them, you end up with ribs that are juicy, flavorful, and practically begging to be eaten. Plus, they’re easy to make with minimal clean-up, so it’s a win-win!

Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need (full list below):

Baby back ribs
Olive oil (for searing)
Your favorite dry rub (or a mix of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder)
BBQ sauce
Apple cider vinegar
Water or broth (for cooking in the Instant Pot)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This is a simple but important step to ensure your ribs are tender. Use a paper towel to grab the membrane and peel it off. Once that’s done, rub the ribs with your dry rub mixture. Make sure to coat the ribs evenly and massage the rub into the meat. Let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Sear the Ribs (Optional)

This step is optional but highly recommended for a deeper flavor. Turn your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add a bit of olive oil. Once it’s hot, sear the ribs for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they get a nice golden-brown crust. This extra step will lock in more flavor, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip it.

Step 3: Add the Liquid

Remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and set them aside. Add about 1 cup of water or broth to the bottom of the Instant Pot. This is essential for the pressure cooking process and helps to keep the ribs juicy. You’ll also want to add a splash of apple cider vinegar—it adds a nice tanginess to balance out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Ribs

Arrange the ribs in the Instant Pot. You can curl them into a circle to fit, or if they’re small enough, stand them upright. Lock the lid in place, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Apply the BBQ Sauce

Once the ribs are done, remove them from the Instant Pot. At this point, you can brush your favorite BBQ sauce over the ribs and either finish them in the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or return them to the Instant Pot on “Sauté” mode for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce. If you’re broiling them, place the ribs on a baking sheet and broil them for 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on them so the sauce doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once the BBQ sauce has caramelized and the ribs are beautifully glazed, slice them into individual portions and serve immediately. These tender, juicy ribs are perfect with some coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled veggies.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Dry Rub: Feel free to get creative with your dry rub! You can adjust the spices to suit your taste—add a bit more chili powder for heat or some brown sugar for extra sweetness.
Cutting the Ribs: If you have a larger rack of ribs, you may want to cut it into smaller sections to make it easier to fit into the Instant Pot. Just make sure the pieces fit comfortably.
Use the Broiler: If you’re not in a hurry, broiling the ribs after cooking gives them a deliciously crispy exterior that takes the flavor to the next level.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Different Sauces: If you prefer a different flavor profile, try swapping out the BBQ sauce for a mustard-based sauce or even a tangy vinegar sauce, like the kind you find in Carolina-style BBQ.
Vegan Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ribs with tempeh or even portobello mushrooms. Season and pressure cook them the same way for a tasty plant-based version.
No BBQ Sauce? You can skip the BBQ sauce entirely and serve these ribs with a tangy homemade glaze or even a simple lemon herb drizzle if you’re keeping it lighter.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with so many side dishes. Serve them with some classic coleslaw, roasted potatoes, or even some grilled corn on the cob for a full meal. If you’re serving these for a crowd, you can also add a side of baked beans or cornbread for a true BBQ spread.

For drinks, a chilled glass of iced tea or a crisp lager would be a refreshing complement to the smoky-sweet flavors of the ribs.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers (and that’s a big “if” because these ribs are so good), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the ribs in foil and warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave them, but the oven will help keep them juicy and tender.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked ribs for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

4 FAQs

Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?
Yes, spare ribs work well in this recipe! Just note that spare ribs might need a little more cooking time due to their size, so you may want to add an extra 5 minutes to the pressure cooking time.
Do I have to sear the ribs before cooking?
While searing adds extra flavor, it’s not absolutely necessary. If you’re short on time, feel free to skip it and go straight to pressure cooking.
Can I make these ribs without BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! You can cook the ribs without sauce, or you can experiment with different marinades or glazes. A honey mustard glaze would be delicious as well.
How can I make these ribs spicier?
If you like heat, try adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your dry rub. You can also add a spicy BBQ sauce or a drizzle of hot sauce when serving.

Conclusion

These Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs are a total game-changer. They’re incredibly tender, full of flavor, and super easy to make. Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner or a weekend BBQ, they’ll be a hit every time. With the Instant Pot, you can enjoy juicy, tender ribs without spending hours over the grill. Serve them up with your favorite sides and dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Step 2: Sear the Ribs (Optional)

Step 3: Add the Liquid

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Ribs

Step 5: Apply the BBQ Sauce

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Expert Tips and Tricks

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Storage and Reheating Tips

4 FAQs

Conclusion

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition