This easy Instant Pot Ribs Recipe is super quick to make and ultra delicious.
Baby back ribs in the Instant Pot come out juicy and tender every time. They’re fall-off-the-bone tender and by far the easiest way for cooking any style of ribs. Plus the simple and easy dry rub makes them so flavorful!
Instant Pot Ribs Recipe
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Why We Love Ribs in The Instant Pot
- No need for endless hours in the oven or on the grill, the Instant Pot makes cooking ribs quick and easy! Set it and forget it!
- This is the only country-style pork ribs recipe for anyone who loves meaty ribs cooked in minutes!
- Make these quick additions to Instant Pot Ribs; Classic Macaroni Salad and some Crock Pot Baked Beans. Don’t forget a summer bbq-ready dessert like this Peach Galette or a helping of glorified rice!
Ingredients and Variations
RIBS: Baby back ribs are shorter than regular ribs and fit perfectly into nearly any sized Instant Pot, and pork ribs are extra fatty so they come out tender. Beef short ribs and country-style ribs (ribs that come from the shoulder area of the pig) will work, too!
SEASONINGS: This bold dry rub is easily made from pantry staples and will work for beef or pork ribs. Increase or decrease dry rub ingredients as desired. For instance, make a sugar-free rub using Swerve (switch out equal amounts), or add chili powder or red pepper flakes for a spicy rub. Brushing on BBQ sauce will add moisture to the ribs as well as create a braising liquid that can be used to make a sauce. Perfect for dipping The BEST Cheesy Bread EVER into.
How To Make Instant Pot Ribs
Instant Pot Ribs are super easy to cook:
- Rinse the ribs and remove the “peritoneum” (white membrane on the back of the ribs). Pat the ribs dry. Cut ribs to fit the Instant Pot, if necessary.
- Whisk together dry rub ingredients.
- Massage the dry rub into the meat. Place the seasoned ribs upright on a trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add broth or water and sprinkle with onions and garlic.
NOTE: Liquid smoke can be added to the liquid, if desired.
How Long To Cook Ribs In Instant Pot
- Close and cook (as per recipe). Natural release the pressure.
- Brush with BBQ sauce (or a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper) and finish on the grill outdoors or under the broiler until the ribs are caramelized on the outside. Serve immediately.
How to Cook Frozen Ribs in the Instant Pot
Short on time? Company’s coming? Or forgot to defrost the ribs? No problem!
- Place frozen ribs with broth or water in the Instant Pot and cook 30 to 35 minutes. Natural release the pressure.
- Brush with BBQ sauce (or a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper) and finish on the grill outdoors or under the broiler until the ribs are caramelized on the outside. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Removing the membrane from baby back ribs is necessary to prevent the meat from becoming tough (similar texture of plastic wrap). Removing the membrane also allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat. Simply turn the meat over so the fleshy side is down. Starting from the smaller end, gently pull the membrane from one end to another (no knife cutting necessary).
- Cut ribs in equal pieces so they cook at the same rate in the Instant Pot. Face the meaty sides of the ribs towards the center, so the steam from the broth/water can infuse into the meat.
Time Saving Tips
Prepare the dry rub in advance and store it in a jar to use for future rubs, or to add to sour cream for a zesty dip. Or add to olive oil as a meat marinade!
Other Easy Pork Recipes!
- Oven Baked Ribs Recipe – so juicy and tender
- Easy Pulled Pork Sliders – perfect for parties!
- Oven Baked Pork Chops – easy weeknight meal.
- Crockpot Pulled Pork – 30 minute prep!
- Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops – so flavorful.
- Crock Pot Ribs – fall off the bone delicious!
Instant Pot Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 rack baby back ribs about 1 ½ - 2 pounds
- 1 cup broth or water
- 4 cloves garlic sliced
- 1 onion sliced
- 6 Tablespoons dry rub store bought or homemade below
- barbecue sauce optional
Instructions
- If your ribs have a membrane on the back side, slide a knife under to to lift it and pull it off. Rinse the ribs in cool water and pat dry with paper towel.
- Cut ribs into pieces that will fit in the Instant Pot. Rub the dry rub into the ribs.
- Place the rack in the Instant Pot and add broth.
- Stand the ribs upright on the rack and top with onion and garlic.
- Close and secure lid. Select manual pressure and set for 23 minutes (25 minutes if they are extra meaty).
- Once time is up, allow a natural release for 5 minutes. Release remaining pressure.
- Broil, or grill, and brush with barbecue sauce if desired.
Notes
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons lemon pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons oregano
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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Recipe Slightly Adapated from SpendWithPennies Instant Pot Ribs.
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