Why You’ll Love This
Instant Pot BBQ Ribs are incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with smoky barbecue flavor—all in a fraction of the time it normally takes to cook ribs. The pressure cooker quickly breaks down the meat, making it fall-off-the-bone tender, while a quick broil with BBQ sauce gives the ribs a sticky, caramelized finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want barbecue flavor without the long wait.
Ingredients
● 2–3 lbs pork baby back ribs or spare ribs
● 1 cup water or chicken broth
● 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
● 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
● 1 tablespoon brown sugar
● 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
● 1 teaspoon garlic powder
● 1 teaspoon onion powder
● ½ teaspoon salt
● ½ teaspoon black pepper
● ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Preparation Instructions
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Prepare the Ribs
Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for more tender results. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. -
Make the Dry Rub
In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, chili powder, and brown sugar. -
Season the Ribs
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs. -
Add Liquid to the Instant Pot
Pour water or chicken broth and apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the Instant Pot. -
Place Ribs in the Pot
Coil the ribs inside the Instant Pot on the trivet with the meat side facing outward. -
Pressure Cook
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 25 minutes. -
Release Pressure
Allow a 10-minute natural release, then carefully perform a quick release. -
Add BBQ Sauce
Carefully remove the ribs and place them on a baking sheet. Brush generously with BBQ sauce. -
Broil for Caramelization
Broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes until the sauce becomes sticky and caramelized. -
Serve
Slice between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
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Trivet (usually included with the Instant Pot)
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Small mixing bowl
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Baking sheet
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Basting brush
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Tongs
Tips
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Remove the membrane: This step makes the ribs more tender and easier to eat.
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Use your favorite BBQ sauce: Sweet, smoky, or spicy sauces all work well.
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Broiling is key: It creates that classic sticky BBQ glaze.
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Add liquid smoke: A few drops can enhance the smoky flavor.
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Don’t skip the trivet: It keeps the ribs from sitting directly in the liquid.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with coleslaw and cornbread.
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Pair with baked beans or roasted potatoes.
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Add a side of grilled corn or potato salad.
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Serve with pickles and fresh salad for balance.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooked ribs for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes, brushing with extra BBQ sauce to keep them moist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen ribs in the Instant Pot?
Yes, but increase the pressure cooking time to about 30–35 minutes.
2. What type of ribs works best?
Baby back ribs cook quickly and are very tender, but spare ribs also work well.
3. Do I have to broil the ribs after cooking?
It’s optional, but broiling helps caramelize the BBQ sauce and adds great flavor.
Conclusion
Instant Pot BBQ Ribs are a fast and delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs without hours of slow cooking. With the help of the pressure cooker and a quick broil for a sticky glaze, you can have restaurant-quality ribs ready in under an hour.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 420 kcal
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Protein: 28 g
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Carbohydrates: 14 g
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Fat: 28 g
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Sugar: 10 g
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Sodium: 620 mg
Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used. 🍖🔥
