Make your next rack of ribs in an Instant Pot for a super tender, juicy, meaty meal! Both baby back ribs and spare ribs will work great for this recipe. The meat is fall off the bone tender. Makes a super, easy weeknight meal or a fun summer bbq addition!
I’m madly in love with all things food, obviously, but there are foods that make me extra excited. Fall-off-the-bone ribs slathered in delicious barbecue sauce make me swoon. Bring on the sticky fingers! All winter I was excited to attempt making ribs in my Instant Pot because, well, why not? They could not have turned out more perfectly, friends. They were DELICIOUS.
This recipe is perfect for busy week nights and also for summer bbqs or gatherings of any kind. Free up space on the grill or valuable oven room by letting these secretly cook in the corner while you get other things accomplished.
WATCH THIS QUICK VIDEO TO SEE HOW EASY IT IS TO MAKE RIBS IN THE INSTANT POT!
HOW TO MAKE BBQ RIBS IN AN INSTANT POT!
STEP 1
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, celery salt and cayenne pepper and mix spice rub together. Rub over the entire surface of the rack of ribs.
STEP 2
Pour the broth or water into the Instant Pot and place trivet inside Instant Pot. Bend the ribs so that the ends are nearly touching and place in the IP on end.
STEP 3
Place the cover on the pot and set timer to 25 minutes on high pressure (use the pressure cook setting). It will take the Instant Pot around 12 minutes to build up pressure before it begins cooking.
When cooking time is done, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes then do a Quick Release. Let the float valve drop and remove the cover.
STEP 4
Place the ribs on a baking sheet and brush the bbq sauce over the entire surface (both sides). At this point, either: 1. serve! or 2. Broil for 3 minutes per side and then serve!
RECIPE TIPS: MAKE THE BEST PRESSURE COOKER PORK RIBS EVER!
Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the pot before cooking for an extra smoky flavor.
When you remove the ribs from the pot after cooking, lift them out carefully! The meat will be so tender that it will be easy to tear it from the bone. Use two sets of tongs or have someone help you by lifting one side while you lift the other.
I highly recommend broiling the ribs just before serving. Transfer the ribs directly from the Instant Pot to a baking sheet. Brush both sides generously with your favorite bbq sauce and broil for 3 minutes. This adds an extra touch of crispy yumminess that I LOVE. If you don’t have time for this step, I promise the ribs will still taste amazing.
Double the ingredients for the dry rub so it’ll be ready to use next time! There will be a next time!
Use your favorite brand of bbq sauce for these ribs! This is your chance to put your own spin on the recipe. If you love spicy, use a spicy variety of sauce. If you love sweet and savory, use a sweeter variety.
WHAT GOES WITH BBQ RIBS?
I think of ribs as a summer food, but really they work any time of the year. No matter when they are made, there are a handful of side dishes that taste absolutely perfectly alongside them. In addition to a heaping side of extra sauce, here are a few of my favorites!
WHICH PORK RIBS ARE THE BEST FOR THIS RECIPE
Baby back ribs (also called back ribs) are one of the best options for making bbq ribs. They are lean and meaty, making them super delicious. If using baby back ribs, remove the membrane before cooking. See Weber’s instructions for removing membranes here.
Pork spareribs are a great option, as well, but are a little bit less meaty than baby back ribs and contain more fat. However, they are also one of the most flavorful and tender types of pork ribs you’ll find!
HOW TO STORE AND FREEZE LEFTOVER RIBS
Wrap tightly in foil or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To extend the life of the ribs, wrap tightly in foil and place in a resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 4 months. When you are ready to enjoy them, let them thaw completely in the fridge. Place the ribs, wrapped in foil, on a baking sheet and bake at 250 degrees F for 20 minutes, or until completely heated through. Brush with additional bbq sauce, if desired.
WHAT TO SERVE FOR BRUNCH AT HOME
Brunch is one of my favorite things in the world. I mean, we’re talking meat, pancakes, eggs, all the savory breakfast foods AND all the sugar-laden treats, as well. We have veggies and sandwiches and wraps and quiche and pot roast and soup and the list goes on and on. Brunch contains the best collection of foods on the planet, which is why it is so popular among the masses. And we can’t forget that alcohol is totally acceptable at brunches, too! Woo!
Baby back ribs are one of my brunch favorites, but here are a few more brunch ideas:
Homemade Bagels – Make homemade bagels using only 5 ingredients and in 20 minutes from start to finish! NO YEAST or rising or waiting required. These easy bagels are soft, flavorful and taste great with savory or sweet toppings. I love sprinkling Everything But the Bagel Seasoning over the tops!
Blueberry Muffins – You have just met your new go-to Blueberry Muffin recipe! These muffins turn out great every time, they are moist and totally packed with blueberries. These are the PERFECT treat to adorn your brunch spread!
Breakfast Pizza – Like brunch itself, this recipe is a combo of two types of meals, making it the perfect brunch fare. Pizza combined with eggs, spinach, bacon and goat cheese? Yes, please!
BEST Breakfast Casserole – I have been making (and perfecting) this breakfast casserole for YEARS and it is one of my all-time favorite breakfast foods. This is perhaps my favorite thing ever to make for brunches. It is a massive hit every single time!
Mixed Berry Croissant Breakfast Bake – Transform French Toast into a Mixed Berry Croissant Breakfast Bake! The croissants add such a delicious buttery texture. Let it sit in the fridge overnight so it is ready to bake the next day!
Ham Bone Split Pea Soup – Ham, split peas and an assortment of delicious carrots, peas and celery are the perfect combo in this hearty, comforting and traditional soup. A truly savory soup will satisfy and fill you up.
Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches – These delicious, baked Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches are bursting with flavor and gooey cheese! They are super easy to throw together and always get devoured by the masses.
Hummus Veggie Wraps – Smear hummus inside of a wrap and stuff it with veggies to create a healthy, meatless brunch option! These do NOT lack flavor!
Lemon Drops – This is my favorite drink to enjoy for any occasion. It is the perfect brunch cocktail because it is light, lemony and delicious! It is sure to impress guests. Use honey simple syrup for a less sweet version.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes – These are the perfect brunch side dish. Two delicious types of cheese transform these potatoes into a creamy, flavorful comfort food.
Slow Cooker Hot Creamy Corn – This Hot Corn Dip is ADDICTING! Bacon and green chiles give this dish the kick is needs. Sprinkle some cilantro into the cheesy corn dish for a perfect brunch dish. Serve it with chips or crackers or solo as a creamy side. Either way, it’ll be the most popular dish at the feast!
BEST RECIPES TO MAKE IN AN INSTANT POT
The list of recipes you can make in an Instant Pot is endless! It can act as a slow cooker, saute pan, steamer, rice maker, yogurt maker and pressure cooker. It can cook soup, chili, pasta, meat, potatoes, veggies, cake, beans and so much more. Here are a few of my favorite Instant Pot recipes:
WHY DOES IT TAKE MY INSTANT POT SO LONG TO HEAT UP?
The time leading up to actual cook time may seem long and even confusing (“What is going ON in there?!”), but it’s an important part of the process! The Instant Pot is working on building up the appropriate amount of pressure that it will be cooking the food at. It handles liquids and solids differently and also fresh and frozen differently, so the time can vary. Most recipes take between 10 and 25 minutes to build up pressure.
Easy Instant Pot Ribs
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked or regular paprika
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 rack baby back ribs rinsed and patted dry
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth beef broth or water
- 1/2 cup bbq sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, celery salt and cayenne pepper; mix well. Rub mixture over the entire surface of the rack of ribs.
- Pour the broth or water into the Instant Pot and place trivet inside Instant Pot. Bend the ribs so that the ends are nearly touching and place in the IP on end.
- Place the cover on the pot and set timer to 25 minutes on high pressure (pressure cook setting). It will take the IP around 12 minutes to build up pressure before it begins cooking.
- When cooking time is done, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes then do a Quick Release. Let the float valve drop and remove the cover.
- Place the ribs on a baking sheet and brush the bbq sauce over the entire surface (both sides). At this point, either: 1. serve! or 2. Broil for 3 minutes per side and then serve!
Notes
- Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the pot before cooking for an extra smoky flavor.
- When you remove the ribs from the pot after cooking, lift them out carefully! The meat will be so tender that it will be easy to tear it from the bone. Use two sets of tongs or have someone help you by lifting one side while you lift the other.
- I highly recommend broiling the ribs just before serving. Transfer the ribs directly from the Instant Pot to a baking sheet. Brush both sides generously with your favorite bbq sauce and broil for 3 minutes. This adds an extra touch of crispiness. If you don’t have time for this step, I promise the ribs will still taste amazing.
- Double the ingredients for the dry rub so it’ll be ready to use next time! There will be a next time!
- Use your favorite brand of bbq sauce for these ribs! This is your chance to put your own spin on the recipe. If you love spicy, use a spicy variety of sauce. If you love sweet and savory, use a sweeter variety.
Nutrition
Make your next rack of ribs in an Instant Pot for a super tender, juicy, meaty meal! Both baby back ribs and spare ribs will work great for this recipe. The meat is fall off the bone tender. Makes a super, easy weeknight meal or a fun summer bbq addition!
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