Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs – Tender and Flavorful in No Time

If you’re a fan of ribs but don’t have the time to spend hours slow-cooking them, this Instant Pot baby back ribs recipe is the answer. The Instant Pot allows you to create tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs in just a fraction of the time it takes using traditional methods. With bold flavors and a perfect balance of sweet and smoky, these ribs will satisfy any BBQ craving. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results.

The Story Behind These Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

The first time I made ribs in an Instant Pot, I was skeptical. Could they really come out as tender as the ones I spent hours slow-cooking? But after one bite, I was sold. The meat practically melted off the bone, and the flavor was fantastic. This recipe has since become my go-to for quick weeknight dinners and even gatherings when I want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. The beauty of using an Instant Pot is that it dramatically cuts down the cooking time while still delivering that classic BBQ taste.

Recipe Overview

Instant Pot baby back ribs are seasoned with a simple dry rub, cooked under high pressure with apple cider vinegar to tenderize the meat, and finished with your favorite BBQ sauce under the broiler for that caramelized finish. The ribs come out perfectly every time, making this an ideal recipe for any rib enthusiast.

Ingredients

• 1 rack (about 2-3 lbs) baby back ribs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for serving

Substitutions: If you prefer, you can use apple juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor. For a sugar-free version, substitute brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener. Adjust the spices according to your taste preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This will allow the seasoning to penetrate better and make the ribs more tender.
2. Season the ribs: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the mixture generously over both sides of the ribs.
3. Add liquid to the Instant Pot: Pour the apple cider vinegar and water into the Instant Pot. Place a trivet in the bottom of the pot to keep the ribs above the liquid.
4. Place the ribs in the Instant Pot: Coil the ribs into a circle and place them on top of the trivet, meat side facing outward.
5. Pressure cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
6. Preheat the broiler: While the pressure is releasing, preheat your oven broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
7. Brush with BBQ sauce: Carefully remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush generously with BBQ sauce.
8. Broil: Broil the ribs for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
9. Serve: Slice the ribs and serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side.

Tip: For extra flavor, let the ribs marinate in the dry rub for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes (plus 10 minutes natural release)
• Broiling Time: 5-7 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot baby back ribs recipe serves 4 people. Pair the ribs with classic BBQ side dishes such as coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob. For a refreshing contrast, serve a crisp green salad on the side. If you’re enjoying the ribs as part of a larger BBQ feast, offer a variety of sauces for guests to choose from, including spicy, sweet, or tangy options.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of baby back ribs contains approximately 400-450 calories, 25 grams of protein, 30 grams of fat, and 12 grams of carbohydrates. To reduce the calorie count, opt for a sugar-free BBQ sauce and trim any excess fat from the ribs before cooking.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ribs in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the oven method will help maintain the texture and flavor better. If you have a lot of leftovers, consider shredding the meat and using it in sandwiches, tacos, or even as a topping for loaded fries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use this recipe for other types of ribs?

Yes, you can use this Instant Pot method for other types of ribs such as St. Louis-style or spare ribs. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thicker ribs may require a few extra minutes of pressure cooking.

Can I skip the broiling step?

While broiling is optional, it does help to caramelize the BBQ sauce and give the ribs a classic, sticky texture. If you’re short on time, you can serve the ribs straight from the Instant Pot with a drizzle of sauce, but the extra step is worth it for the best results.

What if I don’t have a trivet?

If you don’t have a trivet, you can use a heat-proof rack or even a few onion slices to elevate the ribs above the liquid in the Instant Pot.

Conclusion

Instant Pot baby back ribs offer a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious, tender ribs without the long wait. This recipe brings all the flavors of traditional BBQ into your kitchen, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Give it a try and let us know how your ribs turned out in the comments below. Enjoy the flavors, and happy cooking!