Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite show-stopping weeknight dinner: Instant Pot Ribs! These fall-off-the-bone tender ribs are packed with flavor, thanks to a smoky-sweet rub and a swoon-worthy barbecue glaze—all in under an hour. If you crave lip-smacking barbecue but don’t want to fire up the grill, this recipe is about to become your ultimate secret weapon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple—but crucial—each ingredient is for perfect Instant Pot Ribs! Every component brings something special, from tenderness and juiciness to that classic smoky aroma and bold barbecue flavor.

• Baby back or spare ribs (about 1½ to 2 pounds): Baby backs turn ultra-tender in less time, while spare ribs give a richer, slightly meatier bite. Choose what makes you happy!
• Water: Helps build the necessary steam in your Instant Pot, ensuring juicy, succulent ribs.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the meat for maximum flavor.
• Liquid smoke: Just half a teaspoon infuses the ribs with old-school barbecue smokiness—no pit required!
• Barbecue sauce: Use homemade for extra bragging rights or grab your favorite store-bought bottle. This is the key to sticky, finger-licking deliciousness.
• Brown sugar: Sweetness balances the spices and helps the rub caramelize beautifully.
• Paprika: This adds color and a gentle, smoky warmth to your ribs.
• Ground black pepper & kosher salt: Trusty seasoning duo to highlight every bite.
• Chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder: These bring classic barbecue rub depth—earthy, savory, and perfectly balanced.
• Cayenne pepper: A quarter teaspoon is just enough to add subtle heat without overpowering.

Variations

Instant Pot Ribs are so easy to tailor for any mood or crowd! Don’t hesitate to play with the rub, sauce, or even the type of ribs—use what you love or have on hand.

• Make it Spicy: Loving the heat? Double the cayenne or brush with a spicy barbecue sauce for a fiery finish.
• Sugar-Free: Easily make a lower-sugar version using your preferred sugar substitute and a sugar-free barbecue sauce.
• Western Flare: Add a teaspoon of ground cumin and a pinch of chipotle powder to the rub for extra southwestern depth.
• Asian-Inspired: Swap the barbecue sauce for hoisin mixed with sriracha and honey, and add a splash of soy sauce to your liquid!

How to Make Instant Pot Ribs

Step 1: Prep and Remove the Membrane

Start by rinsing your rack of ribs and patting them dry. Flip them meat-side down and check for a thin, shimmery membrane along the back. Slide a butter knife under the membrane to loosen, then use a paper towel for grip and peel it off. This extra step ensures your Instant Pot Ribs get super tender and the flavors soak right in!

Step 2: Make the Rub and Coat the Ribs

Mix your brown sugar, paprika, pepper, salt, chili powder, garlic, onion powder, and cayenne in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the ribs, coating every side generously. This tasty crust works magic during pressure cooking and makes every bite pop with flavor.

Step 3: Setup Your Instant Pot

Place your trivet at the bottom of the Instant Pot and pour in the water, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke. Now stand the ribs, meaty-side out, wrapping them in a circle along the inside wall of the pot. If you have more than one rack, coil them around the outside and inside—just like stacking hula hoops!

Step 4: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Seal up your Instant Pot and set to high pressure. For baby back ribs, cook 23 minutes (25 if extra meaty); for spare ribs, go 35 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally—5 minutes for baby backs, a full natural release for spares—to keep the ribs juicy and perfectly tender.

Step 5: Broil and Glaze

When the ribs are done, preheat your oven broiler and line a baking sheet with foil. Transfer the ribs from the pot, brush them generously with barbecue sauce, and pop them under the broiler until bubbling and caramelized—about 2 minutes. Watch them closely so they don’t burn. Serve with extra sauce for dipping and get your napkins ready!

How to Serve Instant Pot Ribs

Garnishes

Sprinkle your ribs with fresh chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or even a smattering of sesame seeds for color and crunch. A few slices of jalapeño or a touch of flaky salt can turn your platter into a feast for the eyes (and mouths) in seconds.

Side Dishes

Pile your Instant Pot Ribs alongside classic sides like creamy coleslaw, cornbread, or buttery mashed potatoes for a soul-satisfying spread. Grilled corn, tangy pickles, and a big green salad also round out the meal for backyard barbecue vibes—no matter the season!

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the ribs into individual pieces for finger food fun at parties, or stack them on a platter drizzled with extra sauce for dramatic effect. You can even serve them “family style” on butcher paper right at the table, picnic-style, or tuck leftovers into sliders or tacos the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra ribs (lucky you!)? Let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch might be even better than dinner!

Freezing

To freeze Instant Pot Ribs, wrap them tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—you’ll have barbecue bliss in minutes, any night of the week.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat ribs in a 350°F oven on a baking sheet, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through (about 10–15 minutes). Splash on a bit more barbecue sauce before reheating to keep things juicy. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven gives you that “just-cooked” tenderness and glaze.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Instant Pot Ribs, I promise—your mind (and tastebuds) are about to be blown! This easy method brings that sticky, smoky barbecue joy straight to your kitchen. Give it a whirl, savor the oohs and aahs, and don’t forget to share your rib-tastic success with friends and family. Happy cooking!

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