With this recipe for Instant Pot Ribs, you can have tender, flavorful ribs on the table in under an hour. It’s true!
I don’t think that there is any debate about how good ribs are. But generally, they take a bit of preplanning. That was until the Instant Pot came along. Now you can have tender, juicy ribs on the table in less than an hour!
What Kind Of Ribs Should I Use?
I like to use baby back ribs, but this recipe will work for spare ribs as well. The times will just need to be adjusted a bit. If you aren’t sure about the difference between the two, here’s a great article that explains each of the cuts.
When cooking ribs my preference is for the meat to hug the bone, but I’ve also included alternate times if you prefer the meat to fall off the bone. If you choose the fall-off-the-bone option, be careful as you’re removing the ribs from the Instant Pot. They have a tendency to break apart when lifting them out.
Finishing Your Instant Pot Ribs
The ribs really are delicious just as they are straight out of the Instant Pot, though the appearance leaves something to be desired, in my opinion. Basting with your favorite barbecue sauce and then putting the ribs under the broiler for 3 – 4 minutes will take care of this, but is entirely optional. If you opt to not broil the cooked ribs, I would still brush on some barbecue sauce for a lovely presentation.
Another amazing thing that you can do is to cook the ribs in the Instant Pot as directed, and then brush them with sauce and grill them to finish them. The general idea is the same as in my make-ahead recipe for ribs. Go ahead and cook them in the Instant Pot a day or two ahead of a party, or just to make your weeknight life easier. Then finish them under the broiler or on the grill.
Enjoy! – Christine :)
More Tasty Rib Recipes
- Grilled Beef Ribs
- Air Fryer Ribs Recipe
- The Best Oven-Baked Ribs
- Flanken-Style Ribs Recipe
- Country-Style Pork Ribs
Instant Pot Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Entrée
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
DESCRIPTION
With this recipe for Instant Pot Ribs, you can have tender, flavorful ribs on the table in under an hour. It’s true!
Ingredients
- 2 – 3 lbs. baby back ribs, membrane removed
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- Your favorite barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Rinse the ribs and pat dry. Remove the membrane from the bone side of the ribs. For a quick tutorial, check out this video.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over both sides of the ribs.
- Put the trivet in the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Pour the water and apple cider vinegar in.
- Roll the ribs into a “C” shape and place them with the cut side of the ribs on the trivet.
- Close and lock the lid. Make sure the steam release handle is in the sealed position.
- Select PRESSURE COOK and cook on high. Adjust the [+] or [-] button to set 22 minutes of pressure cooking time. If you prefer fall-off-the-bone, set the timer for 28 minutes.
- When time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. Then turn the steam release handle to the venting position to release any remaining steam.
- When the valve has dropped, unlock the lid and open carefully.
- Transfer the ribs to a baking sheet, brush with your favorite barbecue sauce and place under the broiler until darkened in spots, 3 – 4 minutes. Flip and do the other side as well. Alternatively, brush ribs with sauce and then grill them over direct heat just until some grill marks appear, 3-4 minutes. Flip and do the other side as well.
- Serve with extra barbecue sauce and plenty of napkins.
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Notes
If you prefer spare ribs, increase the pressure cooking time to 30 minutes and allow to release naturally for 15 minutes.
The ribs turned out GREAT! Even for my picky husband. I didn’t have Apple Cider vinegar so I used White Balsamic. When I rolled the ribs, I placed the bones on the outside.
I’m so glad to hear that you both loved it, Tiffany! Thank you for sharing how it worked for you.
I just ordered an instant pot and can’t wait to test out cooking ribs! Sounds delicious!
How exciting, Charity! There’s so much you can cook in it!
The list of ingredients calls for apple cider vinegar but the directions say apple cider. Which do you use? ?
Thanks for pointing that out, Sherry! It should be apple cider vinegar, I’ll edit the instructions above to clarify.