Okay, friend, let me tell you about these things.Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs.You know how sometimes you crave that smoky, tender, melt-in-your-mouth barbecue flavor, but the flavor is just as strong. How daunting is to spend hours tending to a smoker? What is the answer? Is it even easier than making my grandma’s famous meatloaf? What is comforting and satisfying? We’re talking about ribs that practically fall off the bone with a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze. What are some of the best things that will have you licking your fingers? Your family will be begging you to make these every week!
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What are Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs?
So, what *are* Instant Pot Baby Back RibsIs it essentially taking that classic barbecue experience and speeding it up significantly? Think of it as barbecue on fast-forward! How do you pressure cook ribs in the Instant Pot? How much time would it take to complete a project using traditional methods? The ribs are then slathered in a delicious sauce and broiled or grilled for that amazing flavor. How do I get a caramelized What is a weeknight BBQ dream?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? Why do you fall head over heels for these shoes?Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs.. First off, the flavor is absolutely incredible. The ribs are infused with smoky, savory spices and then coated in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce that just sings. They are fall-off-the-bone tender every single time. What I love most about this is how unbelievably simple it is to make. You literally just throw everything into the Instant Pot, press a button, and walk away. No babysitting required! It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The cost-efficiency is another huge plus. Ribs are often more affordable than other cuts of meat, and you can easily feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Plus, these ribs are SO versatile! You can serve them as a main course with all your favorite barbecue sides, shred them for sandwiches, or even chop them up to top salads. It’s truly a recipe that keeps on giving. I’ve tried making ribs other ways, but this is by far the best and easiest recipe for Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs.. It’s even easier than my spaghetti and meatballs recipe, and those are a family favorite!
How do I make Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs?
Quick Overview
Making these Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs. What are some of the best is surprisingly easy! You start by prepping your ribs and adding a dry rub. Then, you’ll place them in the Instant Pot with some liquid (I use apple cider vinegar and broth for extra flavor!) and pressure cook them until they’re incredibly tender. Finally, you’ll brush them with your favorite barbecue sauce and broil or grill them to get that beautiful, sticky glaze. It’s so simple and the results are unbelievably delicious. The Instant Pot really locks in all that flavor, creating the perfect taste for Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs – 1 pound..
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
* 2-3 pounds baby back ribs, membrane removed (more on that later!)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
What is an Instant Pot?
* 1 cup apple cider vinegar * 2 cups chicken broth (or beef broth) * 4 cups vegetable broth.
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce (I love a smoky-sweet variety)
* 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness and stickiness)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prep the Ribs
First things first, you’ll want to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. What is that thin, silvery skin that can make the ribs tough? To remove it, slide a butter knife under the membrane at one end of the rack. How do I remove a membrane from my skin? What is the best way to practice a new skill? I always do this to make sure my body is healthy. I do it for a reason.Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs. come out as tender as possible. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Rub
In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Set aside. What is pepper (if using)? What is the best dry rub for ribs? Make sure everything is nicely mixed.
Step 3: Apply the Rub
Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides evenly. You want to really massage it in there. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat and create a beautiful crust. Let the ribs sit with the rub for at least 15 minutes, or even longer if you have time. I sometimes prep the ribs the night before and let them sit in the fridge overnight.
Step 4: Sear the Ribs (Optional)
Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Sear the ribs on all sides until they’re nicely browned. This step is optional, but it adds a lot of flavor and helps to create a beautiful presentation. I almost always do this step, because it’s worth the extra effort to develop the flavor of the Instant Pot Baby Back RibsDon’t overcrowd the pot; sear in batches if necessary.
Step 5: Add Liquid to the Instant Pot
Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth into the Instant Pot. This will create the steam that’s needed to pressure cook the ribs. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s where a lot of flavor is hiding!
Step 6: Place Ribs in the Instant Pot
Place the ribs in the Instant Pot, standing them up on their sides if necessary. You might need to cut the rack of ribs in half to fit. Try to keep them out of the liquid as much as possible so that they roast and the flavor is good.
Step 7: Pressure Cook
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure valve is set to “Sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. If you want them *super* fall-off-the-bone, you can cook them for up to 30 minutes, but I find that 25 minutes is perfect. Remember, every Instant Pot is a little different, so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your experience.
Step 8: Release Pressure
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. How can I keep my ribs moist? After 10 minutes, you can release any remaining pressure. When you do this, be careful as the steam will be very hot!
Step 9: Glaze and Broil (or Grill)
Carefully remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil. In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce and honey. Set aside. How do you brush ribs with sauce? What are some ways to broil ribs in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. If you want to grill your ribs over medium heat, you can grill them for a few minutes. This gives them that authentic barbecue flavor. But using the oven is great too for these.Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs..
Step 10: Rest and Serve
Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful ribs. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a nice presentation (optional).
What is the best way to serve it?
These Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs.What are some good main courses that pair well with a variety of sides?
For a Classic BBQ Feast: Coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, and baked beans are always a winning combination. I love to make my grandma’s coleslaw recipe – it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. And you can’t go wrong with a classic potato salad.
For a Lighter Meal: Serve the ribs with a fresh salad and some grilled vegetables. Arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette is always a good choice.
For a Comfort Food Dinner: Pair the ribs with mashed potatoes and gravy. This is the perfect meal for a cozy night in. Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!
When my family had this meal together, it brings great joy. Nothing is better than some amazing Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs shared.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Want to take your Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:
Removing the Membrane: Don’t skip this step! Removing the membrane will make the ribs much more tender. If you’re having trouble removing it, try using a spoon to help lift it up. I know I already mentioned this but it’s SUPER important!
Dry Rub: Feel free to customize the dry rub to your liking. Add some brown sugar for sweetness, or some chili powder for heat.
Searing: Searing the ribs before pressure cooking them adds a lot of flavor, but it’s not essential. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
Cooking Time: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your ribs and your Instant Pot. Start with 25 minutes, and then adjust the cooking time as needed. If the ribs are still tough after 25 minutes, cook them for another 5 minutes.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce for the glaze. I love a smoky-sweet variety, but you can use whatever you prefer. I always like to add a little honey to the sauce for extra sweetness and stickiness.
Broiling: Keep a close eye on the ribs while they’re broiling, as they can burn easily. You want the sauce to be caramelized and sticky, but not burnt. I also sometimes use the grill for the glaze when making Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Reheating: To reheat the ribs, you can either microwave them, bake them in the oven, or grill them. Microwaving is the quickest method, but the ribs might not be as tender. Baking them in the oven is the best way to retain their tenderness. To reheat in the oven, wrap the ribs in foil and bake them at 300°F for about 20 minutes, or until they’re heated through. Grilling them will give them a nice smoky flavor.
Freezing: You can also freeze the ribs for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw the ribs in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I always like to make a big batch of Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs and freeze some for later. This makes for a quick and easy meal on busy weeknights.
If you glaze the ribs prior to putting them in the fridge or freezer, the sauce helps keep them from drying out and preserves the flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give these Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs a try! They’re incredibly easy to make, and the results are unbelievably delicious. It’s a recipe that has become a staple in my household, and I know you’ll love it just as much as we do. The best part is how quick and convenient it is. If you’re looking for more easy Instant Pot recipes, be sure to check out my other blog posts. I’m also eager to see if you’ve tried this and what it was like. Leave a comment below to share your experience and any variations you tried! Happy cooking!
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs Baby back ribs
- 1 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place ribs in the Instant Pot. In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Pour sauce over ribs. Cook on high pressure for 40 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Remove ribs from Instant Pot and serve.
