Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

By: Holly | Published: June 18, 2021 | Updated: June 18, 2021 | Comment

This easy Instant Pot Ribs Recipe is super quick to make and ultra delicious.

Baby back ribs in the Instant Pot come out juicy and tender every time. They’re fall-off-the-bone tender and by far the easiest way for cooking any style of ribs. Plus the simple and easy dry rub makes them so flavorful!

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Why We Love Ribs in The Instant Pot

No need for endless hours in the oven or on the grill, the Instant Pot makes cooking ribs quick and easy! Set it and forget it!
This is the only country-style pork ribs recipe for anyone who loves meaty ribs cooked in minutes!
Make these quick additions to Instant Pot Ribs; Classic Macaroni Salad and some Crock Pot Baked Beans. Don’t forget a summer bbq-ready dessert like this Peach Galette!

Ingredients and Variations

RIBS: Baby back ribs are shorter than regular ribs and fit perfectly into nearly any sized Instant Pot, and pork ribs are extra fatty so they come out tender. Beef short ribs and country-style ribs (ribs that come from the shoulder area of the pig) will work, too!

SEASONINGS: This bold dry rub is easily made from pantry staples and will work for beef or pork ribs. Increase or decrease dry rub ingredients as desired. For instance, make a sugar-free rub using Swerve (switch out equal amounts), or add chili powder or red pepper flakes for a spicy rub. Brushing on BBQ sauce will add moisture to the ribs as well as create a braising liquid that can be used to make a sauce. Perfect for dipping The BEST Cheesy Bread EVER into.

How To Make Instant Pot Ribs

Instant Pot Ribs are super easy to cook:

Rinse the ribs and remove the “peritoneum” (white membrane on the back of the ribs). Pat the ribs dry. Cut ribs to fit the Instant Pot, if necessary.
Whisk together dry rub ingredients.
Massage the dry rub into the meat. Place the seasoned ribs upright on a trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add broth or water and sprinkle with onions and garlic.

NOTE: Liquid smoke can be added to the liquid, if desired.

How Long To Cook Ribs In Instant Pot

Close and cook (as per recipe). Natural release the pressure.
Brush with BBQ sauce (or a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper) and finish on the grill outdoors or under the broiler until the ribs are caramelized on the outside. Serve immediately.

How to Cook Frozen Ribs in the Instant Pot

Short on time? Company’s coming? Or forgot to defrost the ribs? No problem!

Place frozen ribs with broth or water in the Instant Pot and cook 30 to 35 minutes. Natural release the pressure.
Brush with BBQ sauce (or a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper) and finish on the grill outdoors or under the broiler until the ribs are caramelized on the outside. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

Removing the membrane from baby back ribs is necessary to prevent the meat from becoming tough (similar texture of plastic wrap). Removing the membrane also allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat. Simply turn the meat over so the fleshy side is down. Starting from the smaller end, gently pull the membrane from one end to another (no knife cutting necessary).
Cut ribs in equal pieces so they cook at the same rate in the Instant Pot. Face the meaty sides of the ribs towards the center, so the steam from the broth/water can infuse into the meat.

Time Saving Tips

Prepare the dry rub in advance and store it in a jar to use for future rubs, or to add to sour cream for a zesty dip. Or add to olive oil as a meat marinade!

Other Easy Pork Recipes!

Instant Pot Ribs cut on a plate and garnished with parsley.

5 from 1 vote

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Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

Tasty and tender, this Instant Pot Ribs Recipe is the best ever and a must have for every cook.

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Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 1 hr

Servings servings

Author Holly

Ingredients

1 rack baby back ribs about 1 ½ – 2 pounds
1 cup broth or water
½ teaspoon liquid smoke optional
4 cloves garlic sliced
1 onion sliced
6 Tablespoons dry rub
barbecue sauce optional

Dry Rub

2 Tablespoons paprika
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons lemon pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons oregano

Instructions

Rinse ribs, pat dry with paper towel. Pull the membrane from the back side of the ribs.
Combine dry rub ingredients and set aside.
Cut ribs into 2-3 pieces and coat with dry rub. Massage dry rub into the ribs.
Place trivet in the bottom of Instant Pot. Pour in broth.
Set ribs upright on the trivet (so they are not stacked on top of one another). Top with onion and garlic.
Close and secure lid. Select manual pressure and set for 23 minutes (25 minutes if they are extra meaty).
When cooking is complete, natural release for 5 minutes. Release remaining pressure.
Broil, or grill, and brush with barbecue sauce.