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Instant Pot Ribs

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Instant Pot Ribs

This Instant Pot Ribs recipe is your one-way, fast-track ticket to becoming the BBQ rock star at your next gathering!

Fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs doused in a tangy, sweet, and smoky liquid smoke goodness.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why Do I Love Instant Pot Ribs?

·   This elicit recipe is a great way to cook ribs without all the hassle. You don’t need any special equipment or know-how, just your favorite instant pot and ten minutes to prep the meat.

  • I don’t need to spend hours hovering over a hot stove or grill.
  • They are a quick fix that pairs well with any side, from mac and cheese to roasted potatoes.

How To Cook Ribs In An Instant Pot?

Cooking ribs in an instant pot is the easiest way of doing it. Completely hands-free!

Two things that’ll help you pull off the best instant pot ribs are:

  • Dry Rub – Generously dry rub all your ingredients for the best flavor
  • Liquid Smoke – If you want a smokey finish, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid.

Why Are My Ribs Tough In Instant Pot?

I’ve had a few instances like that, and I was able to put my finger on three possible issues:

  • You didn’t cook your ribs long enough
  • Your ribs were too big
  • You didn’t let your instant pot vent release naturally

How Much Liquid Do You Put In The Ribs In An Instant Pot?

Pressure cooking requires one cup of liquid. Always. So, before you put your ribs in, pour a hot cup of water at the base of your Pot.

Are Ribs Better In The Oven Or Instant Pot?

Not to sound biased, but easy instant pot ribs are chin-dripping juicy. They literally slide off the bone without even putting in much effort. Oven takes more time and attention.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Ribs In An Instant Pot?

Well, it depends on the meat you’re using and its thickness. If you’re using beef ribs, 35-40 minutes on high pressure is a good time. Pork ribs take lesser time – about 25-30 minutes.

You can add some broiling time for a crispier, crustier finish.

How To Serve Instant Pot Ribs?

Potatoes and ribs are a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you pair it with baked potatoes or French fries, they’ll be gone in a blink.

I’ve served these easy instant pot ribs with coleslaw, cornbread, and beans too.

Instant Pot Ribs Cooking Tips:

  • Pick your ribs right – baby back or spare ribs are both good choices. Spare ribs take longer to cook, though.
  • Don’t overcrowd – overlapping could mean uneven cooking. Trust me; you don’t want that.
  • Use the trivet – elevate your ribs so they don’t sit in the liquid when you pressure cook.
  • Go for natural release – letting your pressure cooker vent out slowly gives your ribs a nice finish. Do that.

Variations Of Instant Pot Ribs

Ribs are super versatile cuts of meat and can take on different flavors easily.

  • If you want to switch it up, try adding some honey BBQ sauce or a combination of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
  • You can also play with the cooking time to get a slightly charred edge on your ribs.
  • Or add some beer for a tangy and boozy note.

Ingredients:

  • 3lb pork ribs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, or brown sugar substitute
  • 1 Tablespoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water or apple juice
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional

Directions:

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the ribs, generously.

Sprinkle the brown sugar, paprika, and mustard powder over the ribs and then rib all over.

And

Then

Place ribs in Instant Pot.

Add apple cider vinegar and water (or apple juice, if desired).

For a smokey finish, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid.

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set for 45 minutes on meat setting.

Natural release.

Note: if you want a crispy finish, you can cook in the Instant Pot for 35 minutes and then set under the broiler of your oven for 2 minutes.

Instant Pot Ribs

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Instant Pot Ribs

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Instant Pot Ribs

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
This Instant Pot Ribs recipe is your one-way, fast-track ticket to becoming the BBQ rock star at your next gathering! Fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs doused in a tangy, sweet, and smoky liquid smoke goodness. Your guests will be asking for seconds before you can say "Instant Pot."
4.67 from 3 votes

Ingredients 

  • 3 lb pork ribs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, or brown sugar substitute
  • 1 Tablespoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water or apple juice
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional

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Instructions

  • Sprinkle salt and pepper over the ribs, generously.
  • Sprinkle the brown sugar, paprika and mustard powder over the ribs and then rib all over.
  • Place ribs in Instant Pot.
  • Add apple cider vinegar and water (or apple juice, if desired).
  • For a smokey finish, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid.
  • Secure the Instant Pot lid and set for 45 minutes on meat setting. Natural release.

Notes

if you want a crispy finish, you can cook in the Instant Pot for 35 minutes and then set under the broiler of your oven for 2 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 877kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 70g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 31g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 238mg | Sodium: 263mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g
Author: Marta

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How To Store Instant Pot Ribs?

You probably won’t have any leftovers. But if you do, they need to go in the fridge. Let them cool first, and then tightly wrap them in foil or plastic. Also, don’t store them with a lot of sauce. They’ll get soggy.

How To Reheat Instant Pot Ribs?

The best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and loosely cover the ribs with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes, and enjoy!

You can also microwave the ribs for a couple of minutes. It’s quick but not as effective.

How Much Do Instant Pot Ribs Last On The Fridge?

Your instant pot ribs will last for four days in the fridge. No problems. If you freeze them, you can even have them after three months.

Can I Make Ahead Instant Pot Ribs?

You sure can! Make your dry rub or sauce and have it ready. Or marinate your ribs and let them sit. The next day, just pressure cook and enjoy!

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Related Recipes You Might Enjoy:

Love your magical instant pot a bit too much? You have to try these Instant Pot recipes on my website.

Any Italian food fans here? All of us? Of course. Creamy, stretchy, cheesy bites of heaven – what’s not to love? In my house, we do Italian lunch and dinner like it’s nobody’s business. One of my absolute fav dishes has to be the ultra-yummy Chicken Manicotti.

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