Print

Instant Pot Ribs with BBQ Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 93 reviews

This Instant Pot Ribs recipe offers tender, flavorful pork ribs with a perfectly seasoned dry rub, cooked quickly under pressure and finished with a caramelized BBQ sauce glaze under the broiler. It’s an easy and reliable way to enjoy fall-off-the-bone ribs without the long cooking time of traditional methods.

Ingredients

Scale

Ribs and Seasoning

  • 1 rack pork ribs
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Liquid and Sauce

  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ribs: If the ribs have the thin white membrane along the back, remove it by running a butter knife under the membrane and then using a paper towel to grip and pull it off. This will help your ribs be more tender.
  2. Make and apply the dry rub: Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs to season thoroughly.
  3. Set up the Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot inner pot and place the metal trivet inside to keep the ribs elevated above the liquid.
  4. Arrange the ribs: Stand the ribs upright on the trivet with the rib bones oriented vertically. If necessary, curve the rack or position halved slabs to fit inside the pot comfortably, ensuring even cooking.
  5. Pressure cook the ribs: Close the lid and seal the steam release valve. Set the Instant Pot to cook at high pressure for 25 minutes if using baby back ribs, or 35 minutes for spare ribs.
  6. Release pressure: Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure by moving the valve to venting. For spare ribs, let the pressure release fully naturally.
  7. Broil with BBQ sauce: Remove ribs from the pot and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush with BBQ sauce generously, then place under the oven broiler for 3 to 6 minutes. Broil until the ribs brown lightly and the sauce caramelizes—watch closely to prevent burning.
  8. Serve: Serve the ribs hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or basting.

Notes

  • Removing the membrane helps make ribs more tender and allows seasoning to better penetrate.
  • Use baby back ribs or spare ribs; adjust pressure cooking time accordingly (25 minutes for baby back, 35 minutes for spare ribs).
  • Broiling at the end adds caramelization and texture, making the ribs visually appealing and flavorful.
  • If you prefer a smokier flavor, add smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to the rub.
  • Make sure to watch the ribs carefully under the broiler to avoid burning the BBQ sauce.
  • The natural release time ensures the ribs remain moist and tender.

Keywords: Instant Pot ribs, pressure cooker ribs, BBQ ribs, quick ribs recipe, fall-off-the-bone ribs, pork ribs, easy ribs

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/instant-pot-ribs-with-bbq-sauce-recipe/