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+ servings
Instant Pot ribs plated on a wooden board with BBQ sauce glaze, charred edges, and fresh herbs garnish

Instant Pot Ribs

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 510 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
  • Trivet / steam rack
  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Foil
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Pastry brush
  • Paper towels

Ingredients
  

For the Ribs & Rub

  • 1 rack baby back pork ribs about 2–2.5 lbs, membrane removed
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat

For Pressure Cooking

  • 0.5 cup chicken broth or water with 1 tsp liquid smoke
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

For Finishing

  • 0.75 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade

Instructions
 

Prep the Ribs

  • Flip the rack bone-side up and locate the thin silvery membrane on the back. Slide a butter knife under the membrane at one end, grip with a paper towel, and peel it off in one pull. Discard the membrane.
  • In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Mix well.
  • Pat the ribs dry with paper towels on both sides. Generously coat all surfaces of the rack with the dry rub, pressing it firmly into the meat. For best results, let the rubbed ribs rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 24 hours covered in the refrigerator.

Pressure Cook

  • Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the Instant Pot insert.
  • Place the trivet (rack) inside the pot. Cut the rib rack in half or thirds if needed to fit. Stand the rib sections upright in a circular arrangement around the trivet, bone-side facing out.
  • Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on Manual / Pressure Cook (High Pressure) for 25 minutes.
  • Once the cook time is complete, allow a full natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining steam. Remove the lid.

Broil & Glaze

  • Preheat your oven broiler to High. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly grease.
  • Carefully transfer the cooked ribs to the prepared baking sheet, bone-side down. Brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the top and sides of the ribs.
  • Place under the broiler 6–8 inches from the heat source. Broil for 3–5 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce is bubbling, caramelized, and slightly charred at the edges.
  • Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Brush with additional BBQ sauce if desired, then slice between the bones and serve immediately.

Notes

Membrane removal tip: This step is essential for tender ribs — don't skip it. Make-ahead: Ribs can be pressure cooked up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated. Broil with fresh BBQ sauce when ready to serve. Storage: Leftover ribs keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat under the broiler or in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil. Spare ribs: Increase pressure cook time to 30–35 minutes with full natural release.

Nutrition

Calories: 510kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 36gFat: 30gSodium: 720mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 18g
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