Looking for an Instant Pot Rib recipe? When reading through lists of favorite reasons why people love the Instant Pot, Instant Pot ribs recipes often come up in the top 5.
People are a bit obsessed with making pork or beef ribs in their Instant Pot Pressure cookers, and now that I’ve done it myself, I understand the reason.
This Fast and Easy Instant Pot Ribs Recipe produces amazing ribs that are moist and fall-off-the-bone tender, in a quarter of the time it would take making ribs a traditional way.
Since getting an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker as a Christmas gift, I use it 3-4 times a week. Check out this series about how to get started with an IP pressure cooker, healthy recipes for your Instant Pot, and 15 of the best family recipes for the 15.
I have a Instant Pot Duo 9-in-1. This is a 6 quart pressure cooker, and so far it’s been a good size for our family, but the 8 quart models is good if you need to cook a large amount. The ribs did all fit in my 6 quart but it was a tight fit. This was one time I would have preferred an 8 quart if I had it.
I highly recommend the Instant Pot brand. These are expensive but well worth the investment. Once you have one, you will use it often.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1...Shop on AmazonI love these tongs and use them constantly for getting things out of my Instant Pot.
Fast and Easy Instant Pot Ribs Recipe
Fast and Easy Instant Pot Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 rack ribs pork or beef
- 6 T rib rub of choice. I use this recipe: https://theholymess.com/no-sugar-rib-rub-recipe/
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp liquid smoke optional
- 1/2 cup Barbecue sauce optional
Instructions
- Remove ribs from package. If desired, remove the bottom tendon from the ribs by using a knife to loose, then grab with a paper towel and pull.
- Generously rub each side of the rack of ribs with 3 T rib rub.
- Pour water, vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using) into Instant Pot. If available, put ribs onto rack to keep them out of cooking liquid. If no rack, stand ribs on side to keep out of liquid as much as possible.
- Secure lid and close vent. Press “meat” button and cook for 25 minutes.
- Quick release.
- Allow ribs to sit, without moving them, for 20 minutes with lid completely off. (Meat will be very tender and this helps it not fall apart.)
- Brush ribs with Barbecue sauce.
- If desired, finish ribs on grill over medium heat for 10 minutes, turning once, or in oven set to 425 for 10 minutes/
WW Information
Nutrition
I purchased Pork Spare ribs, but Baby Back also work well if that is your preference. This recipe also works great with beef ribs, but I prefer pork.
After you remove the tendon (optional) season with your rib rub.
After applying the rib rub, let the meat stand for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
The rib rub recipe includes salt, but I always give my meat (and most foods) a grind or two of sea salt. It doesn’t seem like it would matter, but different salts really do taste different. The kids and I taste-tested a salsa recipe and were surprised how much difference a couple twists of sea salt made for the final product.
McCormick Sea Salt Grinder,...Shop on Amazon
Here is where you will stand back and be amazed at what the Instant Pot can do for you! In the past, I used to cook my ribs all day in the oven or slow cooker in order to give them fall-off-the-bone tenderness. (My brother taught me this trick and he makes amazing ribs, so I have much to aspire to here.)
Cooking in the IP gives awesome tenderness in so much less time! Cook for the appointed time and then check meat. If it’s not fall-off-the-bone tender, add more water if needed (you need a minimum of 1 cup of water each time you cook with the Instant Pot), then cook another 5-10 minutes.
By this time, your ribs should be so tender you will need to allow them to sit before handling them.
If you eat Paleo or no sugar, stop here! Your ribs are finished and will have a wonderful flavor and tenderness. You could finish your ribs on the grill or slide them on a tray under the broiler for a few minutes (watch carefully) to give more flavor and a crispy texture, but it’s not required.
If you want to add barbecue sauce, keep going.
After brushing ribs with BBQ sauce, they can be finished in the oven or on the grill. The meat is already cooked so this is to impart flavor. I love Sweet Baby Rays
Serve with all your BBQ fixings like corn on the cob, a cold salad, grilled veggies and fresh fruit.
Have you tried cooking ribs in the Instant Pot?
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