My backyard BBQ go-tos include BBQ pork tenderloin, cowboy baked beans, and pork belly burnt ends. Another favorite is these Instant Pot baby back ribs. While ribs usually take hours on the grill or smoker, the Instant Pot makes them tender and easy in a fraction of the time. A flavorful dry rub gives them a delicious crust, and a quick broil at the end adds that restaurant-style char. Broiling is optional, but either way these ribs are a hit whether you serve them at a picnic or for a weeknight dinner.
Why This Recipe Works: A Sprinkle of Food Science
- High pressure breaks down collagen: Pressure cooking converts collagen to gelatin quickly, producing moist, tender meat that practically melts.
- Use a trivet: Elevating the ribs keeps them out of the liquid and promotes even cooking.
- Natural pressure release: Letting pressure release naturally for a few minutes prevents the muscle fibers from contracting and toughening.
Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips
- Baby back ribs: They are leaner and more tender. Spare ribs can be used, but they are fattier and may need a little more cook time.
- Liquid smoke: Adds a grilled flavor. Use sparingly — the recipe calls for ½ teaspoon because it’s concentrated.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika adds depth. If you only have regular paprika, increase the amount or add a touch of smoked paprika if available.
- Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite brand or brush on after cooking. Adding sugary sauce before pressure cooking can cause burning during any finishing step.
Krystle’s Tips: Steal My Culinary School Secrets
- Remove the membrane: Slide a butter knife under the membrane at one corner, lift, and peel it away. A paper towel helps grip the slippery membrane. Removing it lets the rub penetrate and keeps the ribs tender.
- Don’t skip the natural release: Let pressure come down naturally for a few minutes to avoid tightening the meat fibers.
- Keep sauce off during pressure cooking: Brush BBQ sauce on after cooking; sugar in the sauce can burn if heated too intensely beforehand.
- Let them rest: Rest for a few minutes so juices redistribute and stay in the meat.
Serve With
Southern Macaroni and Cheese
Mexican Street Corn
Instant Pot Baked Beans
Creamy Pea Salad
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📖 Recipe
Fall Off the Bone Instant Pot Ribs
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Ingredients
For The Instant Pot Ribs
- 1 Rack Baby Back Ribs
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth
- ½ Teaspoon Liquid Smoke
- 4 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 Sweet Onion Sliced
- 6 Tablespoons Dry Rub See below
- Barbecue Sauce If Desired
For the Dry Rub
- 2 Tablespoon Paprika
- 2 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 2 Teaspoons Oregano
Instructions
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Rinse ribs and pat dry. Remove the membrane from the back.
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Combine the dry rub ingredients and massage the rub all over the ribs.
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Place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot and pour in the chicken broth and liquid smoke.
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Arrange the ribs around the trivet. Scatter the sliced onion and minced garlic over and around the ribs.
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Seal the pressure valve and cook on high pressure for 23 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes.
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Release any remaining pressure and carefully remove the ribs.
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If desired, brush ribs with barbecue sauce and broil or finish on the grill until charred to your liking. Let rest briefly before serving.
Nutrition
