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Quick Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 105 reviews
  • Author: Hailey
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

This Quick Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful ribs cooked efficiently using pressure cooking and finished under the broiler for a caramelized BBQ glaze. Perfect for a weeknight meal or weekend cookout, these ribs are coated in a smoky, spicy dry rub and finished with a tangy barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Rub

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ tablespoons sea salt

Ribs and Cooking Liquid

  • 2 racks baby back ribs (or use spare ribs)
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons liquid smoke

Finishing

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ribs: Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. If the ribs have a thin, shiny membrane on the back, remove it by flipping the ribs meat-side down, inserting a dull butter knife between the membrane and the ribs to loosen it, gripping the membrane with a paper towel, and pulling it off. Discard the membrane.
  2. Make the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and sea salt. Mix well to create a uniform rub.
  3. Apply the rub: Generously coat all sides of the ribs with the prepared dry rub, ensuring even coverage for optimal flavor infusion.
  4. Prepare Instant Pot: Place the trivet or rack inside a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot. Pour in the water, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke. If a trivet or rack is not available, fashion one using rolled-up aluminum foil to keep the ribs elevated above the liquid.
  5. Pressure cook the ribs: Arrange the ribs on the trivet, sealing the Instant Pot lid securely. For baby back ribs, set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 25 minutes (reduce to 22 minutes for one rack of very meaty ribs). After cooking, allow pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure. For spare ribs, cook under high pressure for 35 minutes and allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes until the pin drops.
  6. Preheat the broiler: While ribs are cooking, preheat your oven’s broiler and place the oven rack on the third row from the top. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  7. Broil with BBQ sauce: Transfer the cooked ribs onto the foil-lined baking sheet. Brush the ribs liberally with the barbecue sauce. Place them under the broiler for approximately 2 minutes, watching carefully until the sauce begins to caramelize and bubble.
  8. Serve: Remove the ribs from the oven, slice between each bone to separate, and serve immediately with extra barbecue sauce. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes and cabbage slaw.

Notes

  • If using spare ribs, increase the cooking time in the Instant Pot and expect a longer natural pressure release.
  • Removing the membrane from ribs improves tenderness and flavor penetration.
  • Adjust the spice levels in the rub based on personal preference for heat and smokiness.
  • Using liquid smoke enhances the smoky flavor typical to slow-cooked ribs even though the cooking time is shorter.
  • Keep a close eye when broiling to prevent burning of the BBQ sauce due to the high heat.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Instant Pot ribs, baby back ribs, quick ribs recipe, pressure cooked ribs, BBQ ribs, easy rib recipe

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