Description
Tender and flavorful pork ribs cooked quickly in an Instant Pot and finished with a caramelized barbecue sauce glaze, perfect for a delicious and easy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ribs and Seasoning
- 1–2 racks pork ribs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
Liquid and Sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup apple juice (or 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs: Remove membranes from the back of ribs, if needed, to ensure tenderness and better seasoning absorption.
- Season the ribs: Rub all the seasoning spices evenly over both sides of the ribs to build flavor.
- Set up Instant Pot: Place the wire trivet rack in the bottom of the Instant Pot to keep ribs elevated above the liquid.
- Add liquids: Pour water, apple juice (or apple cider vinegar), and liquid smoke (if using) into the pot to create steam and add smokey aroma.
- Position the ribs: Place ribs upright around the inside of the pot with the meat side facing out; for one large rack, circle it to fit inside.
- Seal and cook: Secure the lid and close the vent. Press the “manual” or “pressure cook” button, set on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Release pressure: When the timer beeps, allow pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to quick release any remaining pressure.
- Apply BBQ sauce: Remove ribs carefully and place on a large foil-lined baking sheet. Generously slather ribs with barbecue sauce.
- Optional broiling: For a caramelized finish, broil ribs in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and caramelized. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Notes
- Removing the membrane from ribs improves texture and seasoning penetration.
- Liquid smoke is optional but adds an authentic smokey flavor to the ribs cooked in the Instant Pot.
- Broiling the ribs after pressure cooking is optional but highly recommended for a caramelized, crispy BBQ finish.
- You can substitute apple juice with apple cider vinegar for a tangier flavor in the cooking liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes pressure cook + 15 minutes natural release + 3 minutes broil (optional)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Instant Pot ribs, pork ribs pressure cooker, BBQ ribs recipe, quick ribs, tender ribs, barbecue sauce ribs
