What types of ribs work best for cooking in an Instant Pot?

Baby back ribs and spare ribs are both suitable for Instant Pot cooking. Baby back ribs are more tender and lean, cooking faster in about 25-30 minutes, while spare ribs are meatier and take around 30-35 minutes. Choose ribs based on your texture preference and adjust cooking times if you’re at higher altitudes or want fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

How do I remove the tough membrane from ribs before Instant Pot cooking?

To remove the membrane, flip the ribs so the bone side is facing up. Slide your fingers or a butter knife under the membrane on one end and carefully peel it off along the length of the ribs. Removing the membrane helps seasonings penetrate better and results in more tender ribs.

Can I cook more than one rack of ribs at the same time in the Instant Pot?

Yes, multiple racks can be cooked together as long as they fit standing upright without overcrowding. You can cut racks in half or arrange them in a teepee shape. The cooking time remains the same regardless of quantity, but proper arrangement ensures even pressure cooking.

What should I do if my ribs don’t fit standing upright inside my Instant Pot?

If the ribs don’t fit standing, cut them into smaller sections or halves and place them at an angle or teepee style. You may skip the trivet to save space. The key is to arrange the ribs so the meat faces outward and they’re not too tightly packed for even cooking.

Is it possible to prepare Instant Pot ribs ahead of time and reheat them later?

Yes, you can cook and sauce the ribs in advance, then cool and refrigerate them. To reheat, bake at 300°F for 20-25 minutes until warmed through, then broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce. Alternatively, finish on a grill for a few minutes to add smoky flavor and a crispy glaze.

Instant Pot Ribs Recipe for Tender Juicy Meat Fast

Name: Instant Pot Ribs
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: PT-492028H52M33S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 to 2 racks of pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs); – 1 teaspoon paprika; – 1 teaspoon garlic powder; – 1 teaspoon salt; – 1 teaspoon onion powder; – 1 teaspoon black pepper; – 1 teaspoon chili powder; – 1 cup water; – 1/2 cup apple juice or 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; – 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional); – 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Description

⏱️ Enjoy tender and juicy ribs quickly made with the convenience of an Instant Pot, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
🔥 This recipe delivers flavorful, fall-off-the-bone results with minimal hands-on cooking time, making rib night easier and more delicious.

Ingredients

– 1 to 2 racks of pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– 1 cup water

– 1/2 cup apple juice or 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

– 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

– 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

1-First, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by flipping them meat side down and peeling it off with fingers or a butter knife.

2-Evenly rub all sides of the ribs with the seasoning mix.

3-Place a wire trivet rack at the bottom of the Instant Pot.

4-Pour 1 cup water, 1/2 cup apple juice or 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon liquid smoke if using, into the pot.

5-Position the ribs standing upright around the pot with the meat side facing outward; curl them slightly if using a full rack.

6-Close the lid and seal the vent.

7-Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 25 minutes for baby back ribs; for spare ribs, cook for 30 to 35 minutes depending on altitude and desired tenderness.

8-Allow pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then perform a quick release.

9-Carefully transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet and coat generously with 1 cup BBQ sauce.

10-Optionally, broil ribs for 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce.

Notes

⏰ Adjust cooking times for altitude and desired tenderness to get perfect results.
🍖 Removing the membrane improves tenderness and texture.
🔥 Broiling or grilling after pressure cooking caramelizes the BBQ sauce and adds extra flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Natural release time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 to 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pressure cooking, Broiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 219 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 456 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 14 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: Instant Pot Ribs, Tender Ribs, Juicy Ribs, Quick Ribs