These Instant Pot Ribs couldn’t be easier! If you don’t have a smoker, or hours to spend grilling and baking, you can still enjoy fall-apart tender ribs thanks to your Instant Pot. I use a homemade rub here, but you can save even more time by using your favorite store-bought barbecue blend if you like!
Spare Ribs Vs Baby Back Ribs
Spare ribs are much larger and meatier than baby back ribs that’s why I recommend using them for this recipe. If you can only get your hands on baby back ribs though don’t worry you can still use them and they’ll be delicious.
Just remember that because they are smaller and have less meat they’ll take less time to cook. I’ve got helpful tips below on adjusting your cooking times for making baby back ribs!
How to Lock in Flavor
The secret to locking in a ton of flavor in Instant Pot Ribs is by marinating them in a delicious seasoned rub! I’ve used the perfect mix of spices and seasonings including paprika for smokiness and brown sugar for sweetness.
Marinate the ribs for at least 2 hours in the fridge, ideally, you want to give them overnight for best results but only 2 hours will give them a huge flavor punch!
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Ribs
- In a small bowl, stir together all the spices and seasonings and sprinkle over ribs to coat evenly. Place in the fridge to marinate.
- Add the beer and other liquids to the Instant Pot then place the trivet inside and add the ribs.
- Cook the ribs in the Instant Pot then let the pressure release naturally.
- Toss in barbeque sauce and broil until charred.
How to get Tender Ribs
Because we are cooking the pork ribs at high pressure you want to make sure you let the pressure release naturally for tender and juicy ribs. If you let the pressure release too quickly then the meat can toughen up which won’t be good!
Top Tip: I always let the pressure release naturally and then twist the lock to “venting” just to get rid of any pressure that might still be in there.
You Can Still Have Smoky Ribs without a Smoker or BBQ
If you think you’ll be missing out on the beautiful smoky flavor that BBQ ribs have then don’t worry. These instant pot ribs have the most delicious smoky flavor (that’s just right) thanks to liquid smoke!
It’s pretty easy to find in most supermarkets or you can order it online. I mean, you could make this recipe without it but it adds so much flavor that takes these ribs to the next level!
Top Tips for Making Easy Instant Pot RIbs
- This recipe works best for spareribs, which a larger than baby back ribs. If using baby back ribs, reduce the pressure cooking time by 5 minutes.
- For the most tender ribs, remove the membrane from the back of the rack. Use a paring knife to slice into it; use a paper towel to get a firm grip on it, then peel it off the rack of ribs.
- These ribs will taste better the longer they’re allowed to sit coated with the spice rub. Overnight is best, but they still a great flavor after just 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- When stacking the ribs in the Instant Pot, stack them like stacking wood for a campfire.
- After pressure cooking, the ribs will be very tender, so be extra gentle when tossing them with the barbecue sauce. Use kitchen tongs if you have them.
- I prefer grilling the ribs to finish them, as opposed to broiling; it adds another layer of smoky flavor.
More Easy Instant Pot Recipes You Might Like;
Ultimate Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Easy Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
Easy Instant Pot Ribs
Ingredients
- 3 ½ lbs. pork spareribs
- 1 Tbsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. brown sugar
- 1/8 tsp. allspice
- 1 cup beer
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp. liquid smoke
- 1 cup barbecue sauce plus additional, to serve
Instructions
- If working with a rack of ribs, slice ribs in between bones to create separate pieces. Place ribs on a sheet pan.
- In a small bowl, stir together salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and allspice. Sprinkle over ribs to coat evenly. Refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
- Add beer, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke to a 6-quart Instant Pot Instant Pot; place trivet in Instant Pot. Stack seasoned ribs on trivet.
- Place top on Instant Pot; twist to seal and lock. Turn Steam Release Valve to “sealing.” Set Instant Pot to cook at High Pressure for 30 minutes.
- After cooking is complete, let pressure release naturally (approximately 15 minutes). After that, manually release the pressure by turning the Steam Release Valve to “venting.”
- Carefully open Instant Pot lid. Remove ribs; place in a large bowl. Add barbecue sauce; gently toss to coat ribs.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat or set oven to broil. Cook ribs until just charred, about 3 minutes per side. Serve with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.
Notes
- This recipe works best for spareribs, which a larger than baby back ribs. If using baby back ribs, reduce the pressure cooking time by 5 minutes.
- For the most tender ribs, remove the membrane from the back of the rack. Use a paring knife to slice into it; use a paper towel to get a firm grip on it, then peel it off the rack of ribs.
- These ribs will taste better the longer they’re allowed to sit coated with the spice rub. Overnight is best, but they still a great flavor after just 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- When stacking the ribs in the Instant Pot, stack them like stacking wood for a campfire.
- After pressure cooking, the ribs will be very tender, so be extra gentle when tossing them with the barbecue sauce. Use kitchen tongs if you have them.
- I prefer grilling the ribs to finish them, as opposed to broiling; it adds another layer of smoky flavor.
