Instant Pot BBQ Ribs
User Reviews
4.7
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
45 mins
-
Total Time
55 mins
-
Servings
8
-
Calories
491 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Dinner
-
Cuisine
American
Instant Pot BBQ Ribs
Description
Instant Pot BBQ Ribs start with baby back pork ribs coated generously with a dry rub featuring mustard powder, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powders, cayenne, cumin, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt. Removing the membrane ensures better seasoning absorption and tenderness. The ribs are placed standing inside the Instant Pot around the sides with a liquid mixture of apple juice, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke to create a steaming environment that infuses flavor while cooking.
Pressure cooking for 20 minutes with natural release yields tender meat that remains juicy without drying. Following the cooking, the ribs are served with a BBQ sauce prepared by simmering store-bought BBQ sauce, ketchup, whiskey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. This sauce balances sweetness, tanginess, and smoky depth.
The recipe results in ribs with a soft but firm texture that holds together while offering a pronounced smoky and sweet profile from both rub and sauce. It suits those with access to Instant Pot appliances aiming to save time while still producing flavorful ribs.
For storage, keep cooked ribs in an airtight container or wrapped tightly; they last 3-4 days refrigerated or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven and add sauce before serving to maintain flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For Dry Rub
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder dry
- 1½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 2 teaspoon salt
For Ribs
- 2 racks baby back pork ribs (about 3 to 4 lbs)
- 4 cups apple juice
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon liquid smoke
For BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce store bought
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup whiskey
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
Instructions
- Prepare the dry rub by combining all the dry rub ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs with a paper towel. Season the baby back ribs with the dry rub generously on both sides.
- Place the ribs inside the Instant Pot, standing up and wrapping around the Instant Pot.
- Pour the apple juice, apple cider vinegar and liquid smoke inside the Instant pot, no need to stir. Close the lid (follow the manufacturer's guide for instructions on how to close the instant pot lid). Set the Instant Pot to the Meat/Stew setting and set the timer to 20 minutes.
- Once the Instant Pot cycle is complete, wait until the natural release cycle is complete, should take about 15 minutes. Follow the manufacturer's guide for quick release, if in a rush. Carefully unlock and remove the lid from the instant pot.
- While the ribs are cooking prepare the BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan add all the BBQ sauce ingredients and stir to combine. Simmer on low heat for about 20 to 25 minutes, the sauce should reduce a bit.
- Carefully remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and place them onto a baking sheet. Brush them generously with the prepared BBQ sauce on both sides and place under the broiler for about 5 minutes. Keep the door to your oven open while broiling the ribs and keep an eye on them, because they could burn quickly.
- Serve with leftover BBQ sauce.
Notes
- Read your Instant Pot manufacturer's instructions before cooking to ensure proper use and safety.
- Store leftover ribs in airtight containers or wrapped tightly in foil in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Ribs freeze well for 2-3 months if wrapped tightly; thaw before reheating.
- Reheat ribs gently in the oven and apply BBQ sauce after warming to retain texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 491 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 491kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 125mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 1072mg | 45% |
| Potassium | 850mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 29g | 58% |
| Vitamin A | 825IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 2.6mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 75mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2.5mg | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
You'll Also Love
