Instant Pot Ribs

Instant Pot Ribs combines the ease of pressure cooking with classic rib flavors. The ribs are prepped by removing their membrane and seasoned evenly with a dry rub of salt, pepper, garlic, chili, onion powders, and brown sugar that forms a balanced savory and sweet base. They are then cooked upright over a trivet with a flavorful liquid blend including apple juice and optional liquid smoke, which infuses moisture and a subtle smokiness during the 25-minute pressure cook and 15-minute natural release. The ribs come out tender yet firm enough to hold their shape.

Once pressure cooked, the ribs are coated generously with barbecue sauce, giving them a glossy coating of tangy sweetness. A short broil caramelizes the sauce, adding slightly crisped edges and intensified flavor contrasts. This finishing step enhances both appearance and texture, making the ribs more visually appealing and adding a slight crust to the surface.

This method produces ribs that are easy to prepare, requiring minimal active time, and are well-suited as a main dish for casual dinners or gatherings. The recipe allows adjustments like extending cooking time for spare ribs or omitting liquid smoke if unavailable. The barbecue sauce choice can be customized between homemade or store-bought according to preference.

Adding time for spare ribs ensures they become very tender, matching higher altitude needs or preferred doneness. Liquid smoke is recommended for its smoky depth but can be skipped without losing rib tenderness. Using a foil-lined baking sheet simplifies clean-up after broiling. Overall, this Instant Pot technique delivers reliably flavorful, tender ribs with an efficient cooking process.