Instant Pot Spare Ribs
User Reviews
5
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Additional Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
2 - 4
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Calories
396 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Instant Pot Spare Ribs
Description
The Instant Pot Spare Ribs recipe starts by optionally trimming the ribs into St. Louis style for easier handling and presentation. The marinade, combining garlic powder, onion powder, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, penetrates the meat to add flavor and tenderize it. After marinating, the ribs are pressure cooked with water and optional liquid smoke, which produces tender ribs much faster than traditional slow cooking methods. The final step is glazing the ribs with barbecue sauce, adapting the amount to the rib size and personal taste.
The vinegar in the marinade helps tenderize the meat, while pressure cooking ensures the ribs become soft and juicy. Adding a few drops of liquid smoke mimics the flavor of smoked ribs without the lengthy process. This approach suits cooks looking for tender ribs without prolonged preparation.
Serve these ribs with classic barbecue sides or as a hearty main dish. The recipe notes emphasize choosing spare ribs with good marbling to maximize flavor and juiciness. The ribs should be marinated at least 30 minutes, ideally 1 to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Ingredients
- 1 rack (742g) spare ribs
- 1 cup (250ml) water cold
- kosher salt generously season
- black pepper generously season
- 1 teaspoon (3.2g) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (3.8g) onion powder
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 - 3 drops liquid smoke (optional)
- ¼ - ½ cup (60 - 120g) barbecue sauce depends on your rib’s size, your favorite
Instructions
- Optional - Trim Spare Ribs into St. Louis Style Ribs (see photos): With a sharp knife, remove the flap at the end of the spare ribs. Remove the skirt (strip of meat that runs diagonally on the backside). Separate the rib tips by making a horizontal cut. Try to fold the ribs lengthwise and you should find where the breastbone and cartilage are connected. *Pro Tip: Save all the meat you trimmed off for our next recipe.
- Marinate Spare Ribs: Mix 1 tsp (3.2g) garlic powder, 1 tsp (3.8g) onion powder, and 2 tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar together. Brush the marinade all over the spare ribs. Generously season the spare ribs with ground black pepper and salt. Marinate ribs for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. *Pro Tip: The optimal marinating time is 1 - 2 hours. This allows the vinegar to tenderize the meat and let the salt penetrates the meat just a bit.
- Pressure Cook Spare Ribs: Add 2 - 3 drops of liquid smoke to the Instant Pot (optional). Place 1 cup (250ml) of cold water and a steamer rack in Instant Pot. Place the marinated spare ribs on the rack. Close lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing position. Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 20 minutes (Tender with a bit of chew) to 25 minutes (Fall off the bone) + 15 minutes Natural Release. Release the remaining pressure, then open the lid.
- Apply Sauce & Broil in Oven/Air Fryer: Carefully set the spare ribs on an oven tray or chopping board, then generously apply BBQ sauce all over the ribs on all sides. *Note: You can use an oven, toaster oven, Instant Pot Duo Crisp or Air Fryer Lid for this step.*Pro Tip: If you're using the Duo Crisp lid or Air Fryer lid, you'll need to cut the spare ribs into halves, then finish them in 2 batches. *Pro Tip: It's best to broil the spare ribs before cutting it into serving size to retain more moisture.Option 1 - Oven/Toaster Oven: Place the BBQ Spare Ribs on an oven tray under the "Broil" function (or the highest temperature setting) for a few minutes until the BBQ sauce is caramelized.Option 2 - Air Fryer Lid: Place air fryer basket with tray on the middle rack in Instant Pot. Layer ribs on air fryer tray in Instant Pot. Place the Air Fryer Lid on Instant Pot. Press "Airfry" button, set Temperature to 400°F and Cooking Time to 15 minutes. (It takes roughly 9 - 11 minutes + preheat time. You can open the lid to check the progress.) Air fry the second batch of spare ribs in Instant Pot.
- Serve: Chop up the BBQ Spare Ribs to serving sizes. Serve these tasty BBQ Spare Ribs immediately! Enjoy~ :)
Notes
- Look for spare ribs with good marbling to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Marinate the ribs for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 to 2 hours, to allow the vinegar and seasonings to penetrate the meat.
- Adding liquid smoke is optional but adds a smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional barbecued ribs.
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce to finish the ribs according to taste and rib size.
- Save trimmed meat from the ribs for use in other recipes to avoid waste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2- 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 396 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 396kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 104mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 294mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 365mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 40IU | 1% |
| Calcium | 25mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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