I recently got the 8 quart Instant Pot, and I'll admit that it's been a bit of a challenge learning how to use it. Sometimes I want to just throw it out the window. I have gotten very good at making a few simple things, however - hard boiled eggs, veggie broth, and mashed potatoes. Recently, I've added Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs to the list. They're easy, delicious, and make perfect comfort food fast.
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Cooking the ribs in the Instant Pot
makes them literally fall off the bone. They're melt in your mouth delicious.
I'd say the secret is in the sauce, but it really isn't. You can use any BBQ sauce you like. We like to make our own with ketchup, french onion soup, and brown sugar. (Recipe to come at a later date!) The secret is really in the dry rub.
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Dry Rub
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Instructions
- Combine ingredients for the dry rub in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Carefully remove membrane from back of baby back ribs. I find it easiest to pull it off with my hands, but you can also use a sharp knife. Separate the ribs into 3 or 4 equal-sized parts and work the dry rub into each section on both sides.
- Add water to the Instant Pot and insert the metal rack. Place the seasoned ribs on their sides on top of the insert. (Don't stack them flat on top of each other).
- Flip the pressure valve to “Sealing" and lock the lid in place. Set the “Manual” setting to high for 30 minutes.
- While you're waiting for Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs to cook, line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil and set aside.
- Once cooking is complete, do a quick release (QR) by flipping the sealing valve to the “Venting” position. After the steam releases, carefully transfer the ribs to the foil-lined baking sheet. Brush the ribs with a generous amount of BBQ sauce on each side.
Note: At this point, you can make the ribs extra crispy by placing them under your broiler for about 4 minutes. However, it's not necessary.
It's really a pretty simple recipe. And one your family will love you for! Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs are perfect for feeding hungry kids on busy weeknights after extracurricular activities.
Serve these up with french fries, potato salad, Instant Pot Lemon Risotto, or just a salad. Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs is such a versatile meal that you'll want to make it a part of your weekly rotation!
Tools Necessary:
Measuring Spoons
Barbecue Basting Brush
Questions People Ask:
You can store these ribs in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
I don't recommend freezing the ribs after you put the barbecue sauce on them, but if you wanted to do it before then, that would be fine.
I like to use a nice thick sauce on my ribs - my favorite jarred sauce is Sweet Baby Ray's, but there are quite a few nice thick sauces that will do the trick!
I like to serve the ribs with Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes or Instant Pot Garlic Herbed carrots. I feel that the garlic flavor goes well with the barbecue sauce.
Looking for more Instant Pot Recipes? How about these?
Instant Pot Apple Pie Rice Pudding
Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder
Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Instant Pot Lemon Blueberry French Toast
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