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The easiest ribs you will ever make, these Instant Pot Pork ribs are on the table in less than 1 hour. Finished on the grill with the most amazing sweet and tangy homemade BBQ sauce, you're going to want to eat a whole rack all by yourself!
Less than 30 minutes of cook time in the Instant Pot, then we toss them on the grill with our delicious sauce to get all gooey and caramelized; they are literally the most perfect ribs ever.
I love how quick and easy this recipe is. An amazing rub, some time in the Instant Pot, a little sauce and a pop on the grill and you're done.
And can you believe that ribs can be cooked to perfection in only 25 minutes? I just can't get enough of this recipe.
Because the Instant Pot is awesome guys. If you don't have one, check out my full review to decide whether it's for you.
Why This Recipe Works
- The rub adds an amazing flavor to the ribs. Leaving the rub on the ribs for longer will give them more flavor.
- Cooking the ribs in the Instant Pot allows them to cook quickly, while still having that slow-cooked taste and texture.
- Grilling or broiling the ribs after they are pressure cooked helps to add a caramelized crust to the outside.
- The liquid smoke adds just a touch of that smoky flavor we love on ribs.
If you like ultra tender, juicy ribs, try these sous vide pork ribs or sous vide beef ribs too - they are incredible!
Step By Step Instructions
First, slip a knife under the membrane on the back of the ribs and tear the membrane off. I can usually get it all in one pull, but sometimes it comes off in pieces. Check out this video on how to remove the rib membrane.
Combine all the rub ingredients in a bowl.
Rub the rub generously all over the ribs and let sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours. If you don't have time for this, you can skip the 4 hour rest time and just put the ribs straight in the Instant Pot. Just note the flavor won't be quite as intense.
Place the ribs in the Instant Pot and add ½ cup apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp. of liquid smoke
. The liquid smoke gives the ribs that slightly "smoky" flavor you would get if you slow cooked them all day. Not quite as intense, but it does the trick.
Set the Instant Pot to cook for 25 minutes on high pressure. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then use the quick release for the remaining pressure.
How to Make BBQ Sauce
You can either buy your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own. I have a love affair with this Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe. It's sweet and savory and just SO DAMN GOOD.
Grill the Ribs
Heat your grill to 500 degrees.
Remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and place them on a large baking sheet. Brush them with the BBQ sauce and place them on the grill for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the sauce starts to bubble and caramelize.
Those little caramelized bits are literally the best part. Remove from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes then cut them into pieces.
You may also want to try these amazingly tender sous vide ribs. It's more of a time commitment, but they come out AHHHHmazing!!
Expert Tips
- Be sure to remove the membrane from the pork ribs before putting the rub on.
- I recommend leaving the rub on the ribs for 4 hours. However, if you're strapped for time, you can cook the ribs as soon as the rub has been applied.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before hitting the quick release - this helps to keep the ribs from getting tough.
- Finishing them on the grill or under the broiler is optional. You can eat them straight out of the Instant Pot if desired.
- I HIGHLY recommend making this Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe - it's so much better than store bought.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do you pressure cook ribs? I find 25 minutes, with a natural release of 10 minutes, to be the perfect amount of time for ultra tender pork ribs.
Make it a Meal
- Serve the ribs with this Mexican Pasta Salad or these Easy Scalloped Potatoes if you want some carbs in your life (who doesn't, really??);
- You can also grill up this Summer Squash or these Jamaican Jerk Eggplant Skewers;
- Or to keep it indoors, try this Parmesan Roasted Asparagus, this Bacon Wrapped Asparagus or these Roasted Winter Vegetables;
- And as always, don't forget dessert. For a light refreshing treat, try these Grilled Fruit Kebabs. Or just go for it and make this super yummy Strawberry Shortcake.
More Favorite Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Korean Ribs;
- Instant Pot Coq Au Vin;
- Instant Pot Vietnamese Pho;
- Instant Pot Ramen;
- Instant Pot Chicken Paprika;
- Browse all the Instant Pot Recipes!!
Don't forget to sign up for the email list (don't worry, it's only one a week and it's packed full with AMAZING recipes!) and get your FREE Instant Pot Cookbook!!
Did you make these Instant Pot BBQ Ribs? Leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out!
Instant Pot St. Louis Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 rack pork back ribs (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- BBQ sauce
Rub
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Chinese five spice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions
- Combine all the rub ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Rub the rub all over the ribs.
- Pressure cook in Instant Pot on high for 30 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes, then release any remaining pressure with the quick release.
- Heat grill to 500F degrees or the broiler on high. Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce.
- Grill ribs for 3-5 minutes per side (or broil), until the sauce has caramelized.
- Remove and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve with extra BBQ sauce.
Expert Tips:
-
- Be sure to remove the membrane from the pork ribs before putting the rub on.
- I recommend leaving the rub on the ribs for 4 hours. However, if you're strapped for time, you can cook the ribs as soon as the rub has been applied.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes before hitting the quick release - this helps to keep the ribs from getting tough.
- Finishing them on the grill or under the broiler is optional. You can eat them straight out of the Instant Pot if desired, but you will miss out on that beautiful caramelization.
- I HIGHLY recommend making this Homemade BBQ Sauce - it's so much better than store bought.
- You can also use this same recipe to make baby back ribs. They cook for the same amount of time.
- You can cook these ribs straight from frozen as well - just add 10 minutes to the pressure cooking time.
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Nutrition
Tammy
These look INCREDIBLE! Goodness, I wish I had an instant pot now! I can only imagine how delicious these are!
Danielle
Thanks so much Tammy!
Jessica (Swanky Recipes)
The hubs and I can't get enough of ribs lately. I baked some a few weeks ago and they were tender and perfect. I'd love to try this recipe because the ip makes the most tender and juicy food!
Danielle
The IP is great for that! Ribs are one of the best things IMO 🙂
Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli
That rub is amazing! Love how easy and fast this recipe is and how it develops incredible flavors and super tender meat!
Danielle
Thanks so much 🙂
Leslie Kiszka
I've been totally neglecting my Instant Pot this summer - this would be the perfect recipe to dust it off and get it going again!
Danielle
It totally would be!
Marisa F. Stewart
Oh, my they look so yummy!! They look like they are seasoned just the way I love them. Ask Hubby what my favorite meat is and he'll say baby back ribs. Yep!! I can't get enough of them. What a great and easy way to prepare them -- in the Instant pot.
Danielle
Thanks so much Marisa! Ribs are definitely a favorite around my house as well.
Karyl
Oh man these look amazing! And the instant pot would definitely make the meat super tender. And that spice mix sounds fabulous too. I have a pressure cooker not an instant pot, but I think it would still work the same. I"m going to have to give it a shot
Danielle
It would totally work the same. Thanks Karyl!
Amanda M Mason
I've never thought to make ribs in the Instant Pot! Loving this idea! And love that you used liquid smoke in this recipe! Can't wait to try this...that rub!! Loving the flavor combination in those ingredients!
Danielle
Thanks so much Amanda! Hope you get to try it!
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen
Ribs are one of my favorite things, but never thought of cooking them in an IP!! Awesome idea! Can't wait to try these!
Danielle
Thanks Carrie! I hope you give them a shot 🙂
Veena Azmanov
Thanks for this amazing and delicious recipe. A must try this weekend.
Danielle
You're welcome Veena 🙂
Elaine Benoit
Lordie, do these look scrumptious! I love ribs and love that you used your IP. I always want to find recipes that use the IP but this takes the cake! I'm going to make these ASAP.
Danielle
Thanks Elaine!
Jacquelyn Hastert
I can't believe how quickly and delicious these come together in the IP. I will have to pull mine out and give them a try.
Danielle
It's so easy Jacqueline!
Veena Azmanov
This is bursting with flavors and I am drooling with the look of it. Amazing glaze and yummy party option too.
Danielle
Thanks Veena!