Instant Pot Pork Ribs

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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!

This recipe was originally published in June 2018. It has been updated to improve the recipe and add additional content. 

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

1. The rub adds an amazing flavor to the ribs. Leaving the rub on the ribs for longer will give them more flavor. 
2. Cooking the ribs in the Instant Pot allows them to cook quickly, while still having that slow-cooked taste and texture. 
3. Grilling or broiling the ribs after they are pressure cooked helps to add a caramelized crust to the outside.
4. The liquid smoke adds just a touch of that smoky flavor we love on ribs. 

How to Make Instant Pot Pork Ribs

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 1/2 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.

Finish the Instant Pot Pork 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 Instant Pot Beef Ribs from The Mama Needs Cake if you prefer to go the beef route (we’re team pork over here!). 

Expert Tips

1. Be sure to remove the membrane from the pork ribs before putting the rub on.
2. 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.
3. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before hitting the quick release – this helps to keep the ribs from getting tough. 
4. Finishing them on the grill or under the broiler is optional. You can eat them straight out of the Instant Pot if desired. 
5. I HIGHLY recommend making this Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe – it’s so much better than store bought. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 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 Pork Ribs

Pork ribs cooked in the Instant Pot and finished on the grill with the most amazing sweet and tangy homemade BBQ sauce

5 from 29 votes

Print Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Marinade (with rub): 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 172kcal

Author: Danielle Wolter

Ingredients

• 1 rack pork back ribs (about 3-4 lbs.)
• 1 tsp. liquid smoke
• BBQ sauce

Rub

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tbsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. Chinese five spice
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. 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 25 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure with the quick release.
• Heat grill to 500 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:

1. Be sure to remove the membrane from the pork ribs before putting the rub on.
2. 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.
3. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before hitting the quick release - this helps to keep the ribs from getting tough. 
4. Finishing them on the grill or under the broiler is optional. You can eat them straight out of the Instant Pot if desired. 
5. I HIGHLY recommend making this Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe - it's so much better than store bought. 

Nutrition

Serving: 2ribs | Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 204mg | Vitamin A: 130IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 2.1mg

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