Name: Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs: The Juiciest Ribs in Half the Time
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Baby back ribs – 2 racks (about 2 to 3 pounds); Olive oil – 1 tablespoon; Onion powder – 1 teaspoon; Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon; Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon; Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons; BBQ sauce – 1/2 cup (or more for glazing); Apple cider vinegar – 1/4 cup; Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste); Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)

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If you’ve been dreaming of tender, juicy baby back ribs but dread the hours spent waiting for them to cook, the Instant Pot is here to save the day! These ribs come out fall-off-the-bone tender, with the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors in a fraction of the time. Let’s dive into making these ribs your new go-to meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, these ribs go from raw to fall-off-the-bone in just under an hour.
Tender and Juicy: The pressure cooking method locks in moisture, making every bite irresistibly tender.
Flavor-packed: A perfect blend of spices, BBQ sauce, and a quick broil to finish them off gives you that authentic ribs taste.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these ribs. Find the full list below:

Baby back ribs
Olive oil
Onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika
Brown sugar
BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
Apple cider vinegar (for added flavor and tenderness)
Salt and pepper

Directions

Prep the Ribs

First, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs—this helps them cook more evenly. Rub the ribs with olive oil, then generously coat them with a dry rub made of onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.

Set Up the Instant Pot

Pour apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet in the pot and lay the ribs on top. If your ribs don’t fit flat, you can cut them into halves or thirds to fit.

Pressure Cook the Ribs

Seal the Instant Pot, set it to high pressure, and cook for 25 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing the rest.

Glaze the Ribs

Preheat your broiler. Transfer the cooked ribs to a baking sheet, brush them with a generous amount of BBQ sauce, and place them under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce caramelizes and gets a nice, sticky finish.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the ribs between the bones and serve hot. You’ll be amazed at how tender and flavorful they are!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use a rib rack: If you have a rib rack, use it in the Instant Pot for even better results.
Let the ribs rest: After broiling, let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside.
Broil on high: Keep an eye on them under the broiler to prevent the BBQ sauce from burning.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Different sauce: You can use any kind of BBQ sauce, whether sweet, tangy, or spicy, or even try a mustard-based sauce.
Add some heat: Spice things up by adding cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the rub.
Dry rub variation: Experiment with your favorite spices—cumin, chili powder, or a pinch of cinnamon for a unique flavor profile.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with coleslaw: Creamy, tangy coleslaw makes the perfect pairing with these rich and savory ribs.
Add cornbread: A slice of cornbread would balance out the meal with a little sweetness.
Pair with grilled vegetables: Grilled asparagus, zucchini, or corn on the cob complement the smoky flavor of the ribs beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze ribs for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or place them under the broiler for a few minutes to warm them and caramelize the sauce again.

FAQs

Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs? Yes, you can! Just increase the cooking time by 5 minutes as spare ribs are usually thicker.

Do I need to marinate the ribs before cooking? No, the dry rub will provide plenty of flavor without needing an overnight marinade.

Can I cook ribs with no BBQ sauce? Absolutely! If you prefer them without sauce, just cook them with the rub and enjoy the smoky flavor as-is.

Can I cook these ribs ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the ribs and store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat them in the oven or under the broiler for the best results.

Conclusion

These Instant Pot baby back ribs are truly a game changer—so tender, juicy, and flavorful. The pressure cooking method gets you perfectly cooked ribs in record time, and the broiler gives them that caramelized BBQ sauce finish we all love. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving a comforting meal, these ribs are the way to go. Enjoy!

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs: The Juiciest Ribs in Half the Time

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These Instant Pot baby back ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, with a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors, all in just under an hour. A quick and easy method for juicy ribs with an irresistible BBQ glaze.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes (25 minutes pressure cooking + 10 minutes natural release)
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Pressure Cooking, Broiling
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Prep the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Rub with olive oil and coat with a dry rub of onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
Set Up the Instant Pot: Pour apple cider vinegar into the Instant Pot, place the trivet in the pot, and lay the ribs on top (cut them if needed to fit).
Pressure Cook the Ribs: Seal the Instant Pot, set to high pressure, and cook for 25 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release the rest.
Glaze the Ribs: Preheat your broiler. Transfer the ribs to a baking sheet, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 3-5 minutes until the sauce caramelizes.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice between the bones and serve hot.