Instant Pot Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 rack baby back ribs
about 1 ½- 2 pounds
- 1 cup broth
or water
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
optional
- 4 cloves garlic
sliced
- 1 onion
sliced
- 6 tablespoons dry rub
- barbecue sauce
optional
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons oregano
Directions
- 1
Rinse and pat dry the rack of ribs. Use a knife to lift the edge of the thin membrane from the back of the ribs and remove it.
- 2
Cut the slab into 2-3 pieces that are small enough to fit into the Instant Pot. Coat each piece generously with the dry rub mixture, and massage it into the meat.
- 3
Add a trivet or rack to the bottom of your Instant Pot and pour in broth or water, along with liquid smoke if using.
- 4
Stand the ribs upright on the trivet, so they are not stacked on top of one another. Sprinkle sliced onion and garlic over the ribs.
- 5
Close the Instant Pot lid and select manual high pressure. Set the timer for 22 minutes (25 minutes for extra meaty or side ribs).
- 6
Once the timer goes off, allow the Instant Pot to natural-release for 5 minutes. Open the valve to release any remaining pressure.
- 7
Turn the broiler on to high heat or the grill on to medium high heat.
Instant Pot Ribs
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 161 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Dreaming of incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs without hours in the smoker? These Instant Pot Ribs are your answer, delivering succulent results that taste like they took all day, but are surprisingly quick and easy to prepare.
What makes these ribs truly special is the magic of the Instant Pot. It transforms a rack of baby back ribs into perfectly cooked, juicy deliciousness in a fraction of the traditional time. The high-pressure environment tenderizes the meat deeply, ensuring every bite is meltingly soft, just like your favorite barbecue joint.
When you dive into these Instant Pot Ribs, expect an experience of pure comfort. The rich, savory flavor from the robust dry rub—packed with paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and a hint of lemon pepper—infuses deeply into the meat. The optional liquid smoke adds a wonderful layer of authentic smoky aroma, complementing the natural sweetness of the onion and the pungent garlic. The texture is incredibly tender, yielding easily from the bone, making for a truly satisfying meal that’s messy in the best possible way.
This recipe offers great flexibility to suit your pantry and palate. You can easily adjust the dry rub to your preference; feel free to add a pinch of cayenne for heat or swap the oregano for thyme. While liquid smoke enhances the smoky flavor, it's completely optional and can be omitted. For a different finish, brush with your favorite barbecue sauce after cooking, or serve them dry for a purist's delight.
These tender ribs are perfect for a family dinner on a weeknight or for impressing guests at your next backyard gathering. They pair wonderfully with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a potato salad, making for a complete and utterly satisfying feast.