Introduction

These Instant Pot ribs are tender, flavorful, and ready in a fraction of the time it usually takes to slow-cook ribs. With a savory dry rub and a quick pressure-cooking method, you’ll get fall-off-the-bone results every time. Finish them under the broiler or on the grill for a deliciously charred crust.

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 rack baby back ribs (about 1 ½ to 2 pounds)
1 cup chicken broth (or water)
½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
4 cloves garlic (sliced)
1 onion (sliced)
6 tablespoons dry rub (see below)
Barbecue sauce (optional)

Dry Rub:

2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano

Instructions

Step 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 carefully remove it.
Step 2: Cut the slab into 2-3 pieces that will fit into your Instant Pot. Generously coat each piece with the dry rub and massage it into the meat.
Step 3: Place a trivet or rack at the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth or water and add liquid smoke if using.
Step 4: Stand the ribs upright on the trivet, avoiding stacking them. Scatter the sliced onion and garlic over and around the ribs.
Step 5: Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and choose manual high pressure. Cook for 22 minutes (25 minutes for extra meaty ribs).
Step 6: When cooking finishes, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully open the valve to release any remaining pressure.
Step 7: (Optional) Preheat your broiler to high or grill to medium-high heat.
Step 8: Brush ribs with barbecue sauce or olive oil with salt and pepper for a dry finish.
Step 9: For broiling, line a baking pan with foil and place ribs 4 to 6 inches from the heat. For grilling, place ribs directly on the grill grates.
Step 10: Cook ribs 3 to 5 minutes until slightly charred and caramelized. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, don’t skip the liquid smoke but add sparingly to avoid overpowering the ribs.
If you prefer saucier ribs, brush multiple layers of your favorite barbecue sauce during broiling or grilling.
Feel free to swap lemon pepper seasoning with cayenne or chili powder for a spicier kick.
Use pork or beef broth instead of chicken for a richer taste.

Storage

Store cooked ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave briefly. Avoid reheating on high heat to keep the ribs tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook ribs in the Instant Pot without a trivet?

It’s best to use a trivet or rack to keep the ribs elevated above the liquid, which helps steam them evenly and prevents sogginess.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The ribs should be tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork but not so soft that they fall completely apart. Pressure cooking for 22-25 minutes usually achieves this perfect texture.

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 120 reviews

This Instant Pot Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful baby back ribs cooked quickly under high pressure and finished with a delicious dry rub and optional barbecue sauce. Using the Instant Pot eliminates long cooking times, producing juicy ribs perfect for a weekday meal or a weekend barbecue.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Ribs and Cooking Liquid

1 rack baby back ribs (about 1 ½ to 2 pounds)
1 cup chicken broth (or water)
½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
4 cloves garlic (sliced)
1 onion (sliced)
Barbecue sauce (optional)

Dry Rub

6 tablespoons dry rub (see below)

Dry Rub Ingredients

2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano

Instructions

Prepare the ribs: Rinse and pat dry the rack of ribs. Use a knife to lift and remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for better texture and flavor absorption.
Cut and season the ribs: Cut the slab into 2-3 pieces small enough to fit into the Instant Pot. Generously coat each piece with the dry rub mixture and massage it evenly into the meat.
Set up Instant Pot: Place a trivet or rack at the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth or water, and add ½ teaspoon liquid smoke if using for an added smoky flavor.
Arrange ribs and aromatics: Stand the ribs upright on the trivet so they don’t overlap. Sprinkle the sliced onion and garlic over and around the ribs.
Pressure cook: Close the Instant Pot lid securely. Select manual high pressure and set the timer for 22 minutes (use 25 minutes for extra meaty or side ribs).
Natural release: When cooking time ends, allow the Instant Pot to natural release pressure for 5 minutes. Then carefully open the valve to release any remaining pressure and remove the lid.
Optional broil or grill finish: For a caramelized finish, preheat the broiler to high or the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce or olive oil seasoned with salt and pepper for dry ribs.
Broil or grill ribs: If broiling, line a baking pan with foil and place ribs 4-6 inches from the broiler element. If grilling, place ribs directly on the grill. Cook 3 to 5 minutes until slightly charred and caramelized.

Notes

Removing the membrane from the ribs improves tenderness and texture.
Cutting the rib rack allows them to fit better in the Instant Pot and cook evenly.
Liquid smoke is optional but adds a smoky flavor typically missed when pressure cooking indoors.
The natural release phase helps keep ribs juicy and tender.
Broiling or grilling at the end adds a desirable caramelized crust.
You can customize the dry rub with additional spices or omit sugar for a less sweet rub.
Use chicken broth or water as the cooking liquid; broth adds more flavor.

Keywords: Instant Pot ribs, baby back ribs, pressure cooker ribs, dry rub ribs, quick ribs, barbecue ribs