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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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).
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/instant-pot-baby-back-ribs-recipe/