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Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone Perfection in Minutes

Craving tender, juicy baby back ribs but short on time? Look no further than your Instant Pot! This method delivers fall-off-the-bone perfection in a fraction of the time compared to traditional smoking or baking. Learn how to make delicious instant pot baby back ribs that will impress your family and friends.

Why Use an Instant Pot for Baby Back Ribs?

The Instant Pot, a versatile electric pressure cooker, is a game-changer for cooking ribs. Here’s why:

Speed: Cuts cooking time dramatically. You can have perfectly cooked ribs in under an hour.
Tenderness: The pressure cooking process tenderizes the meat, resulting in incredibly juicy and fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Convenience: It’s a hands-off cooking method. Set it and forget it until the timer goes off.
Flavor: Locks in moisture and flavor, creating incredibly delicious ribs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baby Back Ribs: 2-3 pounds, membrane removed. Removing the membrane is crucial for tenderness.
Dry Rub: A blend of spices to season the ribs. (See our recommended recipe below.)
Liquid: 1 cup of liquid (water, apple juice, beer, or broth). This creates the steam needed for pressure cooking.
Barbecue Sauce: Your favorite barbecue sauce for finishing.

Essential Equipment

Instant Pot: A 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot will work.
Trivet: To elevate the ribs above the liquid.
Aluminum Foil (Optional): For wrapping the ribs during broiling.
Basting Brush: For applying the barbecue sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Preparation is Key

First, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This thin, silvery membrane can be tough and chewy, so removing it will ensure the most tender ribs. To remove it, slide a butter knife under the membrane at one end of the rack. Use a paper towel to grip the membrane and pull it off in one piece. If it tears, use the knife to lift up another section and continue pulling.

Applying the Dry Rub

Next, generously apply your favorite dry rub to both sides of the ribs. Make sure to coat them evenly. You can use a store-bought rub or make your own. A simple dry rub can consist of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the ribs sit with the rub for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator, for the flavors to meld.

Pressure Cooking the Ribs

Pour the liquid (water, apple juice, beer, or broth) into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside the pot. Arrange the ribs on the trivet, either in a coil or cut into smaller sections to fit. Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 23-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the ribs. For truly fall-off-the-bone ribs, aim for the higher end of the range.

Releasing the Pressure

Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes. This allows the ribs to continue to tenderize. After the natural pressure release, carefully release any remaining pressure manually. Open the Instant Pot and carefully remove the ribs. They will be very tender at this point, so handle them gently to prevent them from falling apart.

Finishing Under the Broiler (or Grill)

Preheat your broiler. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush them generously with your favorite barbecue sauce. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Watch them closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can finish the ribs on a grill over medium heat, basting with barbecue sauce as they cook. This will add a smoky flavor.

Dry Rub Recipe for Baby Back Ribs

Here’s a simple and delicious dry rub recipe you can make at home:

1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Make sure the ribs are arranged in a single layer on the trivet to ensure even cooking. If necessary, cut the ribs into smaller sections.
Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your Instant Pot and the thickness of the ribs. Start with 23 minutes and increase as needed.
Natural Pressure Release is Key: Allowing for a natural pressure release results in more tender ribs.
Don’t Skip the Broiler: The broiler (or grill) is essential for caramelizing the barbecue sauce and adding flavor.
Experiment with Flavors: Try different dry rubs and barbecue sauces to find your favorite flavor combination.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot baby back ribs are delicious served with classic barbecue sides such as:

Coleslaw
Corn on the cob
Baked beans
Potato salad
Mac and cheese

They also pair well with a simple green salad or grilled vegetables. These instant pot baby back ribs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Troubleshooting

Ribs are Tough: If your ribs are not as tender as you’d like, try cooking them for a few more minutes under pressure. Make sure you allowed for a natural pressure release. Another key factor is removing the membrane.

Ribs are Too Dry: Ensure there is enough liquid in the Instant Pot. Also, avoid overcooking the ribs. The natural pressure release helps retain moisture.

Barbecue Sauce is Burning: Watch the ribs closely while broiling to prevent the sauce from burning. You can also lower the broiler rack or tent the ribs with foil.

Variations and Additions

Feel free to customize your instant pot baby back ribs with different flavors and ingredients:

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dry rub for a spicy kick.
Sweet and Savory: Use a barbecue sauce with a touch of sweetness, such as honey or maple syrup.
Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the liquid in the Instant Pot for a smoky flavor.
Asian-Inspired: Use a teriyaki or hoisin-based barbecue sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.

Health Considerations

While instant pot baby back ribs are a delicious treat, it’s important to consider the nutritional content. Ribs are high in fat and calories, so enjoy them in moderation. Choose leaner cuts of ribs when possible, and trim off excess fat. Opt for lower-sugar barbecue sauces to reduce the overall sugar content of the dish.

Conclusion

Making instant pot baby back ribs is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy delicious, tender ribs in a fraction of the time. With just a few ingredients and your Instant Pot, you can create restaurant-quality ribs that will impress your family and friends. Experiment with different dry rubs and barbecue sauces to find your favorite flavor combination. So, fire up your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy the best instant pot baby back ribs you’ve ever had! These instant pot baby back ribs are sure to become a family favorite. The ease and speed of the Instant Pot make this a perfect weeknight meal. Enjoy!

[See also: Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Weeknight Dinners]

[See also: Best BBQ Sauces for Ribs]

[See also: How to Smoke Ribs on a Pellet Grill]