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Fall-Off-The-Bone Good: Mastering Instant Pot Ribs

Craving tender, juicy ribs but short on time? The Instant Pot is your secret weapon. Forget spending hours tending to a smoker or oven; with the Instant Pot, you can achieve restaurant-quality Instant Pot Ribs in a fraction of the time. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right ribs to perfecting the cooking process and adding that final touch of flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with the most delectable Instant Pot Ribs they’ve ever tasted.

Why Choose Instant Pot Ribs?

The Instant Pot has revolutionized cooking, and ribs are no exception. Here’s why you should consider making Instant Pot Ribs:

Speed: Traditional ribs can take hours to cook. The Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time to under an hour.
Tenderness: The pressure cooking environment ensures that the ribs become incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone.
Ease of Use: The Instant Pot is simple to operate, even for beginners. Just set it and forget it.
Flavor: The sealed environment intensifies the flavors, resulting in ribs that are bursting with deliciousness.
Less Mess: No need to fire up the grill or heat up the oven; the Instant Pot contains all the mess.

Choosing the Right Ribs for Your Instant Pot

The type of ribs you choose will affect the cooking time and overall result. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

Baby Back Ribs: These are the most tender and lean ribs, cut from the upper portion of the rib cage. They cook relatively quickly in the Instant Pot.
Spare Ribs: Cut from the lower portion of the rib cage, spare ribs are larger and meatier than baby back ribs. They have more fat, which contributes to their flavor.
St. Louis-Style Ribs: These are spare ribs that have been trimmed of the sternum, rib tips, and cartilage, resulting in a more uniform shape. They are a popular choice for barbecue.

For Instant Pot Ribs, baby back ribs are a great starting point due to their quicker cooking time. However, spare ribs and St. Louis-style ribs can also be cooked successfully with a slightly longer cooking time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the essential ingredients for making Instant Pot Ribs:

Ribs: Choose your preferred type of ribs (baby back, spare, or St. Louis-style). About 2-3 pounds.
Dry Rub: This is where you can get creative! A basic dry rub usually includes brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Liquid: You’ll need a liquid to create steam in the Instant Pot. Options include water, apple juice, beer, or broth. About 1 cup.
Barbecue Sauce: Your favorite barbecue sauce for finishing the ribs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Ribs

Follow these simple steps to create mouthwatering Instant Pot Ribs:

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This thin membrane can be tough and chewy, so removing it will improve the texture of your Instant Pot 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.

Step 2: Apply the Dry Rub

Generously coat the ribs with your dry rub. Make sure to cover both sides. Press the rub into the meat to help it adhere. You can do this several hours ahead of time, or even overnight, for a more intense flavor. This dry rub is key to delicious Instant Pot Ribs.

Step 3: Arrange the Ribs in the Instant Pot

Place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in the liquid (water, apple juice, beer, or broth). Cut the rack of ribs in half or thirds, if necessary, to fit inside the Instant Pot. Stand the ribs on their side, wrapping them around the inner pot. This allows for even cooking. Avoid stacking them on top of each other.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Ribs

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the cooking time. For baby back ribs, cook for 23-25 minutes. For spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs, cook for 25-30 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of the ribs.

Step 5: Natural Pressure Release

Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 10-15 minutes. This helps the ribs retain their moisture and tenderness. After 10-15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually. Be cautious of the steam!

Step 6: Glaze and Broil (Optional)

Carefully remove the ribs from the Instant Pot. Brush them generously with your favorite barbecue sauce. You can either broil them in the oven for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce or grill them over medium heat. Watch them closely to prevent burning.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Ribs

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Make sure the ribs aren’t packed too tightly in the Instant Pot. This will ensure even cooking.
Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the ribs and your Instant Pot model. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 190-203°F for fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
Experiment with Flavors: Try different dry rubs and barbecue sauces to create your own signature Instant Pot Ribs.
Save the Cooking Liquid: Don’t discard the liquid left in the Instant Pot after cooking. It’s packed with flavor and can be used to make a delicious sauce or gravy.
Rest the Ribs: After cooking, let the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting into them. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more flavorful and tender ribs.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot Ribs are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

Coleslaw
Corn on the Cob
Baked Beans
Potato Salad
Mac and Cheese

Troubleshooting

Ribs are Tough: If your ribs are tough, it means they haven’t been cooked long enough. Next time, increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Make sure the ribs are not touching the bottom of the pot, which can cause uneven cooking.

Ribs are Too Mushy: If your ribs are too mushy, it means they have been overcooked. Reduce the cooking time next time. Also, make sure you are using the natural pressure release method, which helps prevent the ribs from becoming too soft.

Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic Instant Pot Ribs recipe, you can experiment with different variations:

Honey Garlic Ribs: Add honey and minced garlic to your dry rub for a sweet and savory flavor.
Spicy Ribs: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to your dry rub for a spicy kick.
Asian-Inspired Ribs: Use a dry rub with Asian-inspired flavors, such as soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil.

Conclusion

Making Instant Pot Ribs is a game-changer for anyone who loves tender, flavorful ribs but doesn’t have hours to spend cooking. With this guide, you’ll be able to create restaurant-quality ribs in the comfort of your own home, in a fraction of the time. So, fire up your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy the most delicious Instant Pot Ribs you’ve ever tasted! The ease and speed of the Instant Pot make it the perfect tool for creating tender and flavorful ribs any night of the week. Enjoy!

[See also: Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe]

[See also: Best BBQ Sauces for Ribs]

[See also: How to Smoke Ribs Perfectly]