When it comes to juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs, many of us picture hours of slow cooking or smoking. But what if I told you that you could have delicious, tender BBQ ribs in less than an hour? With the help of an Instant Pot, you can enjoy all the smoky, finger-licking goodness without spending all day in the kitchen. This recipe is perfect for barbecue lovers who crave both speed and flavor!

Instant Pot BBQ Ribs


Whether you're hosting a weekend cookout or just satisfying a midweek craving, these Instant Pot BBQ ribs will become your go-to recipe. Let's break it down step by step.

Ingredients

To make these BBQ ribs, you’ll need:

  • 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 3–4 lbs total)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional, for a smoky kick)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • For the dry rub:
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • For the BBQ glaze:
    • 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
    • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

  1. Start by removing the silver skin (the thin membrane) on the back of the ribs. Use a knife to gently lift one edge, grip it with a paper towel, and pull it off. This step ensures the best texture.
  2. Mix all the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl.
  3. Rub the dry spice mix generously over the ribs, making sure to cover both sides. For deeper flavor, you can do this ahead of time and refrigerate the ribs for a few hours or overnight.

Step 2: Set Up Your Instant Pot

  1. Pour 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar into the bottom of your Instant Pot. Add the liquid smoke if you're using it for that authentic barbecue flavor.
  2. Place the metal trivet or a steam rack in the pot. Roll the rib racks into a loose spiral so they fit into the pot standing upright on the trivet.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

  1. Close the lid and set the pressure release valve to "sealing."
  2. Select “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual” on some models) and set the timer for 25 minutes on high pressure.
  3. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10–15 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to “venting” to release any remaining steam.

Step 4: Add the BBQ Glaze

  1. Carefully remove the ribs from the Instant Pot (they’ll be very tender, so use tongs or a spatula).
  2. Preheat your oven’s broiler to high or fire up your grill.
  3. Brush a generous coating of your favorite BBQ sauce over both sides of the ribs. For added sweetness and stickiness, mix the BBQ sauce with honey or maple syrup before applying.

Step 5: Broil or Grill

  1. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil if broiling, or directly on your grill if grilling.
  2. Broil or grill for 5–7 minutes, until the sauce caramelizes slightly and starts to bubble. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  3. Remove from the oven or grill and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Ribs

  • Don’t skip the dry rub! It’s the foundation of flavor for your ribs.
  • Adding apple cider vinegar to the cooking liquid helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle tangy kick.
  • For a true BBQ experience, choose a smoky or bold-flavored BBQ sauce.
  • If you prefer extra-crispy edges, broil the ribs for an additional minute or two.

What to Serve with BBQ Ribs

These Instant Pot BBQ ribs pair beautifully with classic barbecue sides. Here are some crowd-pleasing ideas:

  • Creamy coleslaw
  • Baked beans
  • Cornbread or crusty rolls
  • Grilled corn on the cob
  • Homemade potato salad
  • A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad

Final Thoughts

These Instant Pot BBQ ribs are proof that you don’t need a smoker or hours of cooking to achieve ribs that are tender, flavorful, and downright delicious. The pressure cooker does all the heavy lifting, and a few minutes under the broiler (or on the grill) gives you that perfect caramelized finish. Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or just a treat-yourself kind of day, this recipe delivers every single time.

Grab your Instant Pot and roll up your sleeves—it’s time to enjoy some restaurant-quality BBQ at home!

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