I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Instant Pot barbecue ribs recipe. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort.
The Instant Pot does all the hard work for you, cooking the ribs to perfection in under an hour. And let’s not forget the flavors – the combination of sweet and tangy BBQ sauce is absolutely divine.
I love serving these ribs at family gatherings, potlucks, or even just a regular Tuesday night dinner. My kids adore them, and I know yours will too.
Plus, as an added bonus, this recipe is relatively healthy compared to traditional BBQ recipes. The key is using a sugar-free BBQ sauce and relying on the natural sweetness of the onions and garlic to add depth of flavor.
I could go on and on about how much I love this recipe, but trust me when I say it’s a game-changer for any occasion.
Instant Pot Barbecue Ribs
4.8 from 1913 votes
Tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs cooked quickly in an Instant Pot, then finished under the broiler with a sticky barbecue glaze. This recipe delivers deep smoky flavor without hours of slow cooking.
1Remove the thin membrane from the back of each rib rack by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off with a paper towel.
2Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
3In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
4Rub this spice mixture all over both sides of the ribs.
5Pour 1 cup water and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar into the Instant Pot.
6Place a trivet or steamer basket inside.
7Cut each rib rack in half to fit, then stand the ribs upright on the trivet, leaning them against the pot walls.
8Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes.
9When done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining steam.
10While the ribs cook, prepare the barbecue sauce.
11In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
12Stir and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
13Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
14Preheat the broiler to high.
15Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
16Transfer the cooked ribs to the rack, meaty side up.
17Brush generously with the barbecue sauce on all sides.
18Broil the ribs for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes.
19Remove from the oven, brush with additional sauce if desired, and let rest for 5 minutes.
20Cut between the bones to separate into individual ribs and serve hot.
For extra smoky flavor, add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke to the water in the Instant Pot. You can also use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce to save time. Leftover ribs reheat well in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Watch Video Of How Instant Pot Barbecue Ribs Works
Storing leftover ribs is easy. Let them cool completely then wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To reheat I recommend using the oven or air fryer to keep the meat from drying out. Just wrap them in foil and heat at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. For serving I like to cut the ribs into individual pieces and arrange them on a platter with extra sauce on the side.
These ribs are perfect for game day parties, summer cookouts, or a cozy family dinner. They always disappear fast and everyone asks for the recipe. I promise you will make them again and again.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Barbecue Ribs
Q: What type of ribs should I use for this recipe?
A: You can use either pork or beef ribs for this recipe, but pork ribs are more traditional and will yield better results. If you’re looking for a leaner option, beef ribs are a great choice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?
A: While you can make this recipe in a slow cooker, it will take significantly longer to cook the ribs to tender perfection. If you do decide to use a slow cooker, I recommend cooking the ribs on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Q: What if I don’t have an Instant Pot or slow cooker?
A: You can still make this recipe on your stovetop or in your oven! Simply brown the ribs in a skillet over medium-high heat before transferring them to a baking sheet lined with foil and baking at 275°F (135°C) for 2-3 hours or until tender.
Q: How do I store leftover ribs?
A: You can store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating, simply cook them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the BBQ sauce and cook the ribs up to a day ahead of time. Simply refrigerate or freeze the cooked ribs until ready to serve.
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