Des

Hey! I'm Des!

Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

Read more »

Instant Pot BBQ Ribs

Saucy, smoky and oh so tender, these Instant Pot BBQ Ribs are a family favorite. The quickest, easiest and tastiest ribs you’ll ever make!

If you’ve ever wanted to make tender, fall of the bone BBQ ribs but don’t have the time (or patience) to make them in the smoker, these Instant Pot BBQ Ribs are exactly what you need. 

Pouring BBQ sauce on ribs on a white plate.

First things first, let’s talk about some of the basics. 

What ingredients do you need to make Instant Pot BBQ Ribs?

RIBS: For this recipe, I prefer to use Baby Back Ribs. I prefer them because they are more tender and leaner than their spare ribs counter part. If you want to learn more about the differences between ribs check out this article from Eater.  

BACON: Traditional BBQ ribs get their smokiness from the wood in the smoker. To get that flavor, some Instant Pot Rib recipes use liquid smoke. I, however, think that liquid smoke gets concentrated more in the Instant Pot and tends to overpower the taste. Instead, I use bacon to give the smoky flavor to these ribs. 

DRY RUB: Every good rib recipe starts with an excellent dry rub. This recipe is no different. The dry rub is made with 9 different spices that you probably have in your pantry. This includes paprika, chili powder, mustard powder, garlic, onion,  black pepper, salt, cayenne for heat and a little brown sugar for sweetness. 

BBQ SAUCE: My absolute favorite is Stubb’s Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce but you can use your favorite!

How do you make ribs in the pressure cooker? 

Step 1: You’re going to want to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. I was always intimidated when I read that part of recipes, but it is actually really easy. I use a knife to gently separate the membrane and then use my fingers to pull it all the way down the ribs. 

Step 2: Make the dry rub by mixing all of the ingredients together. 

Step 3: Rub the mixture on the ribs. Make sure to coat both sides. 

Step 4: Turn on the sauté feature. Cook bacon in the pressure cooker until the bacon starts to brown and the fat starts to render. 

Step 5: Place ribs on top of trivet in Instant Pot. Wrapping them around in the circle.

Step 6: Pour water into the Instant Pot. 

Step 7: Cover, seal and cook 23 minutes. Do a natural 5 minute release. Then release the remaining pressure. 

Step 8: Brush with BBQ sauce and broil for  5 – 6 minutes. Serve with the remaining BBQ sauce. 

DES’ TIP: As with any Instant Pot Recipe, when doing your planning, keep in mind that the Instant Pot will take several minutes to come up to pressure before it seals. Once it seals the timer will start. 

These Instant Pot BBQ Ribs have become a family favorite around here, and just one bite of the tender ribs will have your family loving them too! 

If you’re looking for easy side dishes to serve along side these ribs, check out some of our family favorites: 

Garlic Rice Recipe

JoJo Potatoes

Sautéed Broccoli 

Roasted Red Potatoes 

Looking for more ways to use your Instant Pot? You’ve got to try these!

Chicken Adobo Instant Pot 

Pressure Cooker Chili 

Kalua Pork Instant Pot

Pressure Cooker Potatoes

Saucy, smoky and oh so tender, these Instant Pot BBQ Ribs are a family favorite. The quickest, easiest and tastiest ribs you’ll ever make!

Instant Pot BBQ Ribs

Saucy, smoky and oh so tender, these Instant Pot BBQ Ribs are a family favorite. The quickest, easiest and tastiest ribs you'll ever make!
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Southern
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 579 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 pounds pork baby back ribs
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 3 slices thick cut bacon
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce divided

Instructions
 

  • Remove the membrane from the back side of the ribs. Use a knife to loosen and then pull the membrane down the back of the ribs with your fingers.
  • Combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, granulated garlic, chili powder, onion powder, mustard powder, black pepper and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Whisk together.
  • Rub the seasoning mixture over both sides of the ribs.
  • With the sauté feature on, cook bacon just until it starts to brown and the fat starts to render.
  • Turn the instant pot to warm setting. Place the trivet in the pot. Place the ribs inside the pot on top of the trivet wrapping around in a circle. Pour water into pot.
  • Press "manual" setting, cover and seal the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 23 minutes. Do a 5 minute natural release and then release the remaining pressure.
  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Brush 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce over the top of the ribs. Place under the broiler for 5- 6 minutes or until the sauce starts to caramelize.
  • Drizzle with remaining sauce, slice and serve.

Notes

Nutrition facts for estimation purposes only.

Nutrition

Calories: 579kcalCarbohydrates: 21.4gProtein: 28gFat: 40.5gSaturated Fat: 14.7gCholesterol: 131mgSodium: 1654mgFiber: 0.9gSugar: 16.6g
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: bbq, instant pot, ribs

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Toni
    February 27, 2020 at 1:03 pm

    5 stars
    This was really a huge hit with my family! They can’t wait for me to make it again!

  • Reply
    Catalina
    February 27, 2020 at 12:33 pm

    5 stars
    I am drooling over these ribs! I will definitely make your recipe this weekend!

  • Reply
    Cathy
    February 27, 2020 at 8:36 am

    5 stars
    I can’t believe how easy these are! And that rub = perfection!!

  • Reply
    katerina @ diethood.com
    February 27, 2020 at 7:26 am

    5 stars
    These ribs look incredibly delicious!! I love that I can make them in my instant pot!

  • Reply
    Dorothy Reinhold
    February 26, 2020 at 5:40 pm

    5 stars
    The Instant Pot has been a dinner game-changer at my house. Ribs made this quickly make me a happy lady!

  • Reply
    Carrie Robinson
    February 26, 2020 at 3:37 pm

    5 stars
    Such a genius idea to make ribs in the instant pot! :)

    • Reply
      Deseree
      February 26, 2020 at 5:30 pm

      Thank you! They are SO good!

    Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

    Sharing is Caring

    Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!