Introduction

Instant Pot ribs are a game-changer for busy cooks who crave tender, flavorful ribs without the long wait. Using pressure cooking, these ribs turn out juicy and perfectly cooked in a fraction of the time. You can finish them off with a broil or grill for a delicious charred crust.

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 rack baby back ribs (about 1 ½ to 2 pounds)
1 cup chicken broth (or water)
½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
4 cloves garlic (sliced)
1 onion (sliced)
6 tablespoons dry rub (see below)
Barbecue sauce (optional)

Dry rub:

2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse and pat dry the rack of ribs. Use a knife to lift the edge of the thin membrane from the back of the ribs and remove it completely for more tender meat.
Step 2: Cut the rack into 2–3 pieces small enough to fit into your Instant Pot. Coat each piece generously with the dry rub mixture and massage it into the meat.
Step 3: Place a trivet or rack at the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth or water along with the liquid smoke if using.
Step 4: Stand the ribs upright on the trivet so they don’t stack on top of each other. Sprinkle the sliced onion and garlic over the ribs.
Step 5: Close the Instant Pot lid and select manual high pressure. Set the timer for 22 minutes (25 minutes if the ribs are extra meaty or side ribs).
Step 6: When the timer goes off, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. Then open the valve to release any remaining pressure.
Step 7: (Optional) To finish, turn on the broiler to high or heat your grill to medium-high.
Step 8: Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce or, for dry ribs, olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Step 9: If broiling, line a baking pan with foil and place the ribs 4 to 6 inches from the heat. If grilling, place directly on the grill.
Step 10: Cook until slightly charred, about 3 to 5 minutes, then remove and serve.

Tips & Variations

Removing the membrane from the ribs makes them more tender and lets the rub penetrate better.
Use liquid smoke sparingly to add a smoky flavor without a smoker.
Try finishing the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce or keep them dry rubbed for a different twist.
Adjust pressure cooking time based on rib size and thickness to avoid overcooking.

Storage

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ribs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis style ribs. Just increase the cooking time to about 25 minutes in the Instant Pot to ensure they become tender.

Is it necessary to broil or grill the ribs after pressure cooking?

No, it is optional. Broiling or grilling adds a delicious char and caramelization, but the ribs are fully cooked and tender right out of the Instant Pot if you prefer to skip this step.

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 60 reviews

These Instant Pot ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor thanks to a homemade dry rub and pressure cooking. The ribs are cooked quickly in the Instant Pot, then optionally finished under the broiler or on the grill for a delicious caramelized crust. This recipe is perfect for a flavorful, fall-off-the-bone rib dinner made easy and fast.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes (plus 5 minutes natural release)
Total Time: 42 minutes (including prep, cook, release, and optional broiling)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Ribs and Broth:

1 rack baby back ribs (about 1 ½ to 2 pounds)
1 cup chicken broth (or water)
½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
4 cloves garlic (sliced)
1 onion (sliced)

Dry Rub:

6 tablespoons dry rub (see below)
2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano

For Finishing (Optional):

Barbecue sauce (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the ribs: Rinse and pat dry the rack of ribs. Use a knife to lift the edge of the thin membrane on the back of the ribs and carefully remove it. This ensures tender ribs.
Cut and season: Cut the slab into 2-3 pieces small enough to fit in your Instant Pot. Generously coat each piece with the dry rub mixture, massaging it well into the meat for maximum flavor penetration.
Set up Instant Pot: Place a trivet or rack inside the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) along with the optional liquid smoke to infuse smoky flavor.
Position ribs and aromatics: Stand the ribs upright on the trivet so they aren’t stacked. Scatter sliced onion and garlic over and around the ribs to add aromatic notes during cooking.
Pressure cook: Close the Instant Pot lid securely. Select the manual high-pressure setting and set the timer for 22 minutes (use 25 minutes if ribs are extra meaty or side ribs).
Natural release: When cooking completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. Then carefully open the valve to release any remaining pressure and remove the lid.
Finish under broiler or grill (optional): To add a flavorful crust, preheat your oven broiler on high or your grill on medium-high heat. Brush ribs with barbecue sauce or oil and seasoning if you prefer dry ribs.
Broil or grill ribs: For broiling, place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet about 4 to 6 inches from the broiler. For grilling, place ribs directly on the grill grates. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until ribs develop a nice char and caramelization.
Serve: Remove ribs from heat and let them rest slightly before serving. Enjoy the tender, flavorful ribs with your favorite sides.

Notes

Removing the membrane from the ribs helps them cook more evenly and makes them more tender.
Liquid smoke is optional but adds a smoky flavor that replicates grilling.
You can use water if you don’t have chicken broth, but broth adds more depth of flavor.
The broiling or grilling step is optional but highly recommended for texture and extra flavor.
Adjust the pressure cooking time based on rib size and meatiness to achieve desired tenderness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Instant Pot ribs, pressure cooker ribs, baby back ribs, easy rib recipe, barbecue ribs, quick ribs, tender ribs, homemade dry rub