Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
