Juicy Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe: Fall-Off-The-Bone Good

Tender and juicy baby back ribs become a breeze with this Instant Pot marvel that simplifies weekend cooking.

Meat lovers understand the magic of pressure-cooked proteins that fall right off the bone.

Nobody wants complicated meal preparation when hungry stomachs are waiting.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions that pack maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Perfectly seasoned ribs emerge from the Instant Pot looking like restaurant-quality centerpieces.

Succulent and delectable, these ribs will have everyone around the table asking for seconds.

Let’s unlock the secret to mouth-watering ribs that practically cook themselves.

What Makes These Instant Pot Ribs a Must-Try Dinner

• Speedy Meal Magic: Whip up mouthwatering baby back ribs in under an hour with minimal effort using your Instant Pot.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: The spice rub creates a bold, complex taste that transforms ordinary ribs into a gourmet experience with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for weekend gatherings or casual dinners, these ribs are guaranteed to please both kids and adults with their tender meat and irresistible caramelized exterior.
• Foolproof Cooking Technique: Even novice cooks can achieve professional-level results thanks to the Instant Pot's precise pressure cooking method that ensures consistently juicy and perfectly cooked ribs every single time.

Baby Back Ribs (Instant Pot) Ingredients

• Baby Back Ribs: Tender and flavorful centerpiece of the dish, choose fresh, high-quality ribs with good marbling.

• Brown Sugar, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Balanced seasoning mix that creates a complex flavor profile, adjust spice level to preference.

• Chicken Broth, Apple Cider Vinegar, Apple Juice: Provides moisture and helps tenderize meat, adds subtle flavor depth to the ribs.

• Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and tangy coating that caramelizes and creates a glossy finish, choose a sauce with robust flavor that complements the spice rub.

Ribs Instant Pot Cooking Method

Step 1: Unwrap And Clean Ribs

Remove the papery membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife underneath and peeling it off using a paper towel for better grip.

This helps the seasoning penetrate deeply and creates more tender meat.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Massage the spice blend thoroughly onto both sides of the ribs, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Step 3: Prepare Instant Pot Liquid Base

• Chicken broth
• Apple cider vinegar

Place the metal trivet inside the pot to elevate the ribs from direct liquid contact.

Step 4: Cook With Precision

Carefully arrange the seasoned ribs vertically around the trivet inside the Instant Pot.

Secure the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 25 minutes.

Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Caramelize With Barbecue Glaze

Switch oven to broiler setting on high temperature.

Transfer ribs to a baking sheet and generously coat with barbecue sauce.

Broil for 5 minutes until edges become beautifully charred and glossy.

Step 6: Slice And Serve Deliciously

Let ribs rest briefly to retain juices.

Slice between bones and serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side.

Pressure Cooker Tips For Baby Back Ribs

• Removing the thin membrane ensures tender, easy-to-eat ribs that won't be chewy or tough when cooked.
• Create a custom dry rub by adjusting cayenne or adding smoked paprika for extra depth and personalized flavor profile.
• Replace chicken broth with beer or root beer for a more complex and rich underlying taste in your ribs.
• Watch broiler carefully to prevent burning; caramelization happens quickly and can turn to charred in seconds.
• Prepare ribs with dry rub a day in advance and refrigerate to allow spices to deeply penetrate and enhance meat's flavor.

Reheating Baby Back Ribs Later

• Store leftover ribs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap ribs tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Preheat oven to 250°F, place ribs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes to maintain moisture.
• Place ribs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, checking to prevent drying out.

Baby Back Rib Side Dishes

• Pair Perfectly with Bold Red Wines: Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon complement the rich, meaty flavor of baby back ribs with their robust tannins and fruity undertones, cutting through the fatty texture and enhancing the spicy rub.
• Chill with Craft Beer Companions: Hoppy IPAs or smoky porter beers match the barbecue sauce's intensity, providing a crisp counterpoint to the tender meat and creating a delightful flavor harmony.
• Side Dish Symphony: Creamy coleslaw with tangy apple cider vinegar dressing balances the ribs' richness, while corn on the cob grilled with butter adds a sweet, charred element that elevates the entire meal experience.
• Refresh with Citrus Mocktails: Sparkling lemonade or blood orange spritzer with a hint of mint cleanses the palate between bites, offering a bright, refreshing contrast to the smoky, savory ribs.

Instant Pot Ribs with Bold Sauce Choices

• Smoky Chipotle Ribs: Replace traditional spice mix with chipotle powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar for a spicy, smoky flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Low-Carb Version: Swap brown sugar with erythritol, use sugar-free barbecue sauce, and maintain the original spice blend for a low-carb alternative.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Ribs: Substitute spice mix with dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest for a Mediterranean-inspired taste.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Ensure barbecue sauce is gluten-free, use certified gluten-free spices, and keep all other preparation steps identical to the original recipe.

FAQs

• Why should I remove the membrane from the ribs?

Removing the membrane helps tenderize the meat, allows seasonings to penetrate better, and creates a more enjoyable eating experience with softer, more flavorful ribs.

• Can I use a different type of broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with beef broth or vegetable broth without significantly changing the cooking process or overall flavor of the ribs.

• What if I don't have an Instant Pot?

You can adapt this recipe for oven cooking by wrapping ribs in foil and baking at 275°F for about 3 hours, then finishing under the broiler with barbecue sauce.

• How spicy will the ribs be with cayenne pepper?

The cayenne adds a mild heat that doesn’t overpower the dish. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount or omit it completely for a milder flavor profile.

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent instant pot baby back ribs melt in your mouth with tender, smoky perfection. Falling off the bone and glazed with rich barbecue sauce, these ribs deliver pure comfort and satisfaction for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 rack baby back ribs (about 2 lbs / 907 grams)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth or apple juice
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) barbecue sauce

Spice Blend:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or regular)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Liquid Ingredient:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Meticulously remove the thin protective membrane from the back of the ribs by gently loosening it with a sharp knife and extracting it completely using a paper towel for a secure grip.
2. Create a robust spice blend by combining brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne in a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough integration of all components.
3. Massage the aromatic spice mixture comprehensively across both surfaces of the ribs, guaranteeing an even and generous coating that will infuse deep flavor.
4. Pour chicken broth and apple cider vinegar into the Instant Pot’s interior, strategically positioning the trivet to elevate the meat from direct liquid contact.
5. Carefully arrange the seasoned ribs vertically around the pot’s interior, creating a circular formation that allows uniform heat distribution and optimal cooking.
6. Secure the lid and program the Instant Pot to high pressure, executing a precise 25-minute cooking cycle that tenderizes the meat to perfection.
7. After cooking completes, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, followed by a controlled manual release to prevent sudden temperature fluctuations.
8. Activate the broiler at maximum temperature and transfer the tender ribs to a sturdy baking sheet, generously brushing with barbecue sauce to create a caramelized exterior.
9. Position the sauced ribs under the broiler, monitoring closely and rotating as needed to achieve a slightly charred, glossy finish that enhances visual appeal and flavor complexity.
10. Rest the ribs momentarily to allow juices to redistribute, then slice and present with additional barbecue sauce for an indulgent dining experience.

Notes

• Membrane Removal Pro-Tip: Always remove the tough back membrane for tender, melt-in-your-mouth ribs that absorb seasonings more effectively.
• Spice Blend Flexibility: Adjust the spice mixture based on personal heat preferences by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper.
• Moisture Magic: The combination of chicken broth and apple cider vinegar ensures ribs stay incredibly juicy and develop rich, deep flavor profiles.
• Broiling Brilliance: Watch carefully during the final broiling stage to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the barbecue sauce coating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg