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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Massage the aromatic spice mixture comprehensively across both surfaces of the ribs, guaranteeing an even and generous coating that will infuse deep flavor.
- 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.
- Carefully arrange the seasoned ribs vertically around the pot’s interior, creating a circular formation that allows uniform heat distribution and optimal cooking.
- Secure the lid and program the Instant Pot to high pressure, executing a precise 25-minute cooking cycle that tenderizes the meat to perfection.
- After cooking completes, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, followed by a controlled manual release to prevent sudden temperature fluctuations.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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