These Easy Instant Pot BBQ Ribs are the perfect solution for making fall-off-the-bone, juicy ribs in a fraction of the time. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can have delicious, saucy, sticky ribs ready in under an hour. The ribs are seasoned with a flavorful dry rub and finished with a caramelized BBQ glaze under the broiler. They’re a great choice for a quick and easy dinner or for entertaining guests.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the dry rub:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 2 teaspoons onion powder

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 2 teaspoons ground mustard

• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ¾ teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the ribs:

• 2 pounds baby back pork ribs, trimmed of excess fat, rinsed, and patted dry

• 2 cups chicken stock

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

• 2 cups barbecue sauce

Directions

1. Prepare the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, onion powder, chili powder, mustard, paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper.

2. Season the ribs: Remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs and rub the dry rub mixture thoroughly onto both sides of the ribs.

3. Set up the Instant Pot: Add chicken stock and apple cider vinegar to the Instant Pot. Place the metal trivet inside the pot. Coil the ribs and place them upright on top of the trivet.

4. Cook the ribs: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to cook at high pressure for 25 minutes. Once done, quick-release the pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Broil the ribs: Preheat the broiler in your oven. Place the cooked ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil, meat side up. Brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce and broil for 4-6 minutes, until the sauce is caramelized and browned.

6. Serve: Remove the ribs from the oven, slice them, and serve immediately with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 470 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 17g

• Protein: 37g

• Fat: 30g

• Saturated Fat: 11g

• Cholesterol: 100mg

• Sodium: 900mg

• Potassium: 680mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 10g

• Vitamin A: 320 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 50mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Dry Rub: Flavorful and Spicy

The dry rub for these ribs is packed with a variety of spices that create a complex, flavorful base. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while kosher salt helps enhance the flavors of the other spices. Onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder contribute savory, smoky, and slightly spicy elements. Ground mustard, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper round out the flavor profile, adding layers of depth and a slight heat.

The combination of these spices creates a balanced rub that works perfectly with the natural flavor of the ribs, ensuring every bite is full of seasoning. Applying the rub generously to both sides of the ribs ensures that every part of the meat is flavorful, while also helping to form a savory crust when broiled.

The Instant Pot Cooking Method: Tender and Quick

The Instant Pot makes cooking ribs a breeze, allowing you to enjoy fall-off-the-bone ribs in just 25 minutes of high-pressure cooking. The key to cooking the ribs in the Instant Pot is to first add chicken stock and apple cider vinegar to the pot. The chicken stock helps create the steam needed for pressure cooking, while the apple cider vinegar adds a touch of tang that tenderizes the meat.

Once the ribs are seasoned and placed on the metal trivet inside the Instant Pot, they cook quickly and evenly, locking in all the flavors and juices. After the pressure cooking cycle is complete, you perform a quick release, allowing the ribs to cool slightly and ready them for the broiler.

Broiling: Caramelizing the BBQ Sauce

While the Instant Pot makes the ribs tender, it’s the broiling step that creates the beautiful, caramelized BBQ glaze. After pressure cooking, transfer the ribs to a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce on the ribs and place them under the broiler. The broiler will quickly caramelize the sauce, giving the ribs a crispy, sticky coating.

The broiling process only takes 4-6 minutes, so it’s essential to keep a close eye on the ribs to prevent burning. The result is perfectly caramelized, flavorful ribs with a slightly crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect for Any Occasion

These Easy Instant Pot BBQ Ribs are perfect for any meal or gathering. Here are a few ideas for sides that pair well with the ribs:

• Coleslaw: A classic pairing for BBQ ribs, coleslaw adds a creamy, crunchy contrast to the tender, smoky ribs. The freshness of the slaw balances the richness of the meat.

• Corn on the Cob: Sweet, grilled corn on the cob adds a nice touch of sweetness and pairs perfectly with the savory, smoky flavor of the ribs.

• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus provide a light, healthy side to balance out the richness of the ribs.

• Potato Salad or Baked Potatoes: Creamy potato salad or classic baked potatoes are a hearty side that complements the flavors of the BBQ ribs.

Nutritional Information: A Hearty Meal

Each serving of these Easy Instant Pot BBQ Ribs contains 470 calories, making them a satisfying and filling meal. With 37 grams of protein per serving, the ribs provide a great source of lean protein, perfect for muscle repair and overall health. The 30 grams of fat, including 11 grams of saturated fat, come primarily from the pork ribs and BBQ sauce, giving them that rich, indulgent flavor.

The ribs are relatively low in carbohydrates (17g), making them a great option for those on low-carb or keto diets. They also provide 2 grams of fiber, which comes from the spices and any vegetables you serve alongside the meal. The sodium content is 900mg per serving, largely due to the BBQ sauce and seasoning, but it can be adjusted by using a lower-sodium BBQ sauce.

In terms of micronutrients, the ribs provide a good amount of vitamin A (320 IU) from the spices, as well as a small amount of calcium (50mg) and iron (2mg), making this dish a well-rounded option.

Conclusion: Quick, Flavorful, and Tender

These Easy Instant Pot BBQ Ribs offer a delicious, no-fuss way to make tender, flavorful ribs in a fraction of the time. The flavorful dry rub combined with the tangy BBQ sauce creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet, while the Instant Pot ensures the ribs cook quickly without sacrificing tenderness. The broiler step adds that crispy, caramelized glaze that everyone loves. Whether you’re making these for a quick dinner or serving them to guests, these ribs are sure to be a hit every time.