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Fall-Off-The-Bone Instant Pot Ribs: A Foolproof Guide

Craving tender, juicy ribs but short on time? Look no further than your Instant Pot! This guide will walk you through creating perfect Instant Pot Ribs that are fall-off-the-bone delicious in a fraction of the time compared to traditional smoking or oven-baking methods. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right ribs to mastering the cooking process and finishing them off with a flavorful glaze. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy and impressive recipe for Instant Pot Ribs.

Why Use an Instant Pot for Ribs?

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for cooking ribs. Here’s why:

Speed: Traditional rib recipes can take hours. The Instant Pot significantly cuts down the cooking time, often taking less than an hour to achieve incredible tenderness.
Tender Results: The pressure cooking environment ensures that the ribs become incredibly tender and moist.
Easy Cleanup: One-pot cooking means less mess to clean up afterward.
Consistent Results: The Instant Pot offers consistent and reliable results every time.

Choosing Your Ribs

The most common types of ribs suitable for the Instant Pot are:

Baby Back Ribs: These are leaner and more tender than spare ribs, making them a popular choice. They cook a bit faster in the Instant Pot.
Spare Ribs: These are larger and meatier than baby back ribs, with more fat, which contributes to their flavor. They require a slightly longer cooking time.
St. Louis Style Ribs: These are spare ribs that have been trimmed for a more uniform shape. They are a good option if you prefer a more consistent cook.

When selecting your ribs, look for:

Good marbling: Marbling refers to the streaks of fat within the meat. More marbling equals more flavor and tenderness.
Even thickness: Ribs with even thickness will cook more evenly.
Fresh appearance: The ribs should look pink and moist, not dry or discolored.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ribs: 2-3 pounds of your preferred type (baby back, spare, or St. Louis style)
Dry Rub: (See recipe below)
Liquid: 1 cup of broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable), apple cider vinegar, or beer
Barbecue Sauce: Your favorite brand or homemade recipe

Dry Rub Recipe

A good dry rub is essential for flavorful ribs. Here’s a basic recipe you can customize to your liking:

2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

How to Cook Instant Pot Ribs: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This thin, silvery skin can be tough and chewy. To remove it, slide a butter knife under the membrane at one end of the rack. Use a paper towel to grip the membrane and pull it off in one piece. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Apply the Dry Rub

Generously coat the ribs with the dry rub on all sides. Massage the rub into the meat for even better flavor. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate them for up to 24 hours for a deeper flavor infusion.

Step 3: Prepare the Instant Pot

Pour 1 cup of liquid (broth, apple cider vinegar, or beer) into the Instant Pot. Place a trivet inside the pot to elevate the ribs above the liquid. This prevents the ribs from steaming instead of pressure cooking.

Step 4: Arrange the Ribs

Cut the rack of ribs in half or thirds, depending on the size of your Instant Pot. Stand the ribs up on their sides, wrapping them around the inside of the pot. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can affect cooking time.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for the following times:

Baby Back Ribs: 23-25 minutes
Spare Ribs: 28-30 minutes
St. Louis Style Ribs: 28-30 minutes

Allow the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release for 10-15 minutes. Then, manually release any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Glaze the Ribs

Carefully remove the ribs from the Instant Pot. Brush them generously with your favorite barbecue sauce. You can either broil the ribs in the oven for a few minutes, grill them over medium heat, or return them to the Instant Pot using the air fryer lid (if you have one) to caramelize the sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, and baked beans. Enjoy your tender, flavorful Instant Pot Ribs!

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Ribs

Don’t overcook: Overcooked ribs will be mushy. Start with the recommended cooking time and adjust based on your preference.
Use a trivet: A trivet is essential to prevent the ribs from sitting in the liquid and becoming soggy.
Natural pressure release: Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release for 10-15 minutes helps the ribs retain their moisture.
Customize your rub and sauce: Experiment with different spice combinations and barbecue sauces to create your own signature flavor.
Consider using liquid smoke: Adding a teaspoon or two of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid can enhance the smoky flavor of the ribs.

Troubleshooting

Ribs are tough: Increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Ribs are mushy: Reduce the cooking time next time.
Burn notice: Make sure you have enough liquid in the pot. If the burn notice appears, stop the cooking process, release the pressure, and add more liquid.

Variations

Honey Garlic Ribs: Use a honey garlic barbecue sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
Spicy Ribs: Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to the dry rub for a spicy kick.
Asian-Inspired Ribs: Use a teriyaki glaze or a combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot Ribs are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with the right sides. Here are a few suggestions:

Coleslaw
Corn on the cob
Baked beans
Potato salad
Mac and cheese
Green salad

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer. You can also freeze the ribs for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store them in an airtight container. Frozen ribs can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Making Instant Pot Ribs is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs at home. With this guide, you’ll be able to create restaurant-quality ribs in a fraction of the time. So, fire up your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy some delicious Instant Pot Ribs!

Experiment with different rubs, sauces, and cooking times to find your perfect recipe. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your sides. Enjoy!

[See also: Smoked Ribs Recipe]

[See also: Grilled Ribs Recipe]

[See also: Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe]