Pork Ribs in Instant Pot

Instant Pot Pork Ribs Ingredients

You really don’t need a ton of ingredients to make these Instant Pot pork ribs. A few simple ingredients is all you'll need!

• 1 rack of pork ribs. Use baby back or St. Louis-style and make sure to remove the membrane from the ribs.
• 1 cup water or broth. You can use homemade instant pot chicken broth or homemade instant pot beef broth for a little extra flavor.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. This adds that tang that everyone loves and it also helps tenderize the meat as rib meat can be a little tough.
• Your favorite dry rub. We'll be making our own by combining brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne for heat. If you have a premade one, feel free to use that!
• BBQ sauce, for brushing (homemade or store-bought). I always have 2 ingredient barbecue sauce on hand!

Be sure to check out the printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.

What Kind of Ribs Should You Buy?

So what kind of ribs work well for this recipe? Not all pork ribs are created equal, and choosing the right type will make all the difference.

The best ribs for the Instant Pot are baby back ribs or St. Louis-style spare ribs. When I find ribs on sale, I tend to stock up! I'll buy a bunch of racks of ribs and keep them in my freezer so I can make this recipe whenever I want.

• Baby back ribs are smaller, leaner, and cook a bit quicker. They’re really tender and perfect for a fast, foolproof recipe.
• St. Louis-style ribs are a bit meatier and fattier. They take a little longer but it's so worth it!

Avoid country-style ribs for this particular recipe, they’re better for slow braising or grilling.

How To Make Instant Pot Pork Ribs

1. Step 1: Flip the ribs over so the bone side is facing up. There’s usually a thin silver membrane. Use a paper towel to grip and pull it off. This makes the ribs more tender and easier to eat.

2. Step 2: Mix the dry rub ingredients together in a small bowl. Rub the dry rub all over the ribs. Really get in there! Don't be shy!

3. Step 3: Pour the water or broth, and apple cider vinegar into the pot. Then place the trivet or a steamer rack inside.
4. Step 4: Curl the ribs into a circle and stand them on their side on the trivet, bone side facing in. You might need to cut the rack in half if it’s too big.
5. Step 5: Seal the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and pressure cook on high. If you are using baby back ribs, cook them for 23–25 minutes. If you are using St. Louis ribs, cook them for 30–32 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest. Preheat the broiler.
6. Step 6: Carefully remove the ribs, place them on a foil-lined baking sheet, and brush with BBQ sauce. Broil for 3–5 minutes until sticky, caramelized, and slightly charred.

Tips For Making Ribs in Instant Pot

• Add two racks to the Instant Pot if they will fit! As long as your Instant Pot is big enough, you can add two racks or three smaller racks. Don't be afraid to cut them to get them to fit.
• Don’t skip removing the membrane! Removing that membrane makes a big difference in tenderness. It only takes a second and it will make the ribs more tender and easier to eat.
• Use a trivet! Keeping the ribs above the liquid prevents them from getting soggy and helps them steam to perfection. It will also help prevent the dreaded "Burn" notice on your Instant Pot.
• Hot out? Finish on the grill! For a more authentic flavor, instead of broiling, throw the ribs on a hot grill for a few minutes to char the outside.

What To Serve with Instant Pot Ribs

These ribs go well with basically everything! But if you are looking for a few side dishes, here are some easy ideas:

• Coleslaw. Something tangy to cut the richness of the ribs like this street corn jalapeno coleslaw or apple bacon coleslaw!
• Cornbread. Soft, buttery, and perfect for mopping up extra BBQ sauce. I like to use a sweet potato cornbread, cornbread with self rising flour, or an sourdough cornbread. It's also perfect with some burgers on some sourdough discard hamburger buns!
• Mac and cheese. Classic, creamy, and comforting. Smoked mac and cheese is so good! Make a butternut squash mac and cheese to get some veggies into your family too!
• Pasta Salads. Pasta salad goes perfectly with ribs! Make a Caesar salad pasta salad, pesto pasta salad, or an Italian antipasto pasta salad.
• Corn on the cob. You've got your Instant Pot out anyway, so make some Instant Pot corn or and Instant Pot German potato salad to go with it!

And don’t forget a cold drink! Lemonade, iced tea, or a cold beer all pair perfectly!

Storing Leftover Instant Pot Pork Ribs

Leftover pork ribs store really well, so don’t worry if you made a big batch! Let the ribs cool to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

You can freeze these ribs too! Just wrap the ribs in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or freezer safe airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat Leftovers

To keep your ribs tender and juicy, it’s best to reheat them low and slow. You can pop them in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, for about 20–25 minutes or until heated through.

If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat them in the microwave. You'll just need to cover them with a damp paper towel to help keep them moist and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. High heat can dry out the ribs. If you froze the ribs, make sure to thaw them completely before reheating for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

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