If you have been searching for a game-changing way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs in a fraction of the usual time, this Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine juicy racks of pork, seasoned perfectly with a spice rub, infused with smoky and savory flavors from a simple liquid smoke and broth mixture, all cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection without hours in the oven or grill. This recipe harnesses the magic of the Instant Pot to deliver ribs that are both incredibly easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these ribs will steal the spotlight every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the savory spices in the rub to the aromatic broth base that keeps the ribs moist and tender during cooking.
- 3½ pounds baby back pork ribs: The star of the dish, providing rich flavor and tender meat.
- ½ cup chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Brings a fragrant, savory kick that complements the pork.
- 3 tablespoons liquid smoke: Infuses smoky aroma to replicate outdoor grilling flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and adds complexity to the cooking liquid.
- 2 bay leaves: Enhance the broth with subtle herbal notes.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps ribs moist and creates a flavorful steam environment.
- BBQ sauce (optional): For that sticky, caramelized finish under the broiler.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Elevates the onion flavor beyond the fresh pieces.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Intensifies the garlicky background taste.
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric: Adds a warm color and subtle earthiness.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper: Provides mild heat and balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika: Brings sweetness and a touch of smokiness even before liquid smoke is added.
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder: Adds a gentle smoky heat to the rub.
How to Make Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the spice rub
Start by mixing together all the spices for the rub in a small bowl. This blend of onion and garlic powders, turmeric, salt, pepper, paprika, and chipotle powder creates a perfectly balanced seasoning that will coat the ribs with layers of delicious flavor.
Step 2: Season the ribs
Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and then take a moment to remove the tough membrane on the back. This step is crucial for tender ribs and better flavor absorption. Generously apply the spice rub on both sides, making sure every inch is nicely covered. This dry rub will form the tasty crust you’re after.
Step 3: Setup the Instant Pot
Pour the chopped onion, minced garlic, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, and bay leaves into the bottom of your Instant Pot. Give it a quick stir just to combine the liquids and aromatics. Then, place a steam rack or basket inside and carefully coil the ribs on top of it. This arrangement ensures the ribs steam beautifully without sitting directly in the liquid.
Step 4: Pressure cook the ribs
Seal the Instant Pot lid and select Manual mode, setting the timer for 26 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is over, let the pressure naturally release for about 5 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure manually. This gentle pressure release helps keep the ribs tender and moist instead of drying them out.
Step 5: Broil with BBQ sauce
After the ribs are cooked, transfer them onto a foil-lined baking sheet. Slather your favorite BBQ sauce liberally over the top and sides, then pop them under the oven broiler for about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye here because the sugars in the sauce can quickly go from perfect caramelization to burnt. The broiler step adds a beautiful, sticky glaze and a bit of texture contrast.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Once out of the oven, cut the ribs between the bones to create individual servings. These ribs are so flavorful and tender, they can stand alone or be paired with your favorite sides. Prepare for lots of compliments and requests for seconds!
How to Serve Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a burst of color and freshness to balance the richness of the ribs. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice brightens the flavors just before eating.
Side Dishes
Classic accompaniments like creamy coleslaw or buttery corn on the cob are fantastic alongside these ribs, offering crunch and sweetness. For a heartier meal, pair the ribs with baked beans, roasted potatoes, or even a crisp garden salad to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual feast, stack the ribs on a large wooden cutting board and place bowls of sides and sauces nearby for a family-style spread. If you want to dress it up, serve the ribs with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and a few pickled vegetables on the side for contrast and a splash of acidity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover ribs keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover them well to preserve moisture and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.
Freezing
If you want to save the ribs for longer, freeze them in a resealable plastic bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and you’ll still get that tender, delicious taste.
Reheating
The best way to reheat baby back ribs is in the oven at low temperature (about 275°F) wrapped in foil to keep them moist. You can also microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for quick reheating, but the oven method helps maintain texture and flavor the best.
FAQs
Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?
Yes! Spare ribs will work in this Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe, but they are usually a bit larger and fattier, so you might want to increase the cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes for the best tenderness.
Is the liquid smoke necessary?
While liquid smoke adds that wonderful barbecue flavor you’d get from grilling, you can omit it if you prefer a milder taste. Just know the ribs might lack that signature smoky aroma.
Can I skip the broiler step?
You can, but the broiler adds a fantastic caramelized glaze with your BBQ sauce. If you’re in a hurry, serving the ribs directly from the Instant Pot still yields tender, flavorful results.
How do I remove the membrane from the ribs?
Loosen the thin silver skin on the back of the ribs by sliding a knife or your fingernail under it, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off. Removing this helps the ribs cook more evenly and become tender.
What if I don’t have a steam rack for the Instant Pot?
If you don’t have a steam rack, you can use a heatproof bowl or an inverted metal trivet to keep the ribs elevated above the liquid. This prevents them from boiling and ensures perfect steaming.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe is a true lifesaver for anyone craving mouthwatering ribs without the hassle of long cooking times or complicated prep. It’s simple enough to make on a weeknight but impressive enough for special occasions. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it has become one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes when I want ribs done right, fast, and bursting with flavor. Get your Instant Pot ready and prepare to impress yourself and everyone at the table!
Print
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and flavorful baby back pork ribs cooked quickly in an Instant Pot then finished under the broiler with a delicious BBQ sauce for a perfect caramelized finish. This easy recipe combines a smoky spice rub with aromatic ingredients to create fall-off-the-bone ribs in just over 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Spice Rub
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
Main Ingredients
- 3½ pounds baby back pork ribs
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- BBQ sauce (optional, for broiling)
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, ground turmeric, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and chipotle powder. Set the mixture aside for later use.
- Season the ribs: Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Remove the membrane from the back side of the ribs to help the seasoning penetrate better. Generously coat both sides of the ribs evenly with the prepared spice rub.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, low-sodium chicken broth, and bay leaves to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Place ribs in the Instant Pot: Set a steam rack or basket inside the Instant Pot on top of the liquid mixture. Coil the ribs gently and place them over the rack. Secure the lid and seal the valve.
- Cook under pressure: Select the Manual (Pressure Cook) setting and set the timer for 26 minutes. When cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then manually release remaining pressure.
- Broil the ribs: Preheat your oven’s broiler and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lay the cooked ribs flat on the sheet and generously brush the top and sides with your favorite BBQ sauce. Broil for about 5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. This step caramelizes the sauce and adds a crispy finish.
- Serve: Remove the ribs from the oven, cut between the bones to separate individual ribs, and serve with your preferred sides. Enjoy the juicy, smoky, and tender ribs!
Notes
- Removing the membrane from ribs helps the seasoning penetrate and improves tenderness.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels but still add flavor.
- Broiling time can vary; watch carefully to prevent the BBQ sauce from burning.
- If you don’t have liquid smoke, you can omit it or substitute with smoked paprika for smokiness.
- Leftover ribs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
