Description
This Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs recipe offers tender, flavorful ribs cooked under pressure for quick and easy preparation. The ribs are first seasoned with a mustard and spice rub, pressure cooked with a tangy liquid mix, then finished under the broiler with BBQ sauce for a caramelized, delicious finish. Perfect for a quick BBQ-style meal without the long wait.
Ingredients
Scale
Ribs and Rub
- 1 rack baby back ribs (membrane removed)
- 2 Tbsp yellow mustard
- 1½ Tbsp brown sugar
- 1½ tsp paprika
- 1½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Cooking Liquid and Sauce
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup cider vinegar
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs: Spread yellow mustard evenly on both sides of the ribs to help the dry rub adhere and add flavor.
- Apply dry rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs to create a flavorful crust.
- Set up Instant Pot: Place the rack (trivet) inside the bottom of the Instant Pot to keep ribs elevated above the liquid.
- Place ribs in pot: Lay the ribs on top of the rack inside the Instant Pot, arranging them carefully to fit if needed.
- Add cooking liquids: Pour water and cider vinegar into the pot around the ribs to create steam for pressure cooking and infuse flavor.
- Pressure cook ribs: Secure and lock the Instant Pot lid. Cook on manual high pressure for 20 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining steam.
- Prepare for broiling: Carefully remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and place them on a baking sheet.
- Brush with BBQ sauce: Generously brush both sides of the ribs with BBQ sauce to provide a flavorful glaze.
- Broil ribs: Preheat the oven broiler. Place the ribs under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely until the BBQ sauce caramelizes and becomes slightly charred.
- Serve: Cut the ribs into individual portions and serve with additional BBQ sauce as desired.
Notes
- Removing the membrane from the ribs ensures tenderness and better flavor absorption.
- The natural release time allows the ribs to finish cooking gently and retain moisture.
- Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent burning the sauce.
- You can adjust the choice of BBQ sauce according to taste preferences for sweetness or spiciness.
- For even easier cleanup, line the baking sheet with foil before broiling the ribs.
