Instant Pot Barbecue Pork Ribs
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It’s the dead middle of winter here in Ohio – so why am I craving grilled BBQ ribs? To fight off the winter blues, I decided to bring the summertime to me with these easy Instant Pot BBQ ribs!
The Instant Pot makes these ribs so easy, even my fiance (who knows nothing about cooking) could pull them off. The result is a juicy and tender pork rib that practically falls right off the bone.
The secret to these ribs is in the dry rub. The liquid ingredients in the Instant Pot, combined with the flavors of the dry rub, make for a delicious sweet and spicy barbecue sauce – with hints of smoky flavor WITHOUT the grill!
Instant Pot Barbecue Pork Ribs
Ingredients
- 64 oz (4 lb) pork ribs cut into individual bones
FOR DRY RUB:
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoons Chinese five spice
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon pepper
FOR INSTANT POT:
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the dry rub then rub generously over the ribs. Cut the ribs into individual bones with meat on either side. Let rest one hour at room temperature to fully develop the flavor.
- In the Instant Pot (IP), combine the water, BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine then add the ribs in layers, leaning against the sides in a circle until the pot is filled. The ribs will not be fully submerged.
- Set the IP to Pressure Cook on the MORE setting for 10 minutes. The IP will pressurize before the countdown timer starts.
- When the timer goes off, either let the IP naturally depressurize or CAREFULLY perform a quick release. When the pin in the lid of the IP has dropped remove the lid. Use tongs to gently remove the pork ribs from the IP. Set aside on a plate to dry.
- Cancel the Keep Warm setting and set the IP to Saute on MORE. Bring the liquid in the IP to a rolling boil and simmer until the sauce has thickened and reduced by half – about 30 minutes. Return the pork ribs to the pot and cover with the sauce. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, without stirring, until the pork ribs are reheated through. Serve with the extra sauce and a side of elote. Enjoy!
