Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe

If you’re looking for a foolproof way to get fall-off-the-bone tender ribs without spending hours babysitting the grill or smoker, you’re going to love this Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe. I absolutely love how quickly the Instant Pot locks in all those smoky, savory flavors while making the ribs impossibly juicy. Once you try this method, I promise it’ll become your go-to for weeknights or last-minute dinner guests!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe plays a vital role—from the spice rub that creates a flavorful crust to the beef broth that keeps the ribs moist inside the Instant Pot. Using brown sugar adds a touch of natural sweetness while the optional liquid smoke amps up that authentic smoky vibe without a smoker on hand.

• Baby Back Ribs: Choose good-quality racks with nice meat coverage for the best results.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelized finish when baked.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out flavor.
• Garlic Powder: For that savory depth that pairs amazingly with pork.
• Chili Powder: Adds a gentle warmth without overwhelming the ribs.
• Onion Powder: A subtle hint of sweetness and umami.
• Smoked Paprika: Gives the ribs a lovely smoky aroma and color.
• Beef Broth: Keeps ribs moist during pressure cooking and enriches their flavor.
• Liquid Smoke (optional): A sneaky shortcut to smoky flavor when you don’t have a smoker.
• Barbecue Sauce: Use homemade or your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce to finish with that sticky, tangy glaze.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on my mood or the season, and you can definitely make this Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to tweak the spices or cooking times to suit your taste!

• Spicy Kick: Adding cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder to the rub amps up the heat if your family likes it hotter.
• Sweet and Tangy: I’ve tried finishing these ribs with a mix of honey and apple cider vinegar BBQ sauce for a delicious tang.
• Low Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt for a heart-healthier version that’s still tasty.
• Gluten-Free: Make sure your BBQ sauce and spices are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

How to Make Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ribs with Care

First things first, you want to remove the membrane on the back of the ribs—it’s a thin, silvery layer that can become tough when cooked. I use a butter knife to gently slide it under the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel to peel it away. This makes a huge difference in tenderness, so don’t skip it! Then, cut your racks into 3 to 4 manageable sections for easier fitting into the Instant Pot and better spice coverage.

Step 2: Rub ‘Em Down

Mix together the brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. This homemade rub is the magic that penetrates the meat during cooking. Rub this all over each piece of ribs, making sure to get every inch covered—that’s where you’ll build great flavor.

Step 3: Arrange and Pressure Cook

Pour the beef broth and optional liquid smoke into the Instant Pot—you’ll want enough liquid to create steam but not so much that it dilutes flavor. I like to stand the rib sections in a teepee shape with the meaty sides facing out; this setup ensures even cooking while fitting nicely inside the pot. Lock the lid, seal the valve, and set to high pressure for 30 minutes. It usually takes around 10-15 minutes to come to pressure, so patience here guarantees tender ribs!

Step 4: Glaze and Finish in the Oven

While the ribs cook, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze). Once the Instant Pot timer goes off, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to vent any remaining pressure. Transfer the ribs to your foil-lined sheet and slather on your favorite BBQ sauce. Baking the ribs for 7 minutes on each side caramelizes the sauce and creates that irresistible sticky crust we all crave. You’ll know the ribs are done when the meat pulls away from the bone easily—aim for an internal temperature around 200°F for ultimate tenderness.

How to Serve Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or green onions over the ribs just before serving to add a pop of color and brightness. A little extra drizzle of your BBQ sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon can brighten up the rich flavors, too.

Side Dishes

For sides, I’m all about classic pairings like buttery corn on the cob, loaded baked potatoes, or a sweet and tangy coleslaw. If you want to mix it up, creamy mac and cheese or grilled veggies are fantastic complements to these ribs.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I like to arrange the ribs on a large wooden serving board layered with extra BBQ sauce in little bowls for dipping. Adding some pickled jalapeños or fresh lime wedges brings a fun twist, and wrapping a few ribs in parchment paper creates a rustic serve-at-the-table vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover ribs store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in containers to lock in moisture so they don’t dry out.

Freezing

Freezing cooked ribs works wonderfully, especially if you prep a big batch. I like to freeze them un-sauced and add the BBQ sauce fresh after reheating to keep that sticky texture perfect. Wrap each portion well with foil and then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the ribs in the oven at 300°F wrapped in foil with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist, then finish with a quick broil after brushing on more BBQ sauce. This brings back that fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness like magic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe has genuinely changed how I think about making ribs at home. No more waiting around for hours or fussing over the grill—just super tender, savory ribs that taste like you spent all day on them. I can’t wait for you to try this method and see how quickly it becomes a family favorite. Honestly, once you make these ribs, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for every occasion, big or small!

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