Name: Instant Pot Ribs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 racks pork spare ribs; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 2 tablespoons barbecue rub; 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar; 0.5 cup water; 1 tsp liquid smoke; 1 cup BBQ sauce

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Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

2 racks pork spare ribsblotted dry, fat trimmed and silver skin removed

1 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp black pepper

2 tablespoons barbecue rub or your favorite seasonings/rub

½ cup apple cider vinegar

½ cup water

1 tsp liquid smokeoptional for smoky flavor

1 cup BBQ sauce or your favorite

Instructions

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Instructions

Blot the ribs dry with paper towels and remove the tough outer membrane on the underside. Season both sides with salt and pepper, followed by the the bbq rub.

Combine the apple cider vinegar, water and liquid smoke in a 1 cup measuring cup, then pour into the Instant Pot.

Place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot with the handles up. Wrap both racks of ribs meat side facing outward on the trivet, overlapping them so that the thickest ribs are on opposite ends.

Secure the lid and close the sealing valve. Select High Pressure and set the time to 45 minutes. Note: It will take up to 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. When the cooking time is over, naturally release the pressure for an additional 10 minutes, then carefully open the sealing valve and remove the lid when safe to do so.

Place the ribs on a foil lined baking sheet and brush evenly with the barbecue sauce. Broil for 3-5 minutes until caramelized. Remove from heat, slice and enjoy!

Nutrition

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Remove the Membrane First 🔪
Peel off the thin silver skin on the back of the ribs before seasoning to allow the rub and smoke flavors to penetrate the meat for superior taste and texture.
Use the Natural Release Method ⏱️
Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes after cooking, then quick-release remaining pressure—this prevents the ribs from becoming mushy while maintaining perfect tenderness.
Apply Rub the Night Before 🌙
Season your ribs with the barbecue rub 12-24 hours in advance and refrigerate to let the salt cure the meat, creating a deeper flavor and better bark texture.
Pat Dry Before Broiling 🔥
After pressure cooking, thoroughly dry the ribs with paper towels before adding sauce and broiling—this prevents steaming and ensures a caramelized, sticky glaze instead of wet coating.
Add Liquid Smoke to the Pot Water 💨
Mix liquid smoke directly into your cooking liquid (water and apple cider vinegar) rather than just the rub to infuse deep smoky flavor throughout the meat during the pressure cooking process.