• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
    • Media and Advertising
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

No. 2 Pencil

Cook, Bake & Create

  • Recipe Index
    • Single Serving
    • One-Pot Meals
    • Slow Cooker
    • Cookies
    • Dessert
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Drink
  • Instant Pot
  • Slow Cooker
  • Easy Dinner Recipes

Instant Pot Ribs

February 25, 2019 by Melissa 19 Comments

Make these easy and delicious BBQ Instant Pot Ribs right in the Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Ribs

There are several dishes that I think the Instant Pot makes better than anything else, I’m adding ribs right to the top of the list! The Instant Pot shaves hours off the cooking time and you can cook two full racks of baby back ribs in a 6 QT Instant Pot. Start to finish, you can have these tasty ribs on the table in about 1 1/2 hours. That time includes prep, the pot coming to pressure, cook time and Natural Pressure Release.

 

How to Make Instant Pot Ribs

Start by seasoning the racks well and removing the membrane if still attached. Place the trivet that came with the Instant Pot in the bottom. Add beef broth, then fit both racks of ribs in the Instant Pot by curling them around each other until they form a spiral. Add your favorite barbecue sauce over the ribs, then add the lid and set the Instant Pot to high via manual mode for 30 minutes.

The Instant Pot is very full, so it will take 20-30 minutes to come to pressure. Once the ribs have cooked, do not release the pressure valve. The Instant Pot will take another 20 minutes to release the pressure naturally.

 

Remove the Membrane

Depending on where you purchase the ribs, they will likely have a thin membrane on the back of the rack. Use a butter knife to gently breakthrough and lift up the membrane on on side. Then use a paper towel to get a grip on the membrane and gently pull. It should come off in a complete sheet. If you don’t remove the membrane prior to cooking, it will get tough and chewy during cooking. I’ve noticed that ribs from Costco usually have the membrane removed beforehand, but I still double check!

Two Racks of Ribs in the Instant Pot

You can use this method to pressure cook one or two racks of ribs in the 6 QT Instant Pot. Just adjust the ingredients but keep the same cooking time.

 

Finish with a Broil

Carefully remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and place them on a baking sheet. Brush with liquid from the Instant Pot and additional barbecue sauce, then broil on high for a few minutes to finish them off and give them that delicious crust. I’m looking forward to finishing them off on our gas grill this summer.

 

 

You may also like:

Homemade French Bread  

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes  

Cherry Pie Bars

5 from 17 votes
Print
Instant Pot Ribs
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Natural Pressure Release
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr
 

Make these easy and delicious BBQ ribs right in the Instant Pot. 

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Instant Pot
Servings: 6
Ingredients
  • 2 racks baby back ribs about 3.75 pounds each
  • 2 cups BBQ sauce plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground coarse black pepper
  • garlic powder
  • all-purpose steak seasoning optional
Instructions
  1. Remove membranes from baby back ribs. Use a butter knife to loosen and lift the edge of the membrane. Then use a paper towel to grab the membrane and pull off in full sheet.  

  2. Season ribs generously with kosher salt, freshly ground pepper and a sprinkle of garlic powder on both sides. Sprinkle on brown sugar and season with additional all purpose steak-seasoning, if desired.

  3. Add beef broth to 6 Qt Instant Pot, followed by trivet. Fit rib racks into Instant Pot curling them into each other with meaty parts facing out. Add beef broth to Instant Pot and pour barbecue sauce over ribs. Set Instant Pot to Manual, High Pressure for 30 minutes and make sure valve is set to sealing. Instant Pot will take 20-30 minutes to come to pressure and then countdown cooking time from there.

  4. Once Instant Pot has counted down from 30 minutes, do not turn the pressure release valve. Let ribs Natural Pressure Release. This will take another 20-30 minutes. 

  5. Once the pressure pins drops, carefully remove ribs from Instant Pot and place on baking sheet. Brush ribs with liquid from the Instant Pot and additional barbecue sauce. Broil ribs for about 5 minutes on high, watching carefully to prevent burning. 

 

Instant Pot Ribs

 

5 Easy Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights

My five FAVORITE recipes for busy families!

  • Quick to make
  • Light on your budget
  • Easy to clean-up
  • and...most important...absolutely DELICIOUS


Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

Filed Under: Dinner, Instant Pot, Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker, Pork

Previous Post: « Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Next Post: Easter Appetizer – Carrot Shaped Cheese Ball »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Judith Fertig

    March 20, 2019 at 10:59 am

    5 stars
    Great guide! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Cheryl S

    July 30, 2019 at 11:57 am

    5 stars
    these ribs turned out perfect!! thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  3. lauren kelly

    July 30, 2019 at 12:35 pm

    5 stars
    I love making ribs in the instant pot! They come out so incredible!

    Reply
  4. Trang

    July 30, 2019 at 12:50 pm

    5 stars
    Love! We like using the Costco ribs too.

    Reply
  5. Katie

    July 30, 2019 at 4:21 pm

    5 stars
    Normally ribs take so long to make. I love this quick recipe!

    Reply
  6. Julie Blanner

    August 8, 2019 at 6:35 am

    5 stars
    My husband loved these and asked for it again! We will definitely be repeating this in my house!

    Reply
  7. Beth Pierce

    August 8, 2019 at 9:39 am

    This is everything a gourmet recipe should be, and then some! This looks amazing; can’t wait to give this a try!

    Reply
  8. Rachael Yerkes

    August 8, 2019 at 9:47 am

    5 stars
    literally perfect! So delicious!

    Reply
  9. Lauraall@aol.com

    August 8, 2019 at 10:25 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve always been intimidated by ribs! This really makes it sound easy. Thanks.

    Reply
  10. Becky Hardin

    August 13, 2019 at 11:44 am

    5 stars
    These ribs are mouth watering. The perfect way to cook them too.

    Reply
  11. ERin

    March 24, 2020 at 3:09 pm

    5 stars
    These are delish. Definitely need a finish under the broiler, but absolutely making this recipe again!

    Reply
  12. Cindy Hopper

    March 24, 2020 at 4:50 pm

    5 stars
    Making ribs in the instant pot is a game changer! We just loved the flavors. YUM.

    Reply
  13. wilhelmina

    March 24, 2020 at 6:11 pm

    5 stars
    These ribs turned out mouth-wateringly delicious and SO tender! Great recipe!

    Reply
  14. Krissy Allori

    March 24, 2020 at 6:25 pm

    5 stars
    These ribs look absolutely mouth watering. I agree that the instant pot is the way to go for most meats. It seems to seal in the flavor and moisture.

    Reply
  15. Leo

    August 6, 2020 at 4:37 am

    Any changes when using an 8-quart Instant Pot?

    Reply
    • Melissa

      August 6, 2020 at 1:42 pm

      I haven’t tested these in an 8qt yet, but I would not make any changes.

      Reply
  16. Valentina

    March 26, 2021 at 7:39 pm

    5 stars
    These instant pot ribs are AMAZING! I Love how easy it is to make and the flavor is great!

    Reply
  17. Stephanie

    March 26, 2021 at 9:25 pm

    5 stars
    Wow, really good! I love finding new ways to use my instant pot.

    Reply
  18. Gina Ceraso

    March 27, 2021 at 3:58 am

    5 stars
    This is now the ONLY way I will make ribs! It’s foolporof, thank you!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Welcome to No. 2 Pencil where you will find original recipes, fresh craft ideas, and easy home decor ideas.

Read More

5 Easy Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights

My MOST POPULAR dinner recipes for busy nights.

Get them free . . . just sign-up below!

Archives

© Copyright 2018 Number 2 Pencil · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy · Log in