Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe

by Melody Thacker, in Recipes (No Comments)

We love baby back ribs and I serve them more often now that I have my Instant Pot electric pressure cooker.  This quick and easy Instant Pot baby back ribs recipe makes fall off the bone tender and delicious ribs. The cinnamon and rosemary in the dry rub complement the flavors in my savory Sweet Cherry Barbecue Sauce.  Don’t worry, the dry rub pair well with just about any barbeque sauce you prefer. Broil or grill the ribs on the barbecue after cooking in the Instant Pot for a mouth-watering, caramelized crust.

This is the basis for any instant pot pork ribs recipe. I don’t always make them the same because we enjoy a wide variety of flavors and dishes. Rather than the dry rub, I sprinkle the ribs generously with onion and garlic granules before cooking. I found a delicious whiskey barbecue sauce in Costco that we like. If I’m making an Asian inspired dinner I brush them with teriyaki sauce before popping them under the broiler. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

This recipe for pressure cooker pork ribs should work in other brands of pressure cookers. I only own an IP so follow the manufacturer’s directions. You’ll find a printable version of the recipe below.

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe

 

Baby Back Ribs Dry Rub Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Watkins organic garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Watkins organic chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Watkins organic rosemary
• 1 teaspoon Watkins organic cumin
• ½ teaspoon Watkins organic cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon Watkins organic cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon Watkins organic paprika
• Watkins Himalayan pink salt and Watkins black pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 2 racks baby back ribs
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (optional, if you omit increase water to 1 cup)
• 1 teaspoon Watkins beef or chicken soup and gravy base
• Sweet Cherry Barbecue Sauce (or BBQ sauce of your choice)
  
• Watkins non-stick cooking spray

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Directions:

1. Combine ingredients for the dry rub in a small bowl and stir to combine. Set the rub aside.
2. * Carefully remove the membrane from the back of baby back ribs with a sharp knife, if necessary. Cut the ribs into 3 or 4 equal-sized parts or leave whole and work the dry rub into each section on both sides. Set aside.
   
3. Add water, vinegar, and soup base to Instant Pot and insert the metal trivet. Stand the seasoned ribs on their ends on top of the trivet in the inner pot or coil the rack of ribs in the inner pot. (Do not stack them flat on top of each other).
   
4. Lock the Instant Pot lid into place and flip the pressure valve to “Sealing.” Set the “Manual” setting to high for 30 minutes.
   
5. Meanwhile, line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray and set aside.
   
6. Once cooking time is complete allow pressure to release naturally (NR) for 10 to 15 minutes. Then do a quick release (QR) by flipping the sealing valve to the “Venting” position to allow any remaining pressure to escape. Unlock and remove the Instant Pot lid and carefully. Transfer the ribs to the prepared baking sheet. Brush ribs with a generous amount of barbecue sauce on each side.
   
7. Pre-heat broiler to high and broil the ribs for 3-5 minutes on each side or until the sauce starts to caramelize and the ribs are nicely browned. Or you can brown the ribs with sauce on your barbecue grill for 3-5 minutes on each side. Remove from oven or grill and cool slightly before cutting into individual portions. Serve immediately with extra barbecue sauce for dipping.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes + time to come to pressure
Serves: 4

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Tips:

*I’ve never removed the membrane from ribs, my butcher always does it for me but I included that step in case yours doesn’t.

For the best results whenever you’re pressure cooking meat always allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes or longer. This results in more tender, moist flavorful meats.

Why does this recipe call for Watkins herbs and spices? I only use Watkins because I love the quality and flavor. I’m also an Independent Watkins Consultant so I’d be crazy to not buy from myself. One of the reasons I joined Watkins was to buy my pantry essentials, remedies. and homecare products cheaper. I also earn a commission when people buy on my website. <3 Thank you in advance if you do! <3

See Watkins Products Here

What do you like to serve your ribs with? We like baked or mashed potatoes, potato salad or rice with cooked veggies and a salad. My hubby likes to take leftover ribs in his lunch the next day. Don’t forget to let me know if you try this recipe for pressure cooker baby back ribs! I love hearing from you.