Insta-Pot Ribs: Tender, Quick, And Easy

how to cook ribs in a insta pot

Cooking ribs in an instant pot is a quick and easy way to make tender, juicy, and flavorful ribs. With an instant pot, you can have delicious ribs ready in less than an hour, without sacrificing any of the bold taste and juicy texture you love. The instant pot locks in moisture and makes the ribs tender in a fraction of the time compared to other cooking methods. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook ribs in an instant pot, including tips on preparing the ribs, creating a delicious dry rub, and achieving the perfect cooking time for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.

Characteristics Values
Cooking time 25-45 minutes
Type of ribs Baby back ribs, spare ribs, St. Louis-style ribs
Altitude Cooking time varies with altitude
Rub Brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, dried parsley, cocoa powder, ground mustard, black pepper
Liquid Water, apple cider vinegar, apple juice, beer, Dr. Pepper, chicken stock
Other ingredients BBQ sauce, liquid smoke

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Removing the membrane

The first step to cooking ribs in an instant pot is to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. You will notice a thin, almost silver layer on the back of the ribs. This is the membrane, a chewy and tough piece of skin that is unappetizing after cooking.

To remove the membrane, start by flipping the ribs so that the meaty part is facing down. Then, use your fingers or a butter knife to slide under the membrane and rip it off. You can also use a sharp paring knife to separate the skin from the meat on one end, sliding it between the layers.

Once the membrane is loosened, use your hands or a knife to slice it towards the other end of the ribs, removing it completely. If the skin slips off easily, use a paper towel to hold it in place while you work.

After removing the membrane, you can continue preparing your ribs by rubbing them with your chosen seasonings or dry rub.

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Preparing the rub

Start by gathering your ingredients. A basic dry rub typically includes spices like chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add brown sugar to balance the spice and provide a touch of sweetness. Other optional ingredients you can consider are dried parsley, cumin, cocoa powder, ground mustard, and onion powder.

Combine the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Mix them well with a fork, breaking up any large clumps to ensure a consistent mixture. You can adjust the proportions of each ingredient to your taste. If you prefer a spicier rub, simply add more cayenne pepper.

Before applying the rub, ensure that you have removed any thin membrane or skin from the back of the ribs. This membrane is tough and chewy, so it's important to peel it off before cooking. Use a sharp paring knife to separate the membrane from the meat, then slice or pull it off with your hands.

Once the membrane is removed, generously apply the rub to the ribs. Coat both sides of the ribs evenly, massaging the spices into the meat. You can let the ribs sit for a while after rubbing, to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

After preparing the rub, you can proceed to cook the ribs in your instant pot, following your preferred recipe. Remember to adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness, whether you prefer your ribs tender or fall-off-the-bone.

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Cooking time

The cooking time for ribs in an instant pot varies depending on the type of ribs, your elevation, and your desired level of tenderness.

For tender ribs, it is recommended to cook spare ribs in the instant pot for 30 minutes. If you are looking for fall-off-the-bone tender ribs, you can increase the pressure cooking time to 38 minutes for stovetop pressure cookers or 45 minutes for instant pots or other electric pressure cookers. For baby back ribs, which are smaller and less meaty than spare ribs, a cooking time of 25 minutes is generally recommended. However, if you prefer your ribs to be even more tender, you can cook them for up to 30 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your altitude. For low altitudes, use the lower cooking time, and for high altitudes, cook the ribs for a little longer. Additionally, the cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. If you prefer your ribs with a little bite to them, a shorter cooking time of around 25 minutes will suffice. However, if you prefer your ribs to be fall-off-the-bone tender, you should increase the cooking time to 30 minutes or more.

After pressure cooking the ribs, you can optionally brush them with BBQ sauce and broil them for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce. This step will add extra flavor and crispness to the ribs without significantly increasing the cooking time.

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Adding BBQ sauce

Once your ribs are cooked, you can add your favourite BBQ sauce. You can make your own sauce or buy it from the store. Brush the sauce onto the ribs generously. You can then place the ribs under the grill or in the oven for a few minutes to caramelise the sauce. This will make the sauce extra sweet and thick, and give the ribs a nice char and a crispy texture.

If you want to add some of the juices from the pot into the sauce, stir a quarter of a cup of the cooking liquid into the sauce before brushing it onto the ribs. This will add some extra flavour to your sauce.

If you want to add a dry rub to your ribs instead of BBQ sauce, skip the sauce and add more dry rub after pressure cooking.

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Serving suggestions

When it comes to serving suggestions for ribs cooked in an Instant Pot, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to brush the ribs with barbecue sauce after cooking, and some recipes suggest finishing them off under the grill or in the oven to add a crispy texture. You can also add an extra layer of sauce after grilling for added flavour.

For a classic summer barbecue taste, ribs can be served with a variety of sides, including coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, cornbread, and a cold beverage. For a heartier meal, mashed potatoes are also a good option. If you're serving a larger group, you can cook multiple racks of ribs in your Instant Pot, with one rack typically serving two people.

For an extra flavour boost, consider adding liquid smoke to your ribs before cooking. This adds a smoky flavour that you would normally only achieve through longer cooking methods, like actual smoking. You can also experiment with different types of ribs and sauces to find your preferred taste. For example, St. Louis-style ribs or baby back ribs are popular choices.

Finally, if you have any leftover ribs, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. To serve frozen ribs, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.

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Frequently asked questions

Cooking ribs in an instant pot takes around 30 minutes, though some recipes suggest 25 minutes, followed by a natural release of pressure for 15 minutes.

Baby back ribs are a popular choice, but spare ribs, St. Louis-style ribs, and Western ribs can also be used.

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, then season with a dry rub. The dry rub can be made with spices like chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, and cumin.

Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and place them under the broiler for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.

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