Tillie Doyle
Cooking spare ribs and veggies in an express pot is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. The express pot is perfect for cooking spare ribs because it locks in moisture and makes the meat tender in a short amount of time. The process involves seasoning the ribs with a dry rub, pressure cooking them, and then finishing them off in the oven or grill to caramelize the BBQ sauce. The entire meal, including the veggies, can be cooked in the express pot, making it a convenient and efficient way to prepare a tasty and tender rib dinner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ribs | Baby back ribs, Spare ribs |
| Type of cooker | Instant Pot, Pressure cooker |
| Ingredients | Spare ribs, BBQ sauce, BBQ dry rub, Water, Apple cider vinegar, Scallions |
| Steps | Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, Cut the slab into pieces, Season the ribs with BBQ dry rub, Pour water into the cooker, Stack the ribs, Pressure cook, Brush with BBQ sauce, Broil |
| Time | 23-45 minutes of cooking, 5-15 minutes of natural release, 2-3 minutes of broiling |
| Tips | Use liquid smoke for a meatier flavor, Use a steam rack, Use a trivet insert to elevate the ribs |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time for spare ribs
The cooking time for spare ribs in an express pot varies depending on the altitude and the type of ribs you are using. Spare ribs are larger, meatier, and fattier than baby back ribs and therefore take longer to cook.
For spare ribs, you should cook them on high pressure for 30 to 35 minutes. Then, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not vent the spare ribs immediately, as the tougher meat needs the full natural release to become tender.
After the pressure has been released, carefully remove the lid and transfer the ribs to a sheet pan. Brush both sides with BBQ sauce and place them under a preheated broiler for 2 to 5 minutes, until the sauce begins to caramelize.
If you are cooking at a high altitude, cook the spare ribs for a little longer and increase the cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes.
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$13.47 $19.95
Removing the membrane
First, identify if your spare ribs have a membrane. It is a thin, white, shiny connective tissue attached to the back (bone side) of the ribs. Some retailers sell ribs with the membranes already removed.
Now, to the removal process. Flip the ribs over, so the meat side is facing down. Take a dull knife, such as a butter knife, and carefully wiggle it between the membrane and the ribs to loosen the membrane. Once you have created some space, pinch the membrane between your fingers and slowly pull it off. It is important to be gentle and patient during this step to ensure you remove the membrane in its entirety.
If you are having trouble removing the membrane, there are a few techniques you can try. You can use a paper towel to grip the membrane and pull it off. Alternatively, you can score or cut the membrane with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut into the meat. This will help loosen its hold on the ribs and make it easier to peel off.
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Seasoning and dry rubs
When it comes to creating a dry rub for spare ribs, simplicity is key. A basic dry rub can be made with pantry staples such as chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne, which give the ribs a flavourful kick. You can also experiment with other spices and herbs, such as paprika, cumin, brown sugar, salt, and pepper, to create a sweet and savoury blend.
For a more complex flavour profile, you can try adding ingredients like smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, or mustard powder to your dry rub. These additional spices can enhance the savoury notes in the ribs and add depth to the dish. Playing around with different combinations of spices allows you to customise the flavour to your taste preferences.
It is recommended to apply the dry rub generously to the spare ribs, ensuring that both sides of the meat are well-coated. After applying the rub, it is a good idea to let the ribs rest for a brief period to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. This enhances the overall taste and helps to develop a richer flavour profile.
In addition to dry rubs, you can also incorporate liquid seasonings into your spare rib recipe. One popular option is liquid smoke, which adds a "meatier" flavour to the ribs without an overpowering smokiness. It is created by burning wood in a low-oxygen environment and distilling the resulting water vapour, resulting in a condensed form of wood smoke.
Another liquid seasoning that pairs well with spare ribs is apple cider vinegar. Adding a splash of vinegar to the water in your express pot can help to tenderise the meat and impart a subtle tanginess that complements the other flavours in the dish.
Lastly, don't forget the barbecue sauce! Slathering your spare ribs in a generous amount of BBQ sauce towards the end of the cooking process adds a sticky-sweet glaze that caramelises beautifully under the broiler. You can opt for a store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own homemade version to brush onto the ribs.
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Broiling the ribs
Broiling is an optional but recommended step in cooking spare ribs in the oven. It gives the ribs a nice finish, and the sauce becomes extra sweet and thick. The broiling process also lightly crisps the top of the ribs.
To broil your spare ribs, first, remove them from the instant pot by pulling out the trivet. Place the ribs on a sheet pan and brush both sides with BBQ sauce. You can also stick to just brushing one side with BBQ sauce if you prefer your ribs less sweet.
Set an oven rack about six inches away from the heat source and turn on the oven's broiler. Place the ribs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and begins to caramelize. Do not walk away from the ribs to ensure they don't burn.
Once the sauce has caramelized, remove the ribs from the oven and garnish them with sliced scallions. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side and enjoy!
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Sides and veggies
While spare ribs are cooking in your express pot, you can prepare some tasty sides and veggies to go with them. Here are some ideas:
Roasted Vegetables: Cut up some potatoes, carrots, onions, and other root vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned.
Grilled Vegetables: Cut up zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and onions into thick slices. Brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill them on a preheated grill over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are tender and have grill marks.
Steamed Broccoli: Cut broccoli into florets and steam them over boiling water for about 5 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp. You can also add other vegetables to the steamer, such as carrots or cauliflower.
Mashed Potatoes: Peel and chop potatoes into uniform-sized pieces. Boil them in salted water until they are tender, then drain them and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste, and mash them with a potato masher or electric mixer until they are light and fluffy.
Green Salad: Wash and chop some leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, or arugula. Chop up some cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots, and toss them together with the greens. Top with your favorite salad dressing and some croutons or nuts for crunch.
Baked Beans: While not exactly a vegetable, baked beans are a classic side dish for ribs. You can make your own by soaking dried beans overnight, then cooking them with onions, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and your favorite spices. Or, you can use canned baked beans and heat them up with some additional spices and a touch of maple syrup.
These sides and veggies will complement your juicy spare ribs and make for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Spare ribs should be cooked on high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes.
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Cut the slab into four pieces, between every third bone. Season the ribs with a dry rub or BBQ sauce.
Place a steam rack inside the express pot and pour water into the bottom of the pot. Place the veggies on the steam rack and pressure cook for 0-5 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable.
Brush both sides of the spare ribs with BBQ sauce and place under a preheated broiler for 2-5 minutes, until the sauce caramelizes.
