Master the Art of Instant Pot BBQ Ribs

The tantalizing aroma of barbecue wafting through the air, the sizzle of ribs on the grill, and the anticipation of that first tender, smoky bite – these are the hallmarks of a classic barbecue feast. But what if we told you that you can achieve that same mouthwatering barbecue experience without firing up the grill? Welcome to the world of Instant Pot BBQ Ribs, where deliciously tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are just a pressure cooker away.

What is BBQ Ribs?

BBQ ribs, short for barbecue ribs, are a beloved and iconic dish in the world of barbecue and American cuisine. They consist of pork or beef ribs that are seasoned, slow-cooked, and then slathered in barbecue sauce to create a flavorful and tender meal. BBQ ribs are known for their smoky, sweet, tangy, and savory flavor profile, making them a favorite at cookouts, picnics, and barbecues.

Types of Ribs:

Pork Ribs: The most common choice for BBQ ribs. Baby back ribs and spare ribs are two popular cuts.
Beef Ribs: Less common than pork, but still enjoyed for their hearty flavor.

Seasoning and Rubs:

Ribs are typically seasoned with a dry rub or spice blend before cooking. This rub can include ingredients like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and various spices. It adds flavor and forms a flavorful crust during cooking.

.BBQ Sauce

A crucial element of BBQ ribs is the sauce. There are various styles of barbecue sauce, such as sweet and tangy Kansas City-style, spicy and vinegar-based Carolina-style, or smoky and tomato-based Texas-style. The sauce is typically applied during the final stages of cooking to create a sticky, flavorful glaze.

Texture and Tenderness:

The hallmark of great BBQ ribs is tenderness. Ribs should be cooked until they are tender and can easily be pulled apart. Achieving this level of tenderness is the result of slow and low cooking.

How to Make the Best Instant Pot BBQ Ribs

Instant Pot BBQ Ribs Recipe

Recipe by Ethan HarrisCourse: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Moderate

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

386

kcal

The easiest and quickest BBQ ribs made right in your pressure cooker! So saucy, sticky, and tender, it just falls off-the-bone!

Ingredients

• 1 or 2 racks of pork baby back ribs

• Your favorite BBQ rub or seasoning

• 1 cup of water or broth

• 1 cup of BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)

• Olive oil for searing (optional)

Directions

• Prep the Ribs:
  Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat effectively.
  Season the ribs generously with your chosen BBQ rub or seasoning. Make sure to coat both sides.
• Searing (Optional):
  For an extra layer of flavor, you can sear the ribs in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Heat some olive oil, and brown the ribs on all sides. This step is optional but highly recommended for added depth of flavor.
• Pressure Cooking:
  Place a trivet or a steaming rack in the Instant Pot and add the water or broth.
  If you like, you can scatter chopped onions and minced garlic in the liquid for added flavor.
  Arrange the seasoned ribs on the trivet, standing them on their sides. If you have two racks of ribs, you can create a layer by coiling them.
  Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the vent is sealed. Cook on high pressure for about 25-30 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the ribs.
• Natural Release:
  After the cooking cycle is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. This helps the ribs become more tender.
• Finish with BBQ Sauce:
  Preheat your oven’s broiler.
  Carefully transfer the cooked ribs to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  Brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce over the ribs, making sure they are well-coated.
  Place the ribs under the broiler in the oven for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as this step is just to caramelize the sauce and form a tantalizing glaze.
• Serve and Enjoy:
  Remove the ribs from the oven, slice them between the bones, and serve. These succulent Instant Pot BBQ ribs are ready to be enjoyed.

Nutritional Benefits of Pork Ribs

High-Quality Protein: Pork ribs are a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall health. Protein is also satiating, helping you feel full and satisfied.

Essential Nutrients: B Vitamins: Pork ribs provide essential B vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin). These vitamins play vital roles in energy metabolism, nerve function, and red blood cell production.
Minerals: Pork ribs contain important minerals such as zinc, phosphorus, and selenium. Zinc is essential for immune function and wound healing, while phosphorus and selenium are important for bone health and antioxidant protection.

Healthy Fats: While pork ribs do contain fat, it’s worth noting that pork fat contains a mix of monounsaturated and saturated fats. In moderation, these fats are part of a balanced diet and provide a source of long-lasting energy.

Source of Iron: Pork ribs contain heme iron, which is a highly absorbable form of iron. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen in the blood and preventing anemia.