Looking to have great tasting ribs in a fraction of the time? With only a 30 minute cook time, this delicious Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs recipe is for you!
Over the past year smoking meats has been my jam. I bought my Bradley electric smoker and Traeger pellet grill and love them both. But it takes time to make good BBQ, right? Not true! This simple 30 minute Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs recipe may change your mind on how long good BBQ baby back ribs take.
This recipe has 2 key components: the Instant Pot and the baby back ribs dry rub. The Instant Pot pressure cooks the ribs in only 3o minutes. The baby back ribs dry rub adds the flavor.
HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT BABY BACK RIBS
The first step to this awesome Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs recipe is to prepare the ribs. Trim the visible fat down to 1/4 inch using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Next pat the ribs dry using paper towels.
Next up is the baby back ribs dry rub. I adapted my recipe from this ridiculously tasty Food Network recipe. First up is to grind up the Turbinado sugar with a few pulses in a blender or coffee grinder. Then all you do is combine the rest of the ingredients together. I love to make a double batch. I keep it on hand at all times for pork, chicken, and beef. It’s super versatile.
Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon of the baby back ribs dry rub on one side of the ribs. I love to use disposable gloves to work the rub in and keep everything sanitary. After the rub is worked into the meat, use a food brush to spread 1/2 tablespoon of plain old yellow mustard on the ribs. The mustard helps seal in the rub. Flip over the ribs and repeat the baby back ribs dry rub and mustard.
Cut the ribs into 4 even pieces. You can also leave the rack whole at this point if you like. Next you have a choice. You can move onto cooking or you can wrap the ribs in plastic wrap and let them marinate. Marinating the ribs for 8-24 hours adds a TON of flavor. If you have the time available, I highly recommend letting the dry rub do its magic.
Next whip out your Instant Pot and get to cooking. The Instant Pot only works if there is liquid in it. So pour in 1/2 cup apple juice and 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar. Optionally, you can add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke. Place the Instant Pot steamer rack in the bottom.
Place the 4 rib sections in the Instant Pot making sure there is no overlap. If you left the rack whole, you can wrap the ribs around the Instant Pot. Seal the Instant Pot and cook for 30 minutes on high pressure.
Preheat your oven to broil. After the 30 minute cook time is over, do a 10 minute natural release to give the ribs time to absorb the natural juices. Take out your perfectly cooked ribs. Brush or mop each side with your favorite BBQ sauce. Sprinkle Turbinado Sugar on the top of each piece. The caramelized sugar adds an extra pop to the finished product. Broil for 5-10 minutes. Pull out of the oven, add extra sauce if you would like and ENJOY!
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe
- 1 Cup turbinado sugar
- 1/2 Cup white sugar
- 1/2 Cup course kosher salt
- 2 Tablespoons onion powder
- 3 Tablespoons granulated garlic
- 1/2 Teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 Teaspoons ground white pepper
- 2 Teaspoons ground mustard
- 4 Tablespoons chili powder
- 2 Teaspoons ground cumin
- 6 Tablespoons hot smoked paprika
- 1 Rack baby back ribs
- 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 Cup apple Juice
- 1/2 Cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 Teaspoon liquid smoke Optional
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Trim visible fat on ribs to 1/4 inch.
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Pat ribs dry with paper towel.
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Rub 1/2 tablespoons dry rub on top side. Brush on 1/2 tablespoon yellow mustard. Repeat on bottom side.
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Cut ribs into 4 sections.
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Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest for 8-24 hours.
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Add 1/2 cup each of apple juice and apple cider vinegar to bottom of Instant Pot. Add 1 teaspoon (optional) of liquid smoke as well.
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Place Instant Pot steamer rack in bottom of Instant Pot. Place the 4 rib sections around the Instant Pot making sure there is no overlap.
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Seal Instant Pot. Cook for 30 minutes on high pressure.
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Preheat oven to broil.
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Once 30 minute timer is done, do 10 minute natural release.
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Remove ribs from Instant Pot. Brush or mop on BBQ sauce. Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top.
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Place under broiler for 5-10 minutes. Remove from oven.
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Add extra sauce if desired.
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Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Food Network
And if you’re looking for more easy Instant Pot recipes, try these Thai-Inspired Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe, this Instant Pot Rice Pudding recipe, Loaded Low Carb Cauliflower Soup, or you can make Instant Pot Iced Tea.
This Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs recipe is an awesome weeknight meal when you don’t have the time for traditional smoked ribs or if the weather isn’t the best for smoking. It’s definitely been added to our weeknight rotation.
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