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Tender Instant Pot Ribs Recipe 5 Easy Steps for Rich BBQ Glaze

Instant Pot ribs - featured image

This recipe delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs cooked quickly in an Instant Pot with a rich, sticky BBQ glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, it combines smoky, sweet flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 pounds baby back or spare ribs, cut into sections
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Optional garnishes: fresh chopped parsley or green onions

Instructions

  1. Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs if attached; pat ribs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Rub this mixture generously all over the ribs.
  3. Pour 1 cup beef broth or water into the Instant Pot. Place the metal trivet inside the pot to keep ribs elevated above the liquid. Arrange rib sections standing upright or coiled around the trivet, packing snugly but not overcrowded.
  4. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
  5. While ribs cook, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl to make the glaze.
  6. Remove ribs carefully and place on a baking sheet or foil-lined tray. Brush generously with the BBQ glaze.
  7. Optional: Broil ribs for 3-5 minutes until glaze bubbles and darkens slightly, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Let ribs rest a few minutes, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve.

Notes

Remove the silver skin membrane for tender ribs. Use the trivet to keep ribs elevated above liquid. Natural pressure release helps keep ribs juicy. Broiling is optional for caramelizing the glaze but watch closely to avoid burning. Adjust cooking time if ribs are not tender enough by pressure cooking an additional 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot ribs, BBQ ribs, pressure cooker ribs, tender ribs, quick ribs recipe, fall-off-the-bone ribs, easy ribs, rich BBQ glaze