Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

Pork ribs: The star of the dish, these should be fresh and meaty for the best results.

Bbq sauce: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the ribs. Choose your favorite brand or make your own.

Water: Necessary for creating steam in the Instant Pot, which helps cook the ribs evenly.

Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and vibrant color to the ribs.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning mix.

When seasoning the ribs, make sure to rub the paprika, salt, and black pepper thoroughly into the meat. This ensures that the flavors penetrate deeply, enhancing the taste. Additionally, after the pressure cooking process, you can finish the ribs under a broiler for a few minutes to caramelize the bbq sauce and achieve a delightful, slightly charred texture.

• pork ribs - Substitute with beef ribs: Beef ribs can provide a similar texture and flavor profile, though they may be slightly richer and require a bit more cooking time.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory alternative, giving the ribs an Asian-inspired twist.

• water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more depth of flavor compared to plain water, enhancing the overall taste of the ribs.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder provides a similar smoky flavor with a bit more heat, adding a different dimension to the seasoning.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can replace salt while adding a rich umami flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity to avoid over-salting.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder, slightly different heat and can be used as a direct substitute for black pepper.

• Allow the ribs to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy meat.
• For short-term storage, place the cooled ribs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you plan to freeze the ribs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, use a vacuum sealer for optimal freshness.
• Label the package with the date to keep track of storage time. Frozen ribs can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
• To reheat refrigerated ribs, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ribs on a baking sheet, cover with aluminum foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• For reheating frozen ribs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated ribs.
• If you prefer a quicker reheating method, use the microwave. Place the ribs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals until hot.
• For an extra burst of flavor, brush the ribs with additional bbq sauce before reheating. This will keep them moist and enhance their taste.
• Always check the internal temperature of the reheated ribs to ensure they reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. Wrap the leftover ribs in aluminum foil to keep them moist.
  3. Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. For an extra touch, brush with additional bbq sauce and broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the ribs on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If needed, add a bit more bbq sauce and microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of water or bbq sauce to the skillet to create steam.
  3. Place the ribs in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the ribs are heated through.

• Instant Pot Method:

  1. Place a trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
  2. Add 1 cup of water to the pot.
  3. Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and place them on the trivet.
  4. Set the Instant Pot to 'Steam' mode for 5 minutes.
  5. Perform a quick release and carefully remove the ribs.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through, until the ribs are hot and slightly crispy.
  4. Optionally, brush with more bbq sauce and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes.

• Instant Pot: An electric pressure cooker that will cook the ribs quickly and efficiently.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the water and bbq sauce accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the paprika, salt, and black pepper precisely.

• Tongs: Handy for placing the ribs into the Instant Pot and removing them once cooked.

• Basting brush: Useful for brushing additional bbq sauce onto the ribs after cooking.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for seasoning the ribs.

• Knife: Used to cut the ribs into portions if necessary before cooking.

• Serving platter: Ideal for presenting the ribs once they are cooked and sauced.

Pre-season the ribs: Season the pork ribs the night before and store them in the fridge to save time on prep day.

Use a liner: Place a silicone liner in the Instant Pot for easy cleanup.

Quick release trick: Use a wooden spoon to safely perform the quick release without getting too close to the steam.

Double the batch: Cook extra ribs and freeze them for a quick meal later.

Pre-mix the sauce: Combine the bbq sauce and water ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.