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Tender Instant Pot Fall-Off-Bone Ribs Recipe Perfect in 30 Minutes

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This recipe delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs in just 30 minutes using an Instant Pot, finished with a flavorful barbecue glaze and optional broil for a caramelized crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 pounds baby back ribs or spare ribs, trimmed and cut into sections
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and remove the silver skin membrane from the back if not already done.
  2. Cut the ribs into sections that fit comfortably in your Instant Pot.
  3. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to make the dry rub.
  4. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, pressing gently to cover every inch.
  5. Pour water or chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Add apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, then stir.
  6. Stand the rib sections on their side inside the pot, stacking if needed but avoid overcrowding.
  7. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
  8. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  9. Remove ribs carefully with tongs and place on a lined baking sheet. Brush generously with barbecue sauce.
  10. Optional: Broil ribs on high for 3-5 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and edges get crispy, watching closely to avoid burning.
  11. Let ribs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Remove the membrane from ribs for tenderness. Use natural pressure release for juicy ribs. Broiling is optional but adds a caramelized glaze. Avoid overcrowding ribs in the Instant Pot for even cooking. Adjust pressure cooking time for rib thickness (20-30 minutes).

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot ribs, fall off the bone ribs, quick ribs recipe, pressure cooker ribs, barbecue ribs, easy dinner, weeknight ribs