Name: Instant Pot BBQ Ribs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 3 ½-4 pounds ribs ( beef or pork ribs - I used beef short ribs); 1 cup beef broth; 1 tablespoon seasoning; 1 tablespoon seasoning; 1 cup BBQ sauce (Homemade BBQ sauce recipe HERE!)

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Cooking BBQ ribs in an Instant Pot has been a game-changer for me! With significantly reduced cooking times and marvelously consistent results, the Instant Pot has simplified what once seemed daunting. Now, I achieve tender, smoky BBQ ribs that delight my family every time without lengthy preparations and guesswork that grilling or oven methods demand.

Tender BBQ ribs in the Instant Pot

Instant Pot BBQ ribs drastically reduce cooking time while delivering consistent, mouth-watering results. This easy BBQ ribs recipe ensures hassle-free preparation, making it possible to enjoy a smoky BBQ meal any day of the week because pressure cooking promises fall-off-the-bone tender meat!

Measurements can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Ingredients

Ribs – The star of your meal, choose quality cuts for the best results.
Beef broth – The flavorful and necessary liquid for pressure cooking this recipe in the Instant Pot.
Dry rub – A mix of soulful seasonings and spices that adds deep flavors and aromas, enhanced by pressure cooking. See the recipe card below for a homemade dry rub seasoning recipe.
BBQ Sauce – Use your favorite or a homemade blend for that authentic BBQ taste.

Why you need seasoning and sauce for BBQ ribs

It’s often asked whether to season ribs or use BBQ sauce. The best way to do it is to use seasonings as a dry rub for the ribs to infuse flavor into the tougher meat. Then, use the BBQ sauce to add a sweet, smoky flavor.

So, the process is to first season the ribs and then add the sauce to the meat.

How to make ribs in the Instant Pot

The quick ribs recipe, melding smoky BBQ ribs with tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection, makes for an Instant Pot favorite. With the right dry rub, homemade BBQ sauce, and precise cooking time, the journey to rib heaven is easy and guaranteed. It’s as simple as one pot—straight to the plate!

Step-by-step guided instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Begin by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure they absorb the maximum flavor from the dry rub and become wonderfully tender during cooking.
Generously apply the dry rub over both sides of the ribs, ensuring every inch is well-coated.
Then, brush on the BBQ sauce for that classic sweet, sticky, smoky BBQ flavor that defines a perfect rib experience.
Place the ribs into the Instant Pot, ensuring they circle the pot’s interior for a rack of ribs. Short ribs can be placed at the bottom of the pot.
Add the broth to the inner pot, move the Instant Pot valve up, if applicable, and pressure cook.
Allow the pressure to release when the cooking time is finished.
Brush the tender ribs with more BBQ sauce for that final touch of smoky sweetness.
Air fry the ribs or broil them for a crispy exterior after slathering on more BBQ for an irresistible char!

Watch the recipe video with key moments.

How long does it take to cook ribs in the Instant Pot?

Unlike traditional methods that require more than two hours to bake ribs, it only takes 20 minutes to pressure cook them in the Instant Pot!

The best part? Instant Pot appliance cooking times are generally spot on, so there’s no need to overthink the process. Just drop the ribs in the pot and lock! You’ll know they’re done when the chimer goes off, and then you can allow a natural pressure release.

Which way should ribs face in the Instant Pot?

If you use a large rack of ribs, arrange them to circle the inside of the inner pot. Place short ribs in the bottom of the pot as usual. Either side of the rib can face up in the Instant Pot.

Achieving tender ribs in the Instant Pot

Pressure cooking is ideal for penetrating tough meat and making it fall off the bone tender. It’s the perfect method for cooking ribs because they generally have tougher meat.

Are ribs better in the oven or Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot method is best because pressure cooking allows the meat to cook quicker and more controlled. Your ribs are less likely to overcook in the Instant Pot, and the meat will be tender.

You’ll still achieve the same flavor, texture, and taste as if you baked the ribs or used the grill. However, you won’t need charcoal or lots of sweltering oven heat!

Are ribs better in the oven or Instant Pot? — Here I am with my Instant Pot tender BBQ ribs.

Easy sides to serve with quick BBQ ribs

Sides such as Instant Pot cabbage, Instant Pot baked beans, and Instant Pot mac and cheese are simple and quick to make and enhance a BBQ ribs meal.