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–+ servings
Instant Pot BBQ Ribs. One piece being held up over a cast iron skillet.
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5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot BBQ Ribs

4 ingredients is all you need for this tender and juicy ribs recipe and the instant pot cooks them fall off the bone tender in 35 minutes!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Broiler3 minutes
Total Time43 minutes
Course: Appetizer, lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern recipes
Keyword: baby back ribs recipe, bbq baby back ribs, bbq ribs, bbq spare ribs, easy instant pot ribs, game day bbq ribs, game day instant pot bbq ribs, how long to cook ribs in the instant pot, how to cook ribs in the instant pot, instant pot bbq recipe, instant pot bbq ribs, instant pot ribs, instant pot ribs appetizer, quick instant pot ribs, quick ribs recipe, ribs appetizer, spare ribs
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs spare ribs or baby back ribs cut in small pieces
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • meat tenderizer, seasoned this will be used liberally
  • 1/2 cup bbq sauce use your favorite brand
  • green onions chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • On a cutting board, lay all the ribs in a single layer.
  • Sprinkle with the seasoned meat tenderizer liberally on both sides.
  • With a fork, prick each of the ribs a few times. As you are doing this, the fork will push some of the tenderizer into the meat.
  • Add water and apple cider vinegar to the instant pot.
  • Place the trivet in the instant pot.
  • Now add the seasoned ribs.
  • Cover and seal the Instant Pot.
    For spare ribs: Cook on high for 35 minutes. Allow the pressure to naturally release completely (about 15 to 20 minutes). When the pin drops, it is ready to open.
    For baby back ribs: Cook on high pressure for 23 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then vent to release the rest of the pressure. Wait til the pin drops to open.
    If you are stacking the ribs, add two minutes to cooking time.
  • Once ribs are done and pressure is done releasing, place in either a baking pan or a cast iron skillet. Make sure to place in a single layer.
  • Set your oven to broil on high.
  • Brush the ribs with the barbecue sauce thoroughly.
  • Once oven is hot, I give mine 5 minutes, place the ribs on the highest rack and broil for 3 minutes or until the ribs get some good color and the barbecue sauce is caramelized.
  • Top with minced green onions and enjoy!

Video