Fall-off-the-Bone Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

Previous Next

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings:

• cup brown sugar
• cup chili powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 small or medium racks baby back ribs, membranes removed
• 1 cup water
• cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 (12 ounce) bottle barbecue sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray's)

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, chili powder, parsley, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, cumin, onion powder, and smoked paprika using a fork. Break up any large clumps in the mixture.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
4. Place a steam rack inside a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot). Pour water and apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the pot.
5. Carefully lower the ribs into the pot, curving them around the edge.
6. Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker. Select high pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions and set the timer for 25 minutes. Allow 10-15 minutes for the pressure to build up.
7. Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will take about 5 minutes.
8. Unlock and remove the lid of the pressure cooker.
9. Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the ovens broiler.
10. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the ribs on top.
11. Generously brush the ribs with barbecue sauce.
12. Broil the ribs in the oven until the sauce is bubbling, about 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
13. Serve the ribs hot, and enjoy your delicious, tender baby back ribs!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of barbecue sauce. The actual amount consumed may vary based on how much sauce is used.

Nutrient	Amount per serving	% Daily Value
Calories	415	-
Total Fat	23g	29%
Saturated Fat	8g	42%
Cholesterol	88mg	29%
Sodium	1175mg	51%
Total Carbohydrate	33g	12%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Total Sugars	25g	-
Protein	19g	38%
Vitamin C	4mg	4%
Calcium	76mg	6%
Iron	3mg	14%
Potassium	469mg	10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of the Dish

Ribs are a popular American comfort food, particularly cherished in Southern and BBQ cuisine. The "fall-off-the-bone" style is a favorite because it emphasizes the tender, succulent meat that practically melts in your mouth. Historically, ribs were cooked slowly over open flames or in smokers, a method that required patience and time. However, with the rise of modern kitchen appliances like the Instant Pot, this once time-consuming dish has been transformed into a quick, easy-to-make meal without sacrificing flavor or tenderness.

Regional Features

While ribs are universally enjoyed across the United States, regional variations abound, especially in terms of seasoning and cooking methods. In the South, youll find a variety of dry rubs, often featuring paprika, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar, that enhance the natural flavors of the meat. In the Midwest, sweet barbecue sauces dominate, with flavors that range from tangy vinegar-based sauces to rich, molasses-heavy ones. This recipe, while influenced by these regional flavors, can be customized with your favorite spice rubs and sauces, making it adaptable to various tastes.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes?

This Instant Pot rib recipe stands out because it achieves the "fall-off-the-bone" tenderness in under an hour, a far cry from the traditional methods that can take several hours. Unlike other recipes that require grilling or smoking, the Instant Pot allows for quick pressure cooking, which locks in the moisture and flavor. Furthermore, the combination of apple cider vinegar and water at the bottom of the pot not only ensures tenderness but also adds a subtle tanginess that complements the rich, smoky flavors of the ribs. While other recipes might emphasize either the rub or the sauce, this one blends both, creating a balance of spice, sweetness, and savory depth.

Where is It Typically Served?

These Instant Pot ribs are often served in casual settings such as family dinners, BBQ parties, or tailgating events. Their versatility allows them to be paired with a variety of side dishes, from classic coleslaw and cornbread to mashed potatoes and baked beans. Given their ease of preparation, they're an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings when time is limited but deliciousness is a must. They are also a popular option for holiday meals like Memorial Day, Labor Day, or the Fourth of July, when grilling is a must, but you can take a shortcut and still wow your guests.

Interesting Facts

• Although ribs have been enjoyed for centuries, pressure cooking is a relatively recent technique, and the Instant Pot has revolutionized how we prepare traditionally slow-cooked dishes like ribs.
• Ribs are often categorized by their cut: Baby back ribs (from the top of the rib cage) and spare ribs (from the belly area) are the two most common varieties. Baby back ribs are leaner and tender, making them ideal for this recipe.
• Some BBQ purists argue that true ribs should always be smoked, but the Instant Pot method offers a fantastic compromise for those craving tender ribs in a fraction of the time.
• The combination of apple cider vinegar and water used in the Instant Pot helps break down the connective tissue in the ribs, making them incredibly tender while maintaining a juicy texture.
• While this recipe calls for a broiler to finish the ribs, grilling is an equally popular method to add a crispy finish to the tender meat.

Conclusion

Whether youre an experienced cook or a beginner, this fall-off-the-bone Instant Pot ribs recipe is a game-changer. It allows you to recreate a traditionally slow-cooked dish in a fraction of the time, making it the perfect addition to your busy weeknight dinner repertoire. With its rich flavors, tenderness, and versatility, its bound to become a family favorite in no time.

FAQ about Fall-off-the-Bone Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

Comments