These Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs deliver that perfect combination of tender meat, bold flavor, and just the right amount of char. Whether you prefer your ribs dry-rubbed with an irresistible spice blend or coated in a luscious and sticky homemade barbecue sauce, this recipe has you covered.
(Originally posted on January 9, 2019; Updated on January 9, 2025.)
My love for ribs runs deep, but I usually gravitate toward saucy ribs like most people. However, during a season when I cut out sugar, I was inspired to create a dry rub that could stand on its own. Trust me, these sugar-free dry-rub ribs are so flavorful that you won’t even miss the sauce. But don’t worry, if you’re a sauce enthusiast, you’ll also find instructions for a rich, made-from-scratch barbecue sauce to satisfy your cravings.
Cooking ribs in the Instant Pot is a game-changer. It cuts down on cooking time while delivering fall-off-the-bone results. A quick finish under the broiler gives them that smoky, charred exterior we all love.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Tender Results: The Instant Pot dramatically reduces cooking time while making the ribs tender and juicy.
- Flavorful Dry Rub: The spice blend enhances the natural flavor of the ribs without relying on sugar.
- Customizable Options: Choose between sugar-free dry rub ribs or saucy ribs with a homemade barbecue sauce.
- Perfect Finishing Touch: Broiling the ribs after pressure cooking adds a caramelized char that takes them to the next level.
- Sugar-Free Option: Perfect for low-carb and keto lifestyles without sacrificing flavor.
- Homemade Barbecue Sauce: Includes a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce made from scratch.
- Aromatic Cooking Liquid: Apple cider in the Instant Pot adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Dry Rib Rub
- Sea Salt (4 tsp.): Enhances the overall flavor.
- Black Pepper (2 tsp.): Adds a mild heat and earthy note.
- Garlic Powder (½ tsp.): Brings a savory undertone.
- Onion Powder (½ tsp.): Complements the garlic for a deeper flavor.
- Allspice (½ tsp.): Adds warm, aromatic notes.
- Chili Powder (½ tsp.): Adds a hint of smokiness.
- Ground Cinnamon (⅛ tsp.): Provides a subtle, unexpected warmth.
- Baby Back Ribs (2 racks): The star of the dish.
- Apple Cider (1 cup): Creates a slightly sweet steaming liquid.
Homemade Barbecue Sauce
- Ketchup (1 cup): Base for the sauce.
- Dark Brown Sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Molasses (⅓ cup): Rich and slightly bitter undertones.
- Apricot Preserves (¼ cup): Provides a fruity sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard (3 Tbsp.): Adds tangy sharpness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (2 Tbsp.): Balances the sweetness with acidity.
- Vegetable Oil (2 Tbsp.): Creates a smooth consistency.
- Minced Garlic (1 tsp.): Adds a bold flavor.
- Chili Powder (2 tsp.): Boosts smokiness.
- Black Pepper (½ tsp.): Adds mild heat.
- Hot Sauce (1 Tbsp.): Provides a spicy kick.
- Ground Cloves (¼ tsp.): Adds warmth.
- Ground Allspice (¼ tsp.): Enhances complexity.
- Sea Salt (½ tsp.): Balances all flavors.
How to Make Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
And this is the AMAZING Result
Expert Tips
- Remove the Silver Membrane: This step is essential for tender, flavorful ribs. Use a knife to lift the edge and peel it away. Removing the silver membrane allows the ribs to absorb more flavor, become more tender, and make the ribs easier to cut and eat.
- Season Generously: Rub the spice blend onto both sides of the ribs for maximum flavor.
- Use a Trivet: Keeps the ribs elevated above the apple cider for even cooking.
- Natural Pressure Release: Prevents the meat from toughening by allowing the pressure to release gradually. According to this article by The Kitchn, you should use a natural release when cooking meat.
- Watch the Broiler: Keep a close eye on the ribs while broiling to prevent burning.
- For Extra Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the apple cider.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ribs? No. They will not fit in the Instant Pot. You can see in the process shots above that both racks of ribs are curled to fit inside the pot, which is not possible with frozen ribs. If you have frozen ribs, you must take the time to thaw them. This article from LiveStrong.com has information on thawing frozen ribs quickly.
Are these beef or pork ribs? Anytime you see “baby back ribs,” it refers to pork. This article from Spices Inc. is a great reference for information on different kinds of ribs.
Do you use apple cider or apple cider vinegar? Apple cider, not apple cider vinegar. Our grocery store carries it year-round. We find it near the OJ.
Can I substitute something else for the apple cider? Apple juice, water, or broth would work. For a little extra flavor, you can also add a teaspoon of liquid smoke.
How long will it take to do a natural pressure release? Times can vary. It typically takes about 20-30 minutes.
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Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs: Dry-Rubbed or Saucy
Ingredients
Dry Rub Ribs
- 4 tsp. sea salt
- 2 tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. all spice
- ½ tsp. chili powder
- ⅛ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1 cup apple cider
Homemade Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ⅓ cup molasses
- ¼ cup apricot preserves
- 3 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 tsp. garlic minced
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. hot sauce
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- ¼ tsp. ground allspice
- ½ tsp. sea salt
Instructions
For Dry Rub Ribs
- Combine all spices in a small bowl.
- Remove the silver membrane from the ribs.
- Liberally season both sides of the ribs with the spice blend and rub it into the meat and bones.
- Add 1 cup of apple cider and a trivet to the Instant Pot.
- Place the ribs on the trivet. Lock the lid and set to high pressure for 22 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release (approximately 25 minutes).
- Using two pairs of tongs, transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and broil each side on high for 5-7 minutes until charred to your liking.
For Saucy Ribs
- Prepare the barbecue sauce: Combine all ingredients (except salt) in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool. Season with salt to taste.
- Follow steps 1-6 for dry rub ribs.
- Using two pairs of tongs, transfer the ribs to a baking sheet. Brush barbecue sauce on the bone side of the ribs, place the tray on the lowest rack in the oven, and broil on high for 5 minutes.
- Flip, sauce the meaty side, and broil for an additional 5 minutes.
Video
Notes
Expert Tips
- Remove the Silver Membrane: This step is essential for tender, flavorful ribs. Use a knife to lift the edge and peel it away. Removing the silver membrane allows the ribs to absorb more flavor, become more tender, and make the ribs easier to cut and eat.
- Season Generously: Rub the spice blend onto both sides of the ribs for maximum flavor.
- Use a Trivet: Keeps the ribs elevated above the apple cider for even cooking.
- Natural Pressure Release: Prevents the meat from toughening by allowing the pressure to release gradually. According to this article by The Kitchn, you should use a natural release when cooking meat.
- Watch the Broiler: Keep a close eye on the ribs while broiling to prevent burning.
- For Extra Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the apple cider.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ribs? No. They will not fit in the Instant Pot. You can see in the process shots above that both racks of ribs are curled to fit inside the pot, which is not possible with frozen ribs. If you have frozen ribs, you must take the time to thaw them. This article from LiveStrong.com has information on thawing frozen ribs quickly. Are these beef or pork ribs? Anytime you see “baby back ribs,” it refers to pork. This article from Spices Inc. is a great reference for information on different kinds of ribs. Do you use apple cider or apple cider vinegar? Apple cider, not apple cider vinegar. Our grocery store carries it year-round. We find it near the OJ. Can I substitute something else for the apple cider? Apple juice, water, or broth would work. For a little extra flavor, you can also add a teaspoon of liquid smoke. How long will it take to do a natural pressure release? Times can vary. It typically takes about 20-30 minutes.Nutrition
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Erin
These ribs are pretty amazing! They were falling apart when I removed the from the IP. Broiling to caramelize them in the oven is key and the flavor was restaurant quality. I doubled the garlic and onion powder. Flavor is reminiscent of Chinese 5 Spice. I bet that would be pretty great on them, too! This is my first recipe from The Foodie Eats and no I'm looking at all of the other Whole30 recipes. Keep up the great work!
Josie
Made these tonight and it was a hit! Only made one rack. Cooked 20 min and they were falling off the bone, tender, and juicy. Next time, I will reduce a minute or two and maybe increase the salt a bit. Please give these yummy ribs a try. You won’t be sorry.
Gary
Glad they were a hit!
Judy
What kind of ribs did you use? Beef or Pork? Thanks.
Gary
Anytime you see "baby back ribs" it's referring to pork. 🙂
Judy
Thanks so much- I did not know that. These are on my list to make. Appreciate you getting back with me.
Gary
You're welcome! 🙂
Rana
Was it apple cider or apple cider vinegar?
Gary
Apple cider, not apple cider vinegar. Our grocery store carries it year round. We find it near the OJ.
Debbie Rawls
I cooked these for my hubby's birthday and they're amazing, he loved them. Was so happy to see I could use my IP to make these in a short time but taste like they was slow cooked on the grill. Thank you!
Gary
Glad they were a hit!
Nilda
FANTASTIC !!!!!!!
My family loved them.
Thank you for sharing recipe.
Nilda Sierra from San Antonio, Texas
TK
I want to try these. Is there a substitute that would work instead of the apple cider!!
Gary
Apple juice, water or broth would work.
Rebecca
I used beef baby back ribs instead of pork and they were amazing. Had the taste of shirt ribs once they were finished. I did add bbq sauce on them before I placed them under the broiler. Definitely delicious!!!
Jack Hilton
Can you substitute something for thr apple cider, like apple juice?
Also, how much longer on cooking time if the ribs are frozen?
Gary White
You can certainly sub apple juice. But I'm not sure how you're gonna fit frozen ribs in an Instant Pot.
Cathy Cameron
I've made these before. Fantastic! Fall off the bone tender. Making them again tonight for New Years Day dinner. YUM!!
Susan mesa
This was so simple to make. I had ribs thawed to try them in the Instantpot after a friend inspired me to try her recipe but it was a weeknight so I wanted it to be easy and I found this. The ribs came out perfectly and it was so quick! Since I decided to try this last minute, I used the suggested substitution of broth for the cider. It smelled fabulous and they were delicious!
Christy W
My family has been eating without sugar and processed foods for sometimes. We know just how fantastic it is and how healthy we feel. But I have to say, this recipe was really surprising. We just couldn't imagine a great set of baby back ribs without sauce. Well, you did it. This recipe is fantastic and will be cooked regularly in my household for years to come. Now I need to stock up on ribs. Thank You!
Denise
Absolutely, delicious. Made them last night. My boyfriend was so happy. He can’t wait for the leftovers today.
The hard part is trying to get the silver lining/skin thing off the back.
Lynne Croy
I seen a great tip. Put your finger under the silver halfway along side of ribs all the way across then simply pull it from middle to each end!
Lauren Sanders
Perfection!! A favorite among family and friends!!
Matthew Disalvatore
Yummy!! This is my 3rd recipe from The Foodie Eats. My favorite cooking blog now. Every recipe is fantastic and simple to follow. These ribs fall right off the bone and the flavor is amazing. Looking forward to following for more recipes.
Ron Madara
Liquid smoke is key to getting that BBQ flavor.
Darby
I have two trivets for my Instant Pot. If I doubled the recipe and curled half the ribs on the bottom trivet,
then the other half on the top trivet, would that work? Would I need to increase time or apple cider?
Thank you!.
Gary White
We've never tried doubling it, so it would be difficult to advise on this.
Stephanie
I double it every time. I put both racks in one trivet and use the same time. Just curl one and curl the other rack on the other side.
Toni
I tried this cooking method tonight. My husband and I have tried so many ways to cook ribs. This was the best one. Ribs were super tender and oh so good. Thank you for sharing your talent. Will certainly make again.
SharonJ
These were the best I’ve ever made! Great recipe
Stacy
Wow! Great spice combo and I loved that it wasn't sweetened with sugar! Will definitely make this again!