These Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs are perfectly tender, with an irresistibly flavorful spice blend. Make them with a dry rub for a delicious, no sugar option that is full of flavor and perfect on it's own. Can't imagine ribs without sauce? We've got instructions for making saucy ribs too- including the perfect made from-scratch barbecue sauce!
Originally posted January 9, 2019; Updated tips and FAQ’s on April 7, 2020.
I don't usually eat my ribs without sauce. Really almost never. But every now and then we give up sugar in our diets for short seasons, like now. So I decided to develop a seasoning blend that would make ribs tasty even without the sugar. Not sure if you're aware or not, but pretty much every rib rub and sauce is packed full of sugar! Well, this Instant Pot baby back ribs recipe leaves out the sugar but remains interesting enough to be delicious without the sauce. At least I think so. But, if you're looking for ribs with sauce, we've got you covered too! Below you'll find the recipe for the perfect dry rub ribs, saucy ribs, and even the perfect homemade barbecue sauce.
Why this recipe works:
- Cooking ribs in the Instant Pot produces tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs in a fraction of the time. Finishing the ribs under a broiler adds a satisfying char.
- The dry rub ribs recipe is low sugar. Though the recipe includes 1 cup of apple cider, the ribs are separated from it by the trivet while cooking. It's just enough to give the ribs a slightly sweet flavor, without any of the added sugar.
- This recipe includes multiple options: from a sugar-free dry rub with an incredible spice blend, to saucy ribs with a delicious made from scratch sauce, to ribs topped with your favorite store bought sauce - there's something for everyone!
How to Make Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Add all spices to a small bowl...
...and combine well.
Using a knife...
...remove the silver skin membrane on the bone side of the ribs.
Liberally season ribs with seasoning mix...
...on both sides.
Add one cup of apple cider to pot, along with trivet.
Place both racks of ribs on top of trivet. Lock lid and cook for 22 minutes at high pressure.
Once cook time is complete, allow pressure to release naturally (will take about 25 minutes.)
Transfer ribs to baking sheet...
...and place under high broiler for 5-7 minutes, until desired char is achieved. Watch closely to prevent burning.
If you decide to use a sauce, I highly recommend this homemade version... In a medium saucepan over medium heat – combine all of the ingredients, except the salt, and bring to a boil, stirring well. Let cool, then season with salt.
Transfer ribs to a baking tray and brush sauce all over the bone side. Place ribs under a high broiler for about 5 minutes...
...then flip, sauce the meaty side, and broil for a few more minutes.
And this is the AMAZING Result…
Expert Tips
- Not everyone takes the time to remove the silver membrane from ribs before cooking. Do not skip this step! Removing the silver membrane allows the ribs to absorb more flavor, become more tender, and will make the ribs easier to cut and eat.
- Take the time to do a natural pressure release. I find that a quick pressure release causes meat texture to change, becoming tough and chewy. According to this article by The Kitchn, you should use a natural release when cooking meat.
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 will need to 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’s referring 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 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke.
How long will it take to do a natural pressure release? Times can vary. It typically takes about 20-30 minutes.
What size pressure cooker did you use? We used a 6 qt Instant Pot Duo
to make this.
More Ribs Recipes:
★ Did you make these Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs? Please give the recipe a star rating below! ★
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs - Dry-Rubbed
Ingredients
Dry rub rib ingredients:
- 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
For an incredible homemade barbecue sauce (optional):
- 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:
- Add all spices to a small bowl and combine well.
- Using a knife, remove the silver skin membrane on the bone side of the ribs.
- Liberally season ribs with seasoning mix on both sides.
- Add one cup of apple cider to pot, along with trivet. Place both racks of ribs on top of trivet. Lock lid and cook for 22 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cook time is complete, allow pressure to release naturally (will take about 25 minutes.)
- Transfer ribs to baking sheet and place under high broiler for 5-7 minutes, until desired char is achieved. Watch closely to prevent burning.
For saucy ribs:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat – combine all of the barbecue sauce ingredients, except the salt, and bring to a boil, stirring well. Let cool, then season with salt.
- Cook the ribs following steps 1 through 5 of the dry rub ribs instructions. Then, transfer ribs to a baking tray and brush sauce all over the bone side. Place ribs under a high broiler for about 5 minutes. Then flip, sauce the meaty side, and broil for a few more minutes.
Video
Notes
- Not everyone takes the time to remove the silver membrane from ribs before cooking. Do not skip this step! Removing the silver membrane allows the ribs to absorb more flavor, become more tender, and will make the ribs easier to cut and eat.
- Take the time to do a natural pressure release. I find that a quick pressure release causes meat texture to change, becoming tough and chewy. According to this article by The Kitchn, you should use a natural release when cooking meat.
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 will need to 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’s referring 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 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke. How long will it take to do a natural pressure release? Times can vary. It typically takes about 20-30 minutes. What size pressure cooker did you use? We used a 6 qt Instant Pot Duo to make this.
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!