Easy Instant Pot Spare Ribs Recipe
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, delicious dish that’ll have everyone raving, look no further than these Easy Instant Pot Spare Ribs! With tender, fall-off-the-bone meat and a sticky glaze that packs a punch, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Plus, it’s all done in a fraction of the time traditional methods would take!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Convenient: Thanks to the Instant Pot, these ribs cook in a fraction of the time compared to oven or grill methods.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and a flavorful BBQ sauce creates a finger-licking-good dish.
- Easy Cleanup: One pot means fewer dishes, making your cooking experience more enjoyable.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair them with a range of sides, from rice to coleslaw, to fit any occasion.
- Impressive Results: Perfectly tender ribs that will impress family and friends without the stress of complicated cooking methods.
Ingredients
- Pork spare ribs: The star of the dish! Look for well-marbled ribs for the best flavor and tenderness.
- BBQ sauce: Your favorite bottled BBQ sauce works perfectly, or you can make your own for a personal touch.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy depth of flavor; feel free to substitute with white vinegar if needed.
- Garlic powder: For a rich, savory flavor. You can swap this with fresh minced garlic if you prefer.
- Onion powder: Compliments the meat beautifully; you can leave this out if you want a more straightforward flavor.
- Smoked paprika: This adds a lovely smoky note. Regular paprika works too if you don’t have smoked.
- Brown sugar: Balances the flavors and adds sweetness. Use honey or maple syrup as a substitute if you like.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
- Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This step is crucial for tender meat.
- Season the Ribs: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mix all over the ribs, getting into the crevices for maximum flavor.
- Add Ingredients to the Pot: Place the ribs in the Instant Pot, curling them if necessary. Add apple cider vinegar and half of the BBQ sauce, coating the ribs well.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Choose the manual setting and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
- Glaze the Ribs: Preheat your oven broiler. Brush the remaining BBQ sauce on the ribs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Broil: Broil on high for about 5 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
- Serve: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Avoid Overcrowding: If you have large ribs, consider cutting them in half to fit better and ensure they cook evenly.
- Use Your Favorite Sauce: Don’t hesitate to mix and match sauces! A spicy sauce or a sweet and tangy one can dramatically change the flavor profile.
- Check for Tenderness: If your ribs aren’t as tender as you’d like after pressure cooking, simply cook them for another few minutes.
- Save Extra Sauce: Use leftover sauce on grilled veggies or as a dipping sauce for other dishes!
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add other spices like chili powder for some heat or mustard powder for a tangy kick.
How to Serve
These ribs are fantastic served with a heaping side of creamy coleslaw, cornbread, or fluffy rice. You could also go for classic sides like french fries or roasted veggies. Don’t forget a little extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping—because who doesn’t love that?
Make Ahead and Storage
- Fridge Storage: Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked ribs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing.
- Reheating Tips: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual pieces on a low setting.
FAQs
Can I use baby back ribs instead of spare ribs?
Absolutely! Baby back ribs will work beautifully and may cook a bit faster due to being smaller.
How do I adjust the spice level?
You can reduce or skip the smoked paprika and add a touch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat!
Is it necessary to broil the ribs after cooking?
Broiling gives the ribs that irresistible caramelized glaze, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. They’ll still taste great!
Can I cook these ribs without an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can cook them slowly in the oven or on the grill, but it will take significantly longer (about 2-3 hours), so plan accordingly.
Enjoy your cooking adventure! These Easy Instant Pot Spare Ribs are sure to become a family favorite in no time. Happy eating!
Easy Instant Pot Spare Ribs
Ingredients
Method
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mix all over the ribs.
- Place the ribs in the Instant Pot, adding apple cider vinegar and half of the BBQ sauce.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then switch to venting.
- Preheat your oven broiler and brush the ribs with remaining BBQ sauce.
- Broil on high for about 5 minutes, or until caramelized and bubbly.
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve hot.