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Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Tender Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs in Just 30 Minutes

Prepare delicious Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs that are tender and flavorful in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 ribs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dry Rub
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar Substitute with coconut sugar for lower glycemic index.
  • 1 tbsp Paprika Smoked paprika can be used for a smoky taste.
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be used for stronger taste.
  • 1 tbsp Onion Powder Substitute with finely chopped onions if preferred.
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder Adjust quantity based on your heat preference.
  • 1 tbsp Ground Cumin Coriander offers a different profile.
  • 1 tsp Ground Cayenne Pepper Omit for less heat or replace with a milder pepper.
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper Freshly ground is recommended for best results.
  • 1 tbsp Salt Use kosher salt or sea salt.
For the Ribs and Liquid
  • 2 lbs Baby Back Pork Ribs Can be replaced with spare or St. Louis-style ribs.
  • 1 cup Apple Juice Substitute with white grape juice for similar flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar White vinegar works as a replacement.
For the BBQ Sauce
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce (store-bought) Choose a low-sugar option if desired.
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup Can be substituted with tomato paste.
  • 1/4 cup Maple Syrup Honey can serve as a substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce can work as an alternative.
  • 1 tbsp Hot Sauce Adjust based on your preference.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Baking Sheet
  • Medium Bowl
  • saucepan
  • butter knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Spice Rub by combining all the dry rub ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside.
  2. Rinse and dry the ribs, removing the silver membrane on the back for better seasoning adhesion.
  3. Generously apply the spice rub all over the ribs, ensuring maximum flavor.
  4. Set up the Instant Pot with the trivet, apple juice, and apple cider vinegar.
  5. Arrange the seasoned ribs upright in the Instant Pot on the trivet.
  6. Pressure cook the ribs for 23-25 minutes.
  7. Release pressure naturally for 5 minutes, then vent any remaining steam.
  8. Make the BBQ sauce by simmering the sauce ingredients in a saucepan.
  9. Mix in 1/4 cup of the Instant Pot's cooking liquid into the BBQ sauce, simmering for an additional 5 minutes.
  10. Broil the ribs with BBQ sauce for about 5 minutes for caramelization.
  11. Serve and enjoy with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ribCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Remove the silver membrane for better seasoning and tender ribs. Adjust cooking time if ribs are tough after first cooking period. Broiling enhances flavor through caramelization.

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