If you love pork ribs but don't love all the fuss, this recipe is for you! I use a simple sugar free dry rub and my Instant Pot. Set it up and walk away - I get perfectly tender, fall off the bone pork ribs every time!
Because I need to keep my sugar low, I avoid adding barbecue sauce. But my guy loves to add it after - and cooking ribs like this gives us both the flexibility we need. Give it a try - you'll love how easy and delicious your ribs can be!
Recipe Highlights
- Using the Instant Pot to cook your ribs is incredibly easy!
- These ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, every time!
- Using the Instant Pot makes this a year-round meal. Pork ribs in the winter? YES!
- A simple dry rub adds flavor without sugar, and each person can add as much or little barbecue sauce as they prefer on their own plate.
Ingredients Needed
How to Make Pork Ribs in the Instant Pot
To start, prep the ribs. I like to remove the membrane that runs along the bone side. To do this, just loosen this away at one end and grab it with a paper towel. Then gently pull the membrane away along the length of the ribs. If you're lucky, this will all come off in one piece.
Cut the rack of ribs into sections - at least 3, but 4 sections do make it a little easier to handle. 😀
Season the ribs with spice rub. I use my sugar free dry rub to provide just enough flavor.
Now, add a little water and Liquid Smoke to the Instant Pot liner. The water will create that perfectly moist heat for the ribs to pressure cook, and the Liquid Smoke adds that touch of smoky essence to mimic an outdoor grill. But you don't have to step outside.
Add your trivet to the Instant Pot and then stack the pork rib sections on top. The trivet will lift the ribs out of the water so the meat will steam but not boil in the liquid. I've also tried different ways of stacking the ribs and have concluded that it really doesn't matter! So just stack the sections in there; as long as the trivet is underneath the ribs will cook just fine.
Cover and seal the Instant Pot, and set the cycle to pressure cook for 45 minutes, on high pressure. It will take about 15 minutes for the pressure to build.
When the cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to natural release pressure for 20 minutes, then manually release the rest of the pressure, open the lid, and remove the ribs. Your ribs are tender and deliciously seasoned, ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
I keep some low sugar barbecue sauce on hand, for that extra little bit of flavor to add to my Instant Pot pork ribs. You can brush it on and broil or grill these for one to two minutes before serving, or just let each person add it to their personal taste.
And don't forget the sides! Some sugar free coleslaw makes the perfect pairing, but you can also try some low carb broccoli slaw.
Instant Pot Pork Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 rack Pork Ribs, Baby Back
- ¾ cup water
- ½ teaspoon Liquid Smoke
Dry Rub
- 1 teaspoon paprika, smoked
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- (Optional) remove membrane from the bone side of the ribs by grabbing it at one end and pulling gently along the length of the rack of ribs. Cut the rack into sections, 3 to 4 ribs in each section.1 rack Pork Ribs, Baby Back
- Mix the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl or cup, or use a dry rub of your choice. Season the rib sections with the dry rub.1 teaspoon paprika, smoked, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Add water and Liquid Smoke to the Instant Pot liner.¾ cup water, ½ teaspoon Liquid Smoke
- Place a trivet in the Instant Pot, then stack the rib sections on top of the trivet.
- Cover and seal the Instant Pot, then set the cycle to cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. The Instant Pot will take about 15 minutes to build pressure before the cycle begins.
- When the cycle is done, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 20 minutes. Then, release the remaining pressure manually.
- Open the Instant Pot and remove the ribs. Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce!
Courtney Johnson
I love new instant pot recipes, and this is perfect for the fall when the schedule is busy!
Sula
Oh yes the Instant Pot is a life saver for busy families!