Unleashing the Tender Deliciousness of Pork Riblets

If you’re craving irresistibly flavorful and fall-off-the-bone tender ribs, look no further than these mouthwatering Pork Riblets cooked in a pressure cooker. In just about 30 minutes, you can savor the juicy goodness of these ribs that are seasoned with a simple dry rub and smothered in delicious barbecue sauce.

Unveiling the Best Way to Cook Ribs in an Instant Pot

When it comes to cooking ribs at high pressure in an Instant Pot, it’s hard to beat the amazing results. Whether you prefer spare ribs, baby back ribs, St. Louis-style ribs, or any other type of ribs, pressure cooking guarantees the most tender results in a fraction of the time compared to other cooking methods.

While a traditional rib recipe has always been a hit, this Instant Pot method takes things to a whole new level. It delivers finger-licking good and super tender pork ribs in record time, without the need for constant monitoring. Don’t believe it? We have numerous rave reviews to back it up.

Unlocking the Secrets of Instant Pot Ribs

Let’s dive into the magic of Instant Pot Ribs and explore the key ingredients to make them a tantalizing treat:

• Pork Ribs: Choose your favorite type of ribs, such as meaty baby back ribs, St. Louis-style ribs, or spare ribs. Adjust the cooking times accordingly.
• Apple Juice: This recipe uses apple juice as the cooking liquid to impart flavor to the meat. If you don’t have apple juice on hand, pineapple juice or broth with a few drops of liquid smoke can be used as substitutes.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as alternatives.
• Spice Rub: Create a delightful mix of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to elevate the flavors.
• BBQ Sauce: Start with your favorite BBQ sauce and enhance it with ketchup, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a touch of the ribs’ cooking liquid for that extra burst of flavor.

Unraveling the Pressure Cooking Process

Cooking ribs in an Instant Pot is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Begin by removing the thin membrane from the underside of the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Next, generously season the racks of ribs with the spice mixture, ensuring both the bone and meat sides are coated.
3. Place a trivet or rack at the bottom of the Instant Pot and pour in the apple juice as the cooking liquid.
4. Stand the seasoned ribs upright on the trivet, wrapping them around the pot. Alternatively, you can cut the slab of ribs into smaller pieces to fit comfortably in the Instant Pot.
5. Close the lid, seal the pot, and cook on high pressure for about 23 minutes.
6. While the ribs are pressure cooking, whip up a homemade BBQ sauce.
7. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for 5 minutes of natural release before releasing the remaining pressure.
8. Carefully remove the ribs from the pressure cooker and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Generously brush the rib rack with the BBQ sauce.
9. Finally, broil the ribs for about 5 minutes until the sauce bubbles and forms a delightful charred glaze.

Unveiling the Secret of Instant Pot Ribs from Frozen

Cooking frozen ribs in an Instant Pot requires a slightly different approach. Before freezing the ribs, remember to season them with the spice mix to ensure the flavors stick. It also helps to cut the ribs into smaller pieces before placing them in the pressure cooker.

When cooking ribs from frozen, simply add 5-7 additional minutes of cooking time compared to the recipe for fresh ribs.

Selecting the Perfect Ribs for Your Instant Pot

Choose your preferred type of ribs to cook in the Instant Pot:

• Baby Back Ribs: Also known as loin ribs, these tender and lean ribs are a popular choice. They are shorter in length and considered the leanest and most tender of all rib types.
• Spare Ribs: With their succulent and meaty flavor, spare ribs offer a richer taste due to the marbling of fat between their muscle fibers. They tend to have more meat between the bones.
• St. Louis Style Ribs: These ribs are similar to spare ribs, but with the tips cut off, resulting in a slightly shorter rack.

Time is of the Essence: How Long to Pressure Cook Ribs

The cooking times for different types of ribs in an Instant Pot vary. Here’s a breakdown:

• Baby Back Ribs: Cook on high pressure for 23 to 25 minutes, adjusting the time based on the meatiness of the rack. Allow for 5 minutes of natural pressure release. For frozen baby back ribs, pressure cook on high for 30 minutes followed by 10 minutes of natural pressure release.
• Spare Ribs: Cook on high pressure for 30 to 35 minutes, again adjusting the time based on the meatiness of the rack. Allow for a 20-minute natural pressure release to ensure tender ribs. For frozen spare ribs, pressure cook on high for 42 minutes followed by 20 minutes of natural pressure release.
• St. Louis Style Ribs: Cook on high pressure for 30 to 35 minutes, adjusting the time based on the meatiness of the rack. Allow for a 20-minute natural pressure release. For frozen St. Louis-style ribs, pressure cook on high for 42 minutes followed by 20 minutes of natural pressure release.

The Art of Broiling: Taking Your Ribs to the Next Level

While the Instant Pot cooking cycle results in fully cooked ribs, you may choose to take an extra step and broil them for additional flavor and a beautiful golden brown finish. However, broiling is entirely optional.

Finding the Perfect Instant Pot Size for Your Ribs

To make these delightful pork ribs, you’ll need an Instant Pot that’s at least 6 quarts in size.

Doubling the BBQ Ribs Recipe

This easy Instant Pot ribs recipe is easily scalable. You can double the recipe and cook two racks of ribs at once. Simply double the spice mix ingredients while keeping the cooking liquid amount the same. Cook the racks for an additional 8 minutes to ensure fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

Overcoming the Challenge: Ensuring Tender Ribs

If your Instant Pot ribs turn out tough and chewy, they may not have cooked long enough. Simply reseal the pot and pressure cook for an additional 5 minutes. Another reason for tough ribs is failing to remove the membrane from the back of the rib bones.

The Moment of Culinary Perfection: Signs of Done-ness

According to the USDA, ribs are cooked to perfection when their internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, as measured by an instant-read thermometer. Additionally, the rib meat should draw back, exposing about half an inch of the rib bone.

Planning Ahead: Making Ribs in Advance

Yes, you can make Instant Pot ribs ahead of time. Pressure cook the ribs up to 2 days in advance, allowing them to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy them, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and warm them up in a preheated 350-degree oven until they are heated through. Generously brush them again with BBQ sauce and place them under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until they develop a mouthwatering charred appearance.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Complete your rib feast with tantalizing side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your meal:

• Creamy Cilantro Lime Coleslaw Recipe
• Charro Beans Recipe (Mexican Frijoles Charros)
• The Best Lentil Salad
• Citrus Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Mastering the Art of Rib Preparation: Removing the Thin Membrane

To ensure perfectly cooked ribs, it’s essential to remove the thin membrane from the back. Follow these steps:

1. Place the ribs with the meaty side facing down.
2. Use a knife to loosen a corner of the membrane.
3. Lift the loose part of the membrane and use a paper towel to grip it firmly.
4. Peel off the membrane in one smooth motion.

So there you have it – a tantalizing guide to unleashing the tender deliciousness of Pork Riblets in a pressure cooker. Get ready to savor the finger-licking goodness of these fall-off-the-bone ribs. For more tantalizing recipes and BBQ inspiration, visit Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ.