Ready to experience tender, fall-off-the-bone barbecue straight from your kitchen? The Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe brings effortless flavor and juicy, smoky goodness to your table in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re aiming to impress at a backyard party or satisfy a comfort food craving on a busy weeknight, this method guarantees mouthwatering results with minimal fuss. Each bite boasts bold spices, rich barbecue sauce, and a touch of tang, making it a true crowd-pleaser the whole family will request again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The heart of any memorable rib recipe lies in its blend of straightforward yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each one plays an important role here, coming together to create a dish that’s as vibrant in taste as it is easy to make. Gather these staples and you’re already halfway to a plate of irresistible Instant Pot beef ribs.
- Beef ribs (3–4 pounds back ribs or short ribs): The star of the show, providing meltingly tender meat with deep flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For searing the ribs and developing those deliciously browned bits.
- Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon): Adds a classic, smoky undertone that evokes authentic barbecue taste.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a savory, aromatic kick that complements the beef beautifully.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Lends gentle sweetness and depth to the spice blend.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors forward and ensures well-seasoned ribs.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For that subtle heat and a hint of earthiness.
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a little warmth and complexity, easily adjusted to taste.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Keeps the ribs moist while cooking and forms the flavor-packed base of the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/2 cup): Balances rich flavors with acidity and helps tenderize the meat.
- Barbecue sauce (1/2 cup, plus more for serving): Delivers that signature sticky-sweet finish we all crave on ribs.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Ribs
Begin by removing the thin membrane from the back of the ribs if it’s still attached, as this helps the flavors soak in and ensures a tender bite. Then, mix together your smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl. Rub this fragrant blend generously all over the ribs, coating every nook and cranny for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Ribs
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering hot, work in batches to sear the ribs for 2 to 3 minutes per side. This builds a savory crust and locks in those irresistible juices. Remove the seared ribs and set them aside as you continue.
Step 3: Deglaze and Layer
Next, pour the beef broth and apple cider vinegar into the pot. Be sure to scrape up every browned bit stuck to the bottom—these are packed with robust, savory flavor and help prevent the dreaded “burn notice.” Pop a trivet into the Instant Pot and stack the ribs on top, arranging them as needed to fit.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal the lid and ensure the valve is set to Sealing. Choose Manual or High Pressure and set the timer for 35 minutes. When done, let the pressure naturally release for about 10 minutes, enhancing tenderness, then release any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Sauce and (Optional) Broil
Carefully remove the ribs and give them a generous brush of your favorite barbecue sauce. For that mouthwatering caramelized finish, place the ribs on a lined baking sheet and broil them in the oven for 4 to 5 minutes. This last step adds irresistible stickiness and color—the kind everyone will fight over!
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of fresh chopped parsley or green onion right before serving really brightens up the plate and adds a splash of color. For even more flavor, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a little zest of lemon or orange brings unexpected freshness.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables all pair perfectly with the Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe. The creamy texture of potatoes complements the richness of the meat, while crisp salads or simple grilled corn on the cob offer a refreshing contrast to the sticky-sweet sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, pile the ribs high on a rustic wooden board with individual bowls of dipping sauces—think spicy honey mustard, tangy Carolina-style barbecue, or herbed yogurt. Or, serve smaller sections on a platter for easy sharing at picnics or parties. You can even use shredded leftover rib meat for loaded sandwiches or tacos!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure the ribs are completely cooled before storing to lock in moisture and flavor. Save a little extra barbecue sauce for reheating, as the ribs will soak up more as they rest.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the ribs tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then transfer to a heavy-duty freezer bag or container. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the ribs without sauce and add it fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
Gently reheat the ribs in the oven at 300°F (about 150°C) until warmed through, brushing with a bit of extra barbecue sauce to boost moisture. You can also use your Instant Pot’s Sauté mode for a quick warm-up, or pop them in the microwave if you’re in a rush—just cover to prevent splattering.
FAQs
Can I use pork ribs instead?
Absolutely! While the Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe is tailored for beef, pork ribs work just as well. Just reduce the cooking time to about 25–30 minutes under pressure, as pork tends to cook faster.
Do I really need to remove the membrane?
Yes—removing the membrane from the back of the ribs helps the rub penetrate the meat more deeply and gives a more tender finished product. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Can I double the recipe in my 6-quart Instant Pot?
You can double the ribs as long as you don’t go over the max fill line. Stack them vertically around the trivet, and keep in mind the pressure cooking time remains the same.
How spicy is this recipe?
The Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe has a gentle kick from the chili powder but is not overly spicy. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add cayenne or up the chili powder, or simply omit it for a milder version.
Do I have to broil the ribs after pressure cooking?
Broiling is optional but highly recommended! It caramelizes the sauce and creates that irresistible sticky texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and serve straight from the Instant Pot.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe, you’ll want to make it part of your regular rotation! It’s the kind of meal that turns ordinary nights into something special and always leaves everyone reaching for seconds. Don’t wait—go ahead and treat yourself to these delicious, no-fuss ribs soon!
Print
Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender and flavorful Instant Pot Beef Ribs that are fall-off-the-bone delicious. These ribs are seasoned with a smoky spice rub, pressure cooked to perfection, then glazed with barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering finish.
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 3–4 pounds beef back ribs or short ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
For Cooking:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Prep the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if still attached. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder in a bowl. Rub the spice mix over the ribs.
- Sear Ribs: Heat olive oil in Instant Pot on Sauté mode. Brown ribs on both sides in batches.
- Add Broth: Deglaze pot with beef broth and apple cider vinegar. Place trivet in the pot and stack ribs on top.
- Pressure Cook: Cook on Manual/High Pressure for 35 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
- Glaze Ribs: Brush ribs with barbecue sauce. Optional: Broil for 4–5 minutes for caramelization.
Notes
- You can use boneless short ribs as an alternative.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting the chili powder.
- For a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the rub.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
