How to Cook Perfect Pork Spare Ribs in a Pressure Cooker

Pork spare ribs are a classic BBQ staple that are delicious when cooked low and slow on the grill or in a smoker However, spare ribs can also be made in a fraction of the time in a pressure cooker or instant pot. With just 30-45 minutes under pressure, you can have incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs ready to glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce

Cooking ribs in the pressure cooker allows you to skip the long smoking or braising time, so you can enjoy this BBQ favorite any night of the week. In this article, I’ll share my tips for cooking perfect pork spare ribs in the pressure cooker or instant pot.

Benefits of Cooking Ribs in a Pressure Cooker

Here are some of the advantages of using a pressure cooker for your ribs vs traditional methods:

• Speed – Pressure cooked ribs are done in 30-45 minutes, compared to 3-4 hours for grilled smoked or braised ribs.

• Convenience – Just throw the ingredients in the pot, lock the lid, and walk away. No need for constant monitoring.

• Flavor – The ribs braise in their own juices and absorb flavors quickly. BBQ sauce can be added after

• Tenderness – The high pressure environment literally forces the collagen in the meat to break down and turns tough ribs melt-in-your-mouth tender.

So if you don’t have time for low and slow ribs, the pressure cooker is your shortcut to juicy, tender barbecue ribs any night of the week!

Choosing the Right Ribs

Pork spare ribs come from the belly side of the pig and contain more fat and connective tissue than loin back ribs. This extra collagen is what makes the ribs ideal for braising methods like the pressure cooker, allowing them to become fall-apart tender.

Look for racks of spare ribs that are heavy for their size and have a decent amount of meat between each bone. Avoid ribs that look especially lean or bony. For the pressure cooker, it’s best to avoid pre-cut rib sections since they can fall apart more easily when pressure cooking. A full rack works better.

Preparing Pork Spare Ribs for the Pressure Cooker

Here are some tips for getting your ribs prepped and ready for the pot:

• Remove membrane – Ribs usually have a papery white membrane covering the back side that should be removed prior to seasoning. Use a knife to loosen an edge, grab hold, and peel it off.

• Trim excess fat – Use a sharp knife to trim off any large excess pieces of fat or skin. Leave a thin layer for moisture.

• Cut into sections (optional) – If cooking multiple racks, you can cut each rack in half or into 2-3 rib sections which may fit better in your pressure cooker.

• Apply dry rub – Coat both sides of the ribs evenly with a dry seasoning rub. Let sit for 5-20 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.

Pressure Cooker Rib Recipe

This straightforward pressure cooker rib recipe results in extremely tender, flavorful ribs every time.

Ingredients:

• 2 racks pork spare ribs, membrane removed
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions:

1. Trim any excess fat from ribs and remove membrane. Cut racks in half if needed to fit in pressure cooker.
2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Rub spice mix evenly onto both sides of ribs.
3. Pour chicken broth or water into the pressure cooker pot. Place a trivet or steamer basket in the bottom.
4. Stand rib racks meaty-side out, leaning against each other in a circle around the pot.
5. Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for:
   • 30 minutes (instant pot)
   • 35-40 minutes (stovetop PC)
6. Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then quick release remaining pressure.
7. Carefully remove ribs from pot. Brush with barbecue sauce and enjoy!

The ribs only take about 5 minutes of prep time plus the quick pressure cook. And the results are amazing! Let’s look at some tips for pressure cooker rib success.

Tips for Perfect Pressure Cooker Ribs

Here are some key tips to ensure your ribs turn out perfectly tender in the pressure cooker every time:

• Use the correct cooking time – Cooking time can vary based on the pressure cooker type, rib size, and altitude. For instant pot, cook for 30 minutes. For stovetop pressure cookers, 35-40 minutes.

• Allow natural pressure release – Letting the pressure come down gradually helps the ribs become tender. Avoid quick releasing immediately.

• Use steamer basket – Elevating ribs above the cooking liquid with a steamer helps prevent too much moisture loss.

• Stand ribs meaty-side out – Flipping the ribs up allows the underside to baste in the juices.

• Add liquid – The broth or water creates steam which is key for even cooking and tenderness.

• Resist peeking! Don’t be tempted to open the pot during cooking, just trust the process.

Serving Pressure Cooker Ribs

Once your ribs have finished pressure cooking, there are a few different ways you can finish and serve them:

• Sauce and serve – Slather ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce and dig in!

• Broil with sauce – For caramelized sauce, broil ribs 2-3 minutes after saucing.

• Grill – Throw sauced ribs on the grill just long enough to char the edges.

• Serve with sides – Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans are perfect matches.

The tender, juicy ribs pair deliciously with your favorite BBQ flavors. Now you can have this satisfying meal ready in about an hour from start to finish!

So next time you get a hankering for smoky, finger-lickin’ ribs, reach for your pressure cooker and you’ll be enjoying barbecue perfection in no time. The juicy meat slides right off the bone and tastes like it slow-cooked all day.

The pressure cooker makes ribs easy enough to add into your regular dinner rotation. Just be prepared for some very happy family members at the dinner table!