If you’re craving tender, fall-off-the-bone meat with a rich, smoky flavor that melts in your mouth, the Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines bold spices, a perfect sear, and the magic of pressure cooking to deliver succulent ribs in a fraction of the traditional time. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends on the weekend, these ribs are sure to wow everyone with their juicy texture and deep, complex taste. Plus, it’s all done with simple ingredients and minimal effort!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is essential to achieving that perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in building the richness, seasoning the meat deeply, and balancing the sauciness to sweet and tangy perfection.
- 3–4 pounds beef back ribs or short ribs: Choose well-marbled ribs to ensure tenderness and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to sear the ribs to a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Adds that unmistakable smoky aroma and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlicky warmth into the meat.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory depth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the ribs’ natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: For a gentle kick—feel free to adjust this based on your heat preference.
- 1 cup beef broth: Acts as the flavorful cooking liquid that keeps ribs moist inside the Instant Pot.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright tang that cuts through richness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving): For that sticky, sweet glaze that completes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Ribs
Start by removing the thin membrane from the back of the ribs if it’s still intact—this ensures maximum tenderness and prevents chewy bites. Mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl. Massage this spice blend deeply onto every inch of your ribs so every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Ribs
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil until shimmering. Brown the ribs in batches, giving each side 2 to 3 minutes to develop a gorgeous caramelized crust. This step is essential—not only does it build flavor through the Maillard reaction, but it also locks in moisture. Set the browned ribs aside.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
Pour the beef broth and apple cider vinegar into the hot Instant Pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. This “fond” contains so much concentrated flavor that will infuse into the ribs as they cook.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Ribs
Place the trivet inside the pot and carefully arrange your ribs on top. You can stack them if needed, making sure they are well-supported. Seal the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select Manual or High Pressure mode and cook for 35 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes to let the meat relax and soak up the juices.
Step 5: Finish with Barbecue Sauce
Remove the ribs carefully and brush them generously with barbecue sauce. For an extra special touch, place them under the broiler for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and gets that beautiful sticky glaze that makes ribs irresistible. Watch closely so they don’t burn!
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro provide a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens up these rich ribs. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal. Don’t forget a wedge of lemon or lime on the side to squeeze for a touch of brightness.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings include creamy mashed potatoes or a crispy coleslaw to cut through the richness of the beef ribs. Grilled vegetables or a fresh corn salad add summery notes and vibrant colors. For more indulgence, serve with buttery garlic bread to sop up every last drop of barbecue sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the ribs into individual portions and serve them as sliders with crunchy pickles and red onion. Or make a hearty platter featuring these ribs atop a bed of smoky baked beans and roasted sweet potatoes. Presentation is all about making your family and guests feel special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover ribs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The meat stays juicy and flavorful, making perfect second-day meals that taste even better after the flavors have melded overnight.
Freezing
Wrap your cooled ribs tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this delicious Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe whenever you need a comforting meal on a busy day.
Reheating
To reheat, place ribs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can baste with extra barbecue sauce to keep them moist. Alternatively, gently reheat in the microwave with a damp paper towel to retain juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use boneless short ribs instead of bone-in ribs?
Absolutely! Boneless short ribs work wonderfully too—just adjust your cooking time slightly as they tend to cook a bit faster. The pressure cooking method still yields incredible tenderness.
Do I have to sear the ribs before pressure cooking?
Searing is highly recommended because it develops rich, complex flavors and a lovely texture on the outside. If you’re short on time, you can skip this, but your ribs might be less flavorful and visually appealing.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Simply increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub. You can also drizzle some hot sauce when serving to kick up the heat exactly how you like it.
Is it necessary to do a natural pressure release?
Yes, letting the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes helps the meat fibers relax, keeping the ribs supremely tender and juicy. Quick releasing too soon can result in tougher meat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can cook the ribs a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat right before serving. For gatherings, brushing on barbecue sauce and broiling just before guests arrive makes for a freshly glazed, crowd-pleasing dish.
Final Thoughts
With its straightforward ingredients and foolproof steps, this Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe is pure comfort food magic that fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle. I guarantee once you try it, these ribs will be a go-to for weeknights and special occasions alike. So grab your Instant Pot, gather your spices, and get ready to treat yourself to some seriously delicious ribs that your family and friends will rave about!
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Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes (plus 10-minute natural pressure release)
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Beef Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful ribs cooked quickly using a pressure cooker. The ribs are seasoned with a smoky spice rub, seared to lock in flavor, then pressure cooked with beef broth and apple cider vinegar to keep them moist and tender. Finished with a barbecue sauce glaze, these ribs are perfect for a comforting American-style main course.
Ingredients
Ribs and Rub
- 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
Liquid and Sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if it is still attached to ensure tenderness. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder to create the spice rub. Rub this mixture evenly over the ribs to coat them thoroughly.
- Sear the ribs: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Once hot, sear the ribs in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. This step adds flavor and texture. Remove the ribs and set them aside.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour in the beef broth and apple cider vinegar, scraping the bottom of the pot with a spoon to loosen any browned bits left from searing. These bits add depth to the cooking liquid.
- Pressure cook the ribs: Place a trivet inside the Instant Pot and arrange the ribs on top, stacking if necessary. Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on Manual/High Pressure for 35 minutes.
- Release pressure: After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes to help keep the ribs tender and juicy, then carefully perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
- Glaze with barbecue sauce: Remove the ribs from the pot and brush them generously with barbecue sauce. For extra caramelization, optionally place the ribs under a broiler for 4 to 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use boneless short ribs as an alternative to bone-in ribs.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting the chili powder according to your taste.
- For a sweeter flavor profile, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the spice rub.
