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
Scale
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.
