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    Instant Pot Recipes » Fall Off The Bone Instant Pot Ribs

    Fall Off The Bone Instant Pot Ribs

    Posted On January 26, 2023 By Mirlene Last updated January 26, 2023 28 Comments

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    Instant Pot Ribs Pinterest Pin - Savory Thoughts

    These instant pot ribs are going to melt in your mouth and fall off the bone! They are perfectly tender and then covered in a sauce that’s absolutely addictive!

    If there is one meat that holds a special place in my heart, it is ribs. Spareribs, baby back ribs, short ribs, all ribs. 

     

    Serve over Instant Pot skin-on mashed potatoes for a warming meal the whole family will love.

    The only drawback (if you can even call it that) is how long good ribs can take to prepare.

    Marinating, smoking, and grilling (and all the other little steps in between), can be a time-consuming process. Well worth it, but time-consuming, nonetheless. 

    And let’s face it, instant pot ribs are so good, they usually end up only lasting for a single meal.

    It is a very good thing that currently, inventions like the Instant Pot exist to make our lives so much simpler.

    Whereas before there was a ton of prep and patience required, now it is as simple as throwing on a dry rub and throwing those ribs in the Instant Pot for incredible ribs with minimal effort.

    Marinate Or Dry Rub

    When it comes to meat, there are usually two options: Dry rub or marinade. With the Instant Pot, you can’t really go wrong. It all boils down to preference.

    I will say since the goal here is speed and convenience, a dry rub will probably make your life easier.

    Marinating is not difficult but getting the full effect does take a good bit of time, so there is nothing ‘instant’ about it. 

    With a dry rub, you can simply mix a bunch of seasonings you may have in your pantry or seasoning cabinet (like onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, etc.).

    Rub all that good stuff in and you are done. That is one less huge step out of the way.

    However, why not “combine” both? We could continue with the instant process, or we can combine a few seasonings together and then allow the meat to marinate for a short period of time to allow the flavors to really stick to the meat. 

    Haitian cuisine is famous for its acidic flavor. The same concept is mildly introduced here as well to cook the meat.

    The exact measurement is listed below in the recipe card. For now, here’s an overview of the ingredients you’ll need to make these ribs. 

    Ribs: We used beef short ribs for this recipe. However, you may use any ribs as desired. 

    Apple Juice: This is our secret ingredient. Apple cider has a mildly acidic flavor which helps to tenderize the meat. The sugar found in apple juice also keeps the meat tender but also keeps it from drying out.  

    Salt, pepper, and paprika: These ingredients are used to season the meat and balance out the apple juice.

    Make the slurry: To make the slurry, add combine the cornstarch and water together. Mix well.

    Vegetable Bouillon, rosemary sprig, bay leaves, and garlic: These ingredients are used to add depth of flavor.

    What Kind Of Ribs To Use

    As far as the best kind of ribs to use, the only limitation you have is what you can fit in the instant pot. Even for larger-sized ribs, simply cutting and trimming to the appropriate size that fits will make anything possible. 

    Simply choose your favorite! However, if we are going to base our decision on what is the easiest, I think that baby back ribs or short ribs are the best options. They are delicious and certainly cook faster in the Instant Pot. 

    That doesn’t rule any of the other ribs out though! As mentioned above, simply cut to fit and cook in batches if necessary. Also, you will want to modify how you do the release on the Instant Pot based on the size of the ribs.

    What Are Beef Short Ribs Used For?

    Short ribs are best when making slow-cooked meals. When they are cooked slowly, the tough tissues break down evenly causing the meat to fall off the bone and remain tender.

    Braise Beef Short Ribs

    Before adding the meat to the instant pot, if you choose to braise the meat first, I recommend using a cast-iron skillet.

    The cast iron skillet will distribute the heat evenly allowing the meat to brown while it is searing in its own fat, butter, and oil. Deglaze with either water, broth, or wine.

    Sauce Or No Sauce

    While I am a firm believer that dry rub ribs are delicious enough to go without barbeque sauce, I am also a firm believer that more is usually better. 

    Once they come out, a nice, generous slather of your favorite sauce can’t hurt it. Or you can make your own gravy which acts like the sauce to slather over your ribs. More information is below in the cooking method section. 

    Feel free to make your own sauce from your short ribs, like this homemade BBQ sauce, or continue down the path of convenience and select your favorite from the grocery store.

    Cooking Method Options

    Instant Pot Ribs Cooking Method

    • Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs. To remove the membrane, turn the ribs over with the meat facing downwards. Use a knife to detach the membrane from the bone. Tightly grip the membrane and pull it away, discard the membrane once removed. Wash and rinse the ribs thoroughly and pat them dry. Place the ribs in a large bowl, dish, or plate and set aside. 
    • In a small bowl, add the apple juice, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
    • Pour the mixture over the meat. Swirl the mixture around so that the meat is completely covered. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes; however, the longer the better. 
    • Place the short ribs in the instant pot, and pour the mixture over the ribs. Best to stand the ribs up, but if you are unable to do so that’s perfectly fine. 
    • Cover with the Instant Pot lid and turn the knob to seal the Instant Pot. 
    • Pressure cook on high for 40 minutes. The instant pot will take about 10 to 15 minutes to reach temperature then the 40-minute timer will begin. Once complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then vent to release the remaining pressure from the instant pot. 
    • Place the ribs in a baking tray or dish, and broil in the oven on low for 5 minutes or until lightly brown. Best to set a timer so you do not go over the time. Remove the ribs from the oven when the timer goes off. 
    • On the instant pot, click on cancel, then select sauté. Adjust the timer to 30 minutes and add in 1 rosemary sprig. Once the sauce/gravy starts to boil, add in the slurry. Continue to cook until the sauce starts to thicken. This process should take about 7-10 minutes. 
    • Spoon the sauce/gravy over the meat as desired. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, and plantains, and enjoy!

    Slow Cooker Ribs Method

    • Season the short ribs as instructed above and marinate. 
    • Transfer the ribs to the slow cooker (instant pot).
    • Pour the marinating mixture over the meat and in the rosemary sprig. Cover and cook on low for 5 ½ hours. Uncover the meat and add the slurry all over the meat. Mix well to combine without breaking the meat.  Cover and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes. Do not cook the ribs for any more than 8 hours. 
    • Serve over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes or plantains. Drizzle the sauce over the meat and enjoy!

    Oven Ribs Cooking Method

    • Season the short ribs as instructed above and marinate. 
    • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
    • Pour the marinating mixture over the meat and in the rosemary sprig. Cover with aluminum foil and transfer to the oven. 
    • Cook the ribs for 3 hours until the short ribs are perfectly tender and fall off the bone when poked with a fork.
    • Serve over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes or plantains. Drizzle the sauce over the meat and enjoy!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long to cook ribs in the instant pot?

    Cook the ribs in the instant pot for 35 to 40 minutes. 

    How to cook ribs in the instant pot?

    To cook the ribs in the instant pot, season and marinate. Place the ribs in the instant, add the mixture, and pressure cook on high for 40 minutes. 

    Why are my ribs tough in the instant pot?

    Your ribs can be tough when cooked in the instant pot if they are too thick or too large. It is best to check the ribs after the first 35 to 40 minutes to determine if additional time is needed. Increase the time in increments of 10 minutes. 

    How long to cook short ribs in the Instant Pot?

    Short ribs take about 35-45 minutes to cook in the instant pot.

    Recipe Cooking Tips

    • When purchasing your ribs, it’s best to keep in mind the size of the instant pot. We used a rack that was 2 lbs. Two racks were enough for the size of our family (all 5 of us). 
    • If the ribs refuse to stand in the instant pot, that’s perfectly fine. You can lay them around each other or on top of each other. This will not interrupt them from cooking evenly. 
    • If the rib slab is too large, feel free to cut it down into smaller pieces.  

    Serving Suggestions

    If you are wondering what to serve these ribs with, try one of the following recipes listed below.

    Corn on the cob

    Instant Pot Red Mashed Potatoes

    Instant Pot Haitian White Rice

    Haitian Black Rice

    Southern Potato Salad

    Deviled Eggs

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    instant pot ribs topped with sauce

    How To Make Ribs In instant Pot

    Savory Thoughts
    These instant pot ribs are going to melt in your mouth and fall off the bone! They are perfectly tender and then covered in a sauce that’s absolutely addictive!
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 40 mins
    Total Time 50 mins
    Course Main Dish
    Cuisine American, Caribbean
    Servings 4 Servings
    Calories 956 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 ½ Lbs. Short Ribs
    • 1 Cup Apple Juice
    • 1 Tsp. Salt
    • 1 tsp. Paprika
    • 1 ½ Tsp. Black Pepper
    • 3 Garlic Cloves
    • 4 Bay Leaves

    For The Sauce / Gravy

    • 1 Rosemary Sprig
    • 1 ½ Tsp. Vegetable Bouillon
    • 1 Tbsp. Corn Starch
    • ¼ Cup Water

    Instructions
     

    Instant Pot Ribs Cooking Method

    • Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs. To remove the membrane, turn the ribs over with the meat facing downwards. Use a knife to detach the membrane from the bone. Tightly grip the membrane and pull it away, discard the membrane once removed. Wash and rinse the ribs thoroughly and pat them dry. Place the ribs in a large bowl, dish, or plate and set aside.
      In a small bowl, add in the apple juice, paprika, black pepper, salt. Mix well.
      Pour the mixture over the meat. Swirl the mixture around so that the meat is completely covered. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes; however, the longer the better.
      steps 1-5 to make short ribs in instant pot
    • Place the short ribs in the instant pot, pour the mixture over the ribs. Best to stand the ribs up, but if you are unable to do so that’s perfectly fine.
      Cover with the Instant Pot lid and turn the knob to seal the Instant Pot.
      Pressure cook on high for 40 minutes. The instant pot will take about 10 to 15 minutes to reach temperature then the 40-mniute timer will begin. Once complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then vent to release the remaining pressure from the instant pot.
      steps 6-7 to make short ribs in instant pot
    • Place the ribs in baking tray or dish, broil in the oven on low for 5 minutes or until lightly brown. Best to set a timer so you do not go over the time. Remove the ribs from the oven when the timer goes off.
      On the instant pot, click on cancel, then select sauté. Adjust the timer to 30 minutes and add in 1 rosemary sprig. Once the sauce / gravy starts to boil, add in the slurry (cornstarch and water mixed together). Continue to cook until the sauce starts to thicken. This process should take about 7-10 minutes.
      Spoon the sauce / gravy over the meat as desired. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, plantains, and enjoy!
      instant pot ribs topped with sauce

    Slow Cooker Ribs Method

    • Season the short ribs as instructed above and marinate. Transfer the ribs to the slow cooker (instant pot).
      seasoning to make instant pot short ribs
    • Pour the marinating mixture over the meat and in rosemary sprig. Cover and cook on low for 5 ½ hours. Uncover the meat and add in the slurry all over the meat. Mix well to combine without breaking the meat.
      Cover and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes. Do not cook the ribs for no more than 8 hours. Serve over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes or plantains. Drizzle the sauce over the meat and enjoy!
      instant pot ribs topped with sauce

    Oven Cooking Method

    • Season the short ribs as instructed above and marinate. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
      Pour the marinating mixture over the meat and in rosemary sprig. Cover with aluminum foil and transfer to the oven. Cook the ribs for 3 hours until the short ribs are perfectly tender and falls off the bone when poked with a fork.
      seasoning to make instant pot short ribs
    • Serve over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes or plantains. Drizzle the sauce over the meat and enjoy!
      instant pot ribs topped with sauce

    Video

    Notes

    This recipe has been updated with new pictures, more information and with a how-to video. 
    When purchasing your ribs, it’s best to keep in mind the size of the instant pot. We used a rack that was 2 lbs.
    Two racks were enough for the size of our family (all of 5 of us). If the ribs refuse to stand in the instant pot, that’s perfectly fine.
    You can lay them around each other or on top of each other. This will not interrupt them from cooking evenly. If the rib slab is too large, feel free to cut it down into smaller pieces.
    Calories are estimated per serving. 
    **** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4ServingsCalories: 956kcalCarbohydrates: 90gProtein: 39gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 899mgFiber: 8gSugar: 68gVitamin A: 3150IUVitamin C: 85.8mgCalcium: 230mgIron: 5.4mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    « Air Fryer Ribs
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mel

      January 25, 2023 at 4:34 am

      5 stars
      Just tried this out! Great directions. Very helpful for me since my instant pot is new. Very yummy! My whole family enjoyed it.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        January 25, 2023 at 7:55 pm

        Thank you so much, Mel. Glad you all enjoyed it.

        Reply
    2. Stuart

      September 05, 2022 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      Looks amazing can’t wait to make this! I was wondering how you get to 68 grams of sugar?

      Reply
    3. Nancy Perez

      May 09, 2022 at 1:16 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness I followed this recipe I made it for mother’s day this year 2022. I used the dry rub ingredients and soaked them in the apple juice . They fell off the bone , and the ones that didn’t were sooooo tender !! Sooooo tender incase you didn’t see the first one ! This will be how I make the short ribs from now on ! Thanks so much

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        May 13, 2022 at 4:59 am

        I am so happy to hear that Nancy. Thank you so much.

        Reply
    4. Candice

      March 12, 2022 at 11:32 pm

      I made this but it was missing a zing so I added jack Daniel’s bbq sauce, Hosien sauce, hot sauce, spicy polish Dijon mustard and a dash of low sodium soy sauce to the gravy while it thickened and it was perfect 👌

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        March 30, 2022 at 8:13 pm

        So glad you were able to make it your own.Thank you!

        Reply
    5. Lathiya

      July 05, 2019 at 7:48 pm

      5 stars
      The instant pot beef back ribs looks delicious and the picture are spectacular. I can’t say enough of Instant pot, how it made life easier.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        July 08, 2019 at 3:07 am

        Thank you, Lathiya!

        Reply
    6. Jayashree T.Rao

      July 01, 2019 at 6:35 am

      5 stars
      This instant pot beef back ribs has all the flavours in it. Sounds like an interesting dish for weekend. Nice share.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        July 01, 2019 at 11:32 pm

        Thank you, Jayashree!

        Reply
    7. Sophia

      July 01, 2019 at 1:46 am

      5 stars
      These look sooo good! Cooking ribs in an Instant Pot it a great idea, I can’t wait to try it! And your mango jerk sauce sounds divine!!

      Reply
    8. Amanda

      July 01, 2019 at 1:19 am

      5 stars
      I could eat that mango BBQ jerk sauce by the spoonful — so delicious! This is such a fun summer meal and one I definitely plan on making all season long. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    9. Jenni LeBaron

      July 01, 2019 at 1:16 am

      5 stars
      I love making ribs in my pressure cooker! That Mango BBQ Jerk Sauce sounds absolutely fantastic. The citrus and fruit flavors really balance out the heat and pair perfectly with the beef!

      Reply
    10. Jacqueline Debono

      June 29, 2019 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      Your mango BBQ jerk sauce sounds incredible and those ribs look finger licking good! Pinning for later!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        June 30, 2019 at 12:20 am

        Thanks, Jacqueline!

        Reply
    11. Danielle

      June 27, 2019 at 10:08 pm

      5 stars
      That mango BBQ jerk sauce is truly one of a kind! When I first tried it I was really surprised with how good it went with beef ribs. Can’t wait to try your recipe now!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        June 30, 2019 at 12:25 am

        YES! Would love to hear all about your experience 🙂

        Reply
    12. Kelly Anthony

      June 27, 2019 at 9:02 pm

      5 stars
      You had me at fall off the bone. I love that I can make beef ribs in the instant pot and they still taste like they have been cooking all day.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        June 30, 2019 at 12:25 am

        SERIOUSLY I am addicted to my instant pot. Makes cooking so much easier – especially on a busy day.

        Reply
    13. Jere Cassidy

      June 27, 2019 at 3:15 am

      5 stars
      All those spices in the sauce sound delicious. I love how easy this recipe is to make.

      Reply
    14. Ramona

      June 26, 2019 at 8:35 pm

      5 stars
      What a delicious recipe, I love this sauce so much that I cannot longer wait now. I must find some good back ribs now – yummm.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        June 30, 2019 at 12:26 am

        Thank you, Ramona! 🙂

        Reply
    15. Leslie

      June 26, 2019 at 3:12 pm

      5 stars
      Yes! This looks divine! I’m always on the hunt for GOOD BBQ recipes and this looks perfect to try!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        June 30, 2019 at 12:27 am

        I am so glad to hear it. Thanks, Leslie. Enjoy!

        Reply
    16. Heidy L. McCallum

      June 26, 2019 at 2:47 pm

      5 stars
      I can hardly wait to make these delish looking ribs! I have been cooking up a storm in my IP and looking for new great recipes. Looks like I found another great one to make this coming week. I will let you know how they come out.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        June 30, 2019 at 12:28 am

        It just makes you want to cook over and over again, right? time saver!

        Reply
    17. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

      June 26, 2019 at 2:28 pm

      5 stars
      I did not know I could use my Instant pot to cook BBQ ribs! These look so tender and delicious. This is now on my list of foods to make!

      Reply

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