Sometimes, even when there’s a foot of snow on the ground or it’s raining cats and dogs, you get a hankerin’ for barbecue. But what’s a girl to do when the grill’s out in the frozen tundra and piled high with snow? It’s time for the Instant Pot!
The grocery store had pork ribs on sale so that’s what I used, but you could use traditional ribs as well. The pork ribs are meatier and more tender, and you get more bang for your buck. This recipe could easily feed a large family or a small dinner party.
Whichever meat you prefer, spread them out on a large tray. Season the tops with salt and pepper (and any other spices that tickle your fancy), then flip and repeat on the other side.
Pour 1/2 cup of water into your Instant Pot (a full cup if you’re using traditional ribs). The reason you don’t need much is because as soon as the ribs start to cook their going to let out their juices and you’ll end up with the ribs on the bottom being completely submerged. It’s not a bad thing if it happens… just different.
Seal the Instant Pot and press the Meat button, then adjust the time to 30 minutes. Now you can go ahead and make your sides because the Instant Pot will do it’s thing. Just remember that it takes some time for the Instant Pot to build up the pressure, and a few minutes to release all the steam at the end of cooking. So while the cooking time is 30 minutes, it will take more like 50-60 minutes all together.
When the timer goes off use the quick release to let out the built up steam. Use a good set of tongs to remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and place them on a foil-covered baking sheet. The meat will be super tender at this point, so don’t be surprised if they fall apart a bit when you lift them. Coat one side of the ribs with barbecue sauce, flip and coat the other side. Use a silicone basting brush to get sauce in all the little crevices and down the sides.
Place the ribs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll actually be able to smell when they’re ready to flip. The barbecue sauce will start to caramelize and give off a sweet scent.
Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes and enjoy!
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P.S. The Instant Pot frequently goes on sale, so keep checking!
