Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes (for spare ribs) or 23 minutes (for baby back ribs)
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
For the Ribs:
- 1 rack baby back ribs or spare ribs (about 1 1/2 to 2 lb)
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- ¼ cup of barbecue sauce (optional)
For the Rub:
- 1 tbs brown sugar
- 1 tbs paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the ribs. Rinse them thoroughly and pat them dry. If the ribs have a thin membrane on the back, gently loosen it with a dull knife, then use a paper towel to grip and remove it. Discard the membrane.
- In a small bowl, combine the all the spices and generously apply this rub to the ribs, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.
- Inside your 6-quart or larger Instant Pot, place a trivet (or rack). Pour in the water, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke.
- Stand the prepared ribs on their side inside the Instant Pot, wrapping them around the trivet to form a circular shape.
- Seal the Instant Pot and set the cooking times, for baby back ribs, cook on high (manual) pressure for 23 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. For spare ribs, cook on high for 35 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally (about 15 minutes).
- Towards the end of the cooking time, preheat your oven’s broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Transfer the cooked ribs to the foil, generously brush them with barbecue sauce (if using), and place them under the broiler for about 2 minutes until the sauce caramelizes. The ribs will achieve a nice crispness even without barbecue sauce.
- Sere with your favorite side dish!
Notes:
- Now that my baby is over 1 year old, I often use Butt Rub Seasoning when cooking ribs. This seasoning is pretty salty in y opinion, which is why I waited until after my baby turned 1 to introduce it.
