I am of a certain belief that in any healthy relationship, it’s best not to keep score. Unless you are making Instant Pot Ribs, in which case MEGA PARTNER POINTS.
People who get to try these tasty Instant Pot Ribs will quickly become fans. They are fall-off-the-bone tender, super meaty, and guaranteed to make people lick their lips.
In my case, the lucky recipient was Ben, who often requests my Crockpot Ribs. I’m going to trade the Instant Pot points I earned for his help putting together our new patio table.
I can already picture myself having friends over for a summer party and serving them Instant Pot Ribs slathered in homemade barbecue sauce!
If the table’s “instructions” are a piece of Ikea paper with only pictures and no words, please remind me to tell Ben about the ribs plan. Baby backs are my favorite form of bribery. ).
Pork riblets are a budget-friendly and flavorful cut of meat that work great in an Instant Pot. Compared to oven cooking the Instant Pot tenderizes ribs quickly while locking in juices.
If you’re new to cooking pork riblets or using a pressure cooker, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From prep to finish, I’ll share tips, timing, and recipes to help you make melt-in-your-mouth pork riblets every time.
What are Pork Riblets?
Pork riblets are short meaty sections of rib bones cut from the lower portion of the pig’s ribcage. They are smaller and thinner than traditional pork ribs.
Sometimes labeled “country-style ribs” riblets offer the same delicious flavor as ribs in a petite, inexpensive package. They are perfect for feeding a crowd or whipping up fast family dinners.
Benefits of Cooking Riblets in an Instant Pot
Cooking riblets in an Instant Pot pressure cooker provides several advantages over traditional oven braising:
- Shorter cook time – Riblets are fall-off-the-bone tender in 25-40 minutes
- More tender and juicy – The pressurized environment prevents moisture loss
- Intensified flavor – Spices and seasonings permeate the meat
- Versatile – Can cook frozen riblets with slight timing adjustments
- Convenient – Toss in ingredients and let the pot do the work
With just a little prep and the press of a button, you’ll have tasty ribs any night of the week.
Tips for Choosing Riblets
For the best results, look for pork riblets that are:
- Uniformly red in color without blemishes
- Abundant marbling and fat running through meat
- 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inch thick for even cooking
- Packaged together vs individually wrapped
Thicker riblets around 3⁄4 to 1 inch may be better for those who prefer meatier ribs. Avoid skinny riblets, which can dry out.
For extra flavor and tenderness, choose enhanced pork injected with a salt solution.
Prep Work Before Cooking in the Instant Pot
Proper prep is key to ensuring your pork riblets cook up tender and juicy. Here are some tips:
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Trim excess fat: Use a sharp knife to trim any large hunks of fat, which can prevent seasoning absorption. Leave a thin layer.
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Remove membrane: Flip ribs over and slide a knife under the thin, papery membrane, then pull it off. This prevents curling.
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Season generously: Coat both sides with browned garlic, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Let stand 30 mins.
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Don’t crowd: Arrange riblets in a single layer on the trivet so steam can circulate properly.
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Add liquid: Pour in 1 cup broth, beer or water to help pressure build and steam the meat.
With the right prep, your riblets will be ready for the Instant Pot!
Step-By-Step Instant Pot Pork Riblets Recipe
Now let’s walk through cooking pork riblets start to finish:
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Trim and season the ribs as outlined above.
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Preheat Instant Pot by selecting Sauté and heating oil.
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Brown the ribs for 2-3 minutes per side to caramelize the exterior. Work in batches if needed.
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Deglaze the pot by stirring in broth and scraping any browned bits.
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Insert trivet and arrange riblets neatly in a single layer on top, meaty-side up.
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Add liquid – 1 cup broth, beer, juice or water.
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Seal lid and make sure pressure release valve is set to Sealing.
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Select High Pressure and set cook time:
- Fresh/thawed riblets: 25 mins
- Frozen riblets: 35-40 mins
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Allow natural release for 10 mins to maintain tenderness, then quick release.
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Check for doneness. Meat should easily pull away from the bones.
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Let rest 5-10 mins before serving with your favorite BBQ sauce!
Handy Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Riblets
Follow these handy tips for fork-tender pork riblets every time:
- Add a splash of vinegar or Worcestshire sauce to tenderize
- Spritz ribs with broth if browning too quickly
- Insert a wooden spoon to keep valve open if pot struggles to pressurize
- Use natural release to prevent overcooking
- Check ribs early and add time if needed
- Brush with sauce during final 5-10 mins of natural release
Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasoning combos, marinades, and finishing sauces.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Instant Pot riblets pair deliciously with classic BBQ fare. Some tasty sides to consider:
- Baked beans, collard greens or coleslaw
- Corn on the cob, grilled or roasted
- Cheesy potatoes or mac and cheese
- Coconut rice or cornbread
- Sheet pan vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower
- Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
For weeknight dinners, keep it simple with just one or two easy sides. Get creative mixing and matching complementary flavors and textures.
Common Questions About Cooking Riblets in an Instant Pot
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How long does it take to cook riblets from frozen? Increase cook time to 35-40 mins on High Pressure.
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Do you need to add liquid? Yes, at least 1 cup of broth, beer or water.
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Can riblets be overcooked and tough in the IP? Yes, so follow recommended times and use natural release.
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How do you thicken the cooking liquid? Turn on Sauté after cooking and reduce to desired consistency.
With the guidance in this article, you can gain confidence cooking pork riblets in your Instant Pot. Enjoy finger-lickin’ tender, flavorful ribs any night of the week!
Use a Dry Rub
To start your ribs on a delicious note, cover them generously with a delicious dry rub.
The chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne in this rib rub recipe are probably things you already have in your pantry. They give the ribs a lot of flavor.
- You can add more cayenne if you want the ribs to be spicier.
- To make the rub for my Instant Pot ribs less spicy, I also add brown sugar. As a child, I loved the way Kansas City BBQ tasted with brown sugar and molasses. The brown sugar makes me think of some of my favorite KC BBQ joints.
- It’s not at all too sweet with that much brown sugar. You’ll love it here.
- It might sound fancy, but you can find liquid smoke at most grocery stores (you just have to look for it). You can also buy it online.
- Please don’t skip the liquid smoke. Since we’re cooking the ribs quickly (thanks, Instant Pot!), the liquid smoke adds a flavor that you’d normally only get from cooking something for a longer time, like smoking it.
Choose Your Favorite Ribs
- Choose your favorite type of ribs to make in the Instant Pot.
- Different types of ribs take different amounts of time to cook in an Instant Pot. However, the way you rub them and put them in the pot is always the same.
The two more common types of ribs are baby back ribs and spare ribs.
- Baby back ribs are the smallest and most tender. The pictures show my favorite ones.
- Spare ribs are larger, meatier, and fattier. Ben adores them.
