Get ready to enjoy tender and flavorful BBQ ribs made effortlessly in a pressure cooker. This recipe ensures that your ribs are perfectly cooked and then caramelized in the oven for that irresistible finish.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually stock pork ribs, you will need to pick some up from the meat section of your supermarket. Additionally, make sure you have a good quality BBQ sauce on hand, as it plays a crucial role in the flavor of the dish.

Ingredients For Pressure Cooker BBQ Ribs Recipe
Pork ribs: The main protein of the dish, providing a rich and meaty flavor.
BBQ sauce: Adds a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor to the ribs.
Water: Helps create steam in the pressure cooker to cook the ribs.
Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor and a vibrant color.
Garlic powder: Provides a concentrated garlic flavor without the moisture of fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Adds a savory, slightly sweet onion flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the spice mix.
Technique Tip for Making BBQ Ribs in a Pressure Cooker
For maximum flavor, let the ribs marinate in the spice mix for at least an hour before cooking. This allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more robust taste. Additionally, when transferring the ribs to the oven, make sure to brush on a generous amount of bbq sauce to achieve a beautifully caramelized finish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
pork ribs - Substitute with beef ribs: Beef ribs offer a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way, providing a different but equally delicious flavor.
bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory profile that complements the ribs well, offering a different but tasty twist.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds extra flavor to the ribs, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a bit more heat and complexity, making the ribs spicier and more flavorful.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
onion powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder offers a slightly sweeter and more delicate onion flavor, adding a subtle complexity to the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the ribs.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a milder and slightly different peppery flavor, adding a unique twist to the seasoning.
Alternative Recipes Similar to BBQ Ribs
How to Store and Freeze Your BBQ Ribs
Allow the ribs to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the meat soggy.
For short-term storage, place the ribs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the ribs. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, use a vacuum sealer for the best results.
Label each package with the date and contents to keep track of freshness. Ribs can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to reheat, thaw the ribs in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the meat.
Reheat the ribs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also brush them with additional bbq sauce before reheating to enhance the flavor.
For a quicker option, reheat the ribs in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
If you prefer a crispy exterior, finish reheating the ribs under the broiler for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Place the ribs on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until the ribs are warmed through.
- For extra flavor, brush with additional bbq sauce before serving.
Microwave Method:
- Place the ribs in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a splash of water or bbq sauce to keep them moist.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and turning the ribs halfway through.
- Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the ribs are hot.
Stovetop Method:
- Place the ribs in a large skillet or pan.
- Add a small amount of water or bbq sauce to the pan.
- Cover the pan with a lid and heat on medium-low.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the ribs are heated through.
Grill Method:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Place the ribs on the grill and brush with additional bbq sauce.
- Grill for about 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the ribs are hot and have a nice char.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through, until the ribs are warmed through and slightly crispy.
Sous Vide Method:
- Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
- Place the ribs in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable bag using the water displacement method.
- Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove from the bag and, if desired, finish with a quick sear on a hot grill or in a skillet for added texture.
Essential Tools for Cooking BBQ Ribs in a Pressure Cooker
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the spices for the rub.
Measuring spoons: These will help you measure out the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper accurately.
Pressure cooker: This is essential for cooking the ribs quickly and making them tender.
Tongs: Use these to handle the ribs, especially when transferring them from the pressure cooker to the baking sheet.
Baking sheet: Place the ribs on this for the final step in the oven to caramelize the BBQ sauce.
Basting brush: This will help you apply the additional BBQ sauce evenly on the ribs before baking.
Oven: Preheat this to 450°F (230°C) to caramelize the BBQ sauce on the ribs.
Measuring cup: Use this to measure out the water and BBQ sauce.
Knife: This can be used to cut the ribs into smaller sections if needed before cooking.
How to Save Time on Making BBQ Ribs in a Pressure Cooker
Prepare the spice mix in advance: Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper ahead of time and store in an airtight container.
Use pre-made bbq sauce: Save time by using your favorite store-bought bbq sauce instead of making it from scratch.
Cut the ribs into smaller sections: This helps them fit better in the pressure cooker and ensures even cooking.
Line the baking sheet with foil: Makes cleanup easier after baking the ribs.
Quick release the pressure: Use the quick release method on your pressure cooker to save time.
Pressure Cooker BBQ Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
Ribs
- 2 lbs Pork Ribs
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- 1. Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- 2. Rub the spice mix all over the ribs.
- 3. Place the ribs in the pressure cooker, add water and BBQ sauce.
- 4. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
- 5. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- 6. Transfer ribs to a baking sheet, brush with additional BBQ sauce.
- 7. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until caramelized.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for BBQ Ribs
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