Instant Pot® Sweet Baby Back Ribs

Tender, sweet, and sticky baby back ribs that only take 1 hour from prep to plate. If you like them with a little spice, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the dry rub. I make this in my 8-quart Instant Pot® Duo; a 6-quart pot may require less liquid.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 385 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar
• 2 racks baby back pork ribs
• 2 tablespoons garlic salt (such as Lawry's®)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste (Optional)
• 12 fluid ounces root beer
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray's®), or more to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions for 15 minutes. Release remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.

Step 2

Use a butter knife to cut into an edge of the rib racks. Use a paper towel to grab and lift off the silvery membranes.

Step 3

Combine brown sugar, garlic salt, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in bowl. Coat the ribs generously with the dry rub.

Step 4

Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot®. Pour in broth, root beer, vinegar, and liquid smoke. Place ribs on the trivet on their sides, with one inside the other. Close and lock the lid and make sure the vent is sealed. Select manual high pressure and set the timer for 30 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

Step 5

Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler on the highest heat setting. Place a rack 6 inches from the heat source.

Step 6

Transfer ribs to a broiling pan and generously coat with barbecue sauce.

Step 7

Cook in the broiler until barbeque sauce is bubbly and caramelized, 5 to 7 minutes.