Instant Pot Country Style Ribs

Learn how to cook finger-licking, deliciously tender Instant Pot Country Style Ribs (Pressure Cooker Country Style Ribs)! Your family will love these flavorful, meaty, caramelized BBQ Country Style Ribs. Perfect for a family dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe highlights the ease of pressure cooking while delivering deep flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, allowing you to enjoy tender ribs in just an hour.
• Flavorful Marinade: A simple marinade with apple cider vinegar and spices enhances the ribs’ natural taste and ensures they stay juicy.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair these ribs with sides like potato salad or baked beans for a complete meal.
• Easy Clean-Up: Cooking in the Instant Pot means fewer pots and pans to wash afterward!
• Customizable BBQ Sauce: You can use your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Instant Pot Country Style Ribs, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven tray or air fryer basket

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: The star of this recipe! It cooks the ribs quickly while keeping them tender and moist.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining ingredients for your marinade before adding the ribs.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for flavor balance in your marinade.
• Oven Tray or Air Fryer Basket: Ideal for broiling the ribs to achieve that perfect caramelized BBQ glaze.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Instant Pot Country Style Ribs:

• 3.5 – 4 pounds (1554g) country style ribs (1.5” in thickness)
• ½ cup (125ml) apple cider vinegar
• ¾ cup (188ml) cold water
• 1 teaspoon (2.8g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (2.4g) onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon (2g) coarse kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) regular soy sauce (or ½ teaspoon (4g) coarse kosher salt)
• 2 tablespoons (25g) brown sugar or honey (optional)
• Ground black pepper
• ½ cup – 1 cup BBQ sauce (we used Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce)

How to Make Instant Pot Country Style Ribs

Step 1: Make Ribs Marinade

Add the following ingredients into the Instant Pot’s inner pot:
1. 1 tsp garlic powder
2. 1 tsp onion powder
3. 2 tbsp regular soy sauce
4. ½ cup apple cider vinegar
5. ¾ cup cold water

Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate Ribs

Place the country style ribs into the marinade. Top with:
1. ¼ tsp coarse kosher salt
2. Ground black pepper
3. 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey

Marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes to an hour. Note: Don’t marinate too long as apple cider vinegar can make them mushy.

Step 3: Pressure Cook Country Style Ribs

Put the marinated ribs along with the marinade into the Instant Pot.
1. Close the lid and set the Venting Knob to Sealing position.
2. Pressure Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes.
3. Allow a Natural Release for 10 minutes before carefully turning the Venting Knob to release any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Apply BBQ Sauce & Broil Ribs

Transfer the country style ribs onto an oven tray and generously coat them with BBQ sauce:
1. Optionally, remove excess liquid from the pot.
2. For broiling, use either an oven or an air fryer lid:
– Oven/Toaster Oven: Broil on high until caramelized, about a few minutes.
– Air Fryer Lid: Add cold water to the pot, place ribs in an air fryer basket, set temperature to 400°F, and cook for about 12 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Enjoy your tender, juicy BBQ country style ribs immediately! They pair wonderfully with sides like potato salad or baked beans.

Servings: [‘4’, ‘4 – 6’]
Total Time: PT60M
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 373 kcal

How to Serve Instant Pot Country Style Ribs

Serving Instant Pot Country Style Ribs creates a delightful meal experience. The tender, flavorful ribs can be paired with various sides and garnishes that enhance their taste.

Classic Pairings

• Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad complements the smoky flavors of the ribs.
• Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans are a perfect match for BBQ ribs.
• Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds texture and balances the richness of the meat.

Creative Additions

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: This sweet summer treat adds a burst of flavor to your plate.
• Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread absorbs the BBQ sauce beautifully.
• Pickles: A tangy side like pickles cuts through the richness of the ribs.

Garnishing Ideas

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro for color and freshness.
• Sliced Green Onions: Add a sprinkle for an oniony bite that elevates the dish.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Country Style Ribs

To achieve perfectly cooked Instant Pot Country Style Ribs, follow these essential tips. They will help you ensure tenderness and flavor in every bite.

• Choose Quality Ribs: Selecting fresh, high-quality country style ribs enhances overall taste and texture.
• Marinate Properly: Marinating for 30 minutes to 1 hour allows flavors to penetrate without making the meat mushy.
• Use Natural Release: Allowing natural pressure release helps maintain moisture and tenderness in the ribs.
• Don’t Skip the Broil Step: Caramelizing BBQ sauce under heat adds depth and enhances flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to modify spices and sauces according to your preference for a personalized touch.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Country Style Ribs

Pairing your Instant Pot Country Style Ribs with the right sides elevates your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side.
2. Macaroni and Cheese: Rich and cheesy mac adds indulgence that pairs well with BBQ flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy contrast to rich meat dishes.
4. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing balance.
5. Corn Pudding: This sweet, custardy dish is a delightful complement to savory ribs.
6. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries bring sweetness and crunch alongside your meal.
7. Rice Pilaf: Flavored rice pilaf can soak up juices from the ribs while adding texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Country Style Ribs, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Over-marinating the ribs: Marinating for too long can make the meat mushy. Stick to 30 minutes to 1 hour for optimal tenderness.
• Not sealing the lid properly: If the lid isn’t sealed correctly, the pressure won’t build up, leading to undercooked ribs. Always check that the Venting Knob is set to Sealing.
• Skipping the broiling step: Skipping this step means missing out on caramelization and flavor. Always finish with BBQ sauce under a broiler or air fryer.
• Using too much liquid in the pot: Excess liquid can lead to soggy ribs. Follow the recipe measurements closely for the best texture.
• Ignoring natural release time: Not allowing for natural release can cause tough meat. Let it naturally release for at least 10 minutes before venting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store cooked ribs in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers to keep them fresh.

Freezing Instant Pot Country Style Ribs

• • Duration: You can freeze cooked ribs for up to 3 months.
• • Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Instant Pot Country Style Ribs

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the ribs with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place ribs in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power in short intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Instant Pot Country Style Ribs?

Instant Pot Country Style Ribs are meaty, flavorful cuts from the shoulder area of pork or beef that are cooked quickly in an Instant Pot.

How do I know when my ribs are done?

The ribs should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork when they are fully cooked.

Can I use other meats instead of country style ribs?

Yes! You can use chicken, beef, or turkey as alternatives while following the same cooking process.

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Country Style Ribs?

Cooking them takes about 15 minutes at high pressure in addition to marination time.

Can I customize the BBQ sauce used?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any BBQ sauce you prefer, or even make your own for a unique flavor twist.

Final Thoughts

These Instant Pot Country Style Ribs offer a deliciously tender and flavorful meal that your family will love. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it with various sauces and sides. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful dinner experience!