There's something incredibly satisfying about making fall-off-the-bone ribs at home, especially when you can do it quickly using a pressure cooker. If you're tired of the long, slow cooking methods that traditional BBQ ribs require, this easy spare ribs recipe will change the way you cook ribs forever. Not only does it significantly reduce the cooking time, but it also locks in all the flavors, making your ribs tender, juicy, and full of taste. Let's dive into how you can make these delectable ribs with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Before we get into the cooking process, here's what you'll need:
- 3 to 4 lbs pork spare ribs
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ribs
Begin by preheating your pressure cooker on the sauté setting:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if it’s still attached. This will help the flavors penetrate better and make the ribs more tender.
- Season the ribs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the ribs in the cooker until they get a nice golden color, then remove them and set aside.
2. Make the Cooking Liquid
- In the pressure cooker, add the chicken broth or water, along with soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
- Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any stuck pieces from the searing process.
3. Cooking the Ribs
- Add the BBQ sauce into the liquid in the cooker, stir well.
- Place a trivet or steamer basket into the cooker, then lay the ribs on top. You might need to cut them into smaller sections to fit.
- Secure the lid, ensure the valve is set to "sealing," and cook on high pressure for:
- 25 minutes for tender, but slightly firm ribs.
- 30 minutes for fall-off-the-bone tender ribs.
4. Finishing Touches
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the ribs and let them rest for a few minutes. Skim any excess fat off the top of the cooking liquid.
- If desired, broil the ribs for 5-10 minutes in the oven to give them a nice caramelization and further enhance the flavor with the BBQ sauce.
5. Serving
- Brush additional BBQ sauce on the ribs just before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if using.
🔖 Note: Using the trivet or steamer basket is crucial as it allows the ribs to cook above the cooking liquid, not in it, which is key to maintaining their tenderness without them becoming too soft.
Using a pressure cooker to prepare spare ribs not only cuts down the cooking time but also infuses the meat with incredible flavor, thanks to the sealed environment which keeps all the moisture and spices locked in. The result is ribs that are juicy, tender, and packed with layers of taste, all achieved in less than an hour from start to finish. This method simplifies the process, making it possible to enjoy restaurant-quality BBQ ribs at home with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Can I use baby back ribs instead of spare ribs?
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Yes, you can use baby back ribs with this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly, reducing it by about 5 minutes, as baby back ribs tend to cook a bit faster.
Do I have to sear the ribs before pressure cooking?
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Searing is not mandatory, but it does add a depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction, enhancing the taste of the ribs.
How do I make the ribs spicier?
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Add some cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or use a spicier BBQ sauce to increase the heat level of your ribs.
