Deliciously Tender Pork Spare Ribs Made Easy in Your Instant Pot
There’s no denying the mouthwatering appeal of tender and flavorful pork spare ribs. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, using an Instant Pot can simplify the cooking process and deliver amazing results. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking pork spare ribs in an Instant Pot, so you can enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking instructions, let’s gather all the ingredients:
- 2 racks of pork spare ribs
- 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
- 1 cup of water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pork spare ribs by removing the membrane from the back of the racks. This will ensure that your ribs turn out tender and flavorful.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This dry rub will add an incredible depth of flavor to your spare ribs.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly onto both sides of the spare ribs, making sure to press it into the meat for maximum flavor penetration.
- Select the “Saute” function on your Instant Pot and add the olive oil. Once the oil is heated, brown the spare ribs on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. This will help seal in the juices and add a delicious caramelized crust to the ribs.
- Once the spare ribs are browned, remove them from the Instant Pot and set them aside momentarily.
- Add water or chicken broth to the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the bottom, scraping off any browned bits of flavor.
- Place the metal trivet or a steamer basket into the Instant Pot, and then carefully place the spare ribs on top.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function, and set the timer for 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your spare ribs. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the timer starts counting down.
- Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, and then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the spare ribs from the Instant Pot and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Brush the spare ribs generously with your favorite barbecue sauce, covering both sides.
- Preheat your oven to broil and place the spare ribs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce begins to caramelize and become slightly charred.
- Remove from the oven and let the spare ribs rest for a few minutes before serving.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of cooking pork spare ribs in an Instant Pot, it’s time to dig in and enjoy the delicious results. Serve them with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Remember, the Instant Pot is a versatile tool that can help you create mouthwatering dishes with ease. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with these tender and flavorful pork spare ribs? Happy cooking!
Want to share your experience cooking pork spare ribs in an Instant Pot or have any tips to make this recipe even better? Join the discussion in the Cooking Techniques forum and let us know your thoughts!
FAQ:
Yes, you can cook frozen pork spare ribs in the Instant Pot. However, keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer since the ribs need to defrost and cook simultaneously. It’s recommended to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time compared to fresh or thawed ribs.
How much liquid should I add to the Instant Pot?
To ensure proper pressure and steam buildup, it is essential to add at least 1 cup of liquid to the Instant Pot while cooking pork spare ribs. This could be water, broth, or a combination of both. The liquid helps create the steam necessary for tenderizing the ribs.
Should I use the Pressure Cook or Slow Cook function for pork spare ribs?
The recommended function for cooking pork spare ribs in the Instant Pot is the Pressure Cook or Manual function. This allows for quicker cooking and efficient tenderization of the meat. Slow Cook function is not suitable for cooking spare ribs as it may result in tough and chewy meat.
What is the ideal cooking time for pork spare ribs in the Instant Pot?
The ideal cooking time for pork spare ribs in the Instant Pot is typically around 20-25 minutes under high pressure. However, the exact cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs. It’s advisable to consult specific recipes or use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to your desired tenderness.
Should I use the natural release or quick release method?
It is recommended to use the natural release method when cooking pork spare ribs in the Instant Pot. Allowing the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes helps to maintain the moisture and tenderness of the ribs. Quick release can cause the meat to become tougher and less flavorful.
How can I achieve a flavorful crust on the pork spare ribs?
To achieve a flavorful crust on the pork spare ribs, you can broil them in the oven after cooking in the Instant Pot. Simply brush the ribs with your preferred sauce, place them on a baking sheet, and broil for a few minutes until the desired crust forms. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the ribs.
Can I add barbecue sauce to the Instant Pot while cooking pork spare ribs?
It is not recommended to add barbecue sauce to the Instant Pot while cooking the pork spare ribs. The high sugar content in the sauce can cause the pot to burn or result in a charred flavor. It’s better to add the barbecue sauce after the ribs are cooked, either by brushing it on before broiling or serving it on the side.
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