Instant Pot Kansas City Baby Back Ribs

Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Smithfield® Prime Fresh Pork. The opinions and text are all mine.

Instant Pot Kansas City Baby Back Ribs—the easiest to make fall off the bone ribs made with a homemade Kansas City style rub and simple barbecue sauce.

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Instant Pot Kansas City Baby Back Ribs

If you love ribs you’re going to die over these pork baby back ribs that are made in your Instant Pot. The recipe is so easy but the results are amazing. I’m convinced that making ribs in the pressure cooker is the best way to prepare them. It’s hands off and takes a lot less time than in the oven or on the grill. They turn out completely tender and flavor infused.

Of course, you’ll want to start with Smithfield® Prime Fresh Pork which can be found at Dick’s Market. Not all pork is created equal so make sure to find Smithfield for ultimate quality. I headed to Dick’s Market and found it easily with the other meats.

Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork is a versatile meal solution that is high quality and full of flavor. It is available in a variety cuts from juicy tenderloins to naturally tender pork shoulders. In fact it’s 20% more tender than the other leading brand for natural pork. After tasting these ribs I totally believe that statement! And there are no growth promotants, or added hormones or steroids in their meat. If you’d like other amazing pork recipe ideas visit Smithfield’s website.

The fun thing about summer is that there’s always a reason at my house to cook up a good meal. Whether it’s the fourth of July, a summer birthday (we have 3 in my family) or just a weekend get together with friends, I can always find a reason to make a meal with Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork. When I made these ribs for my daughter’s birthday dinner the other night she was so excited. She loves ribs but I don’t make them all that often so she was happy to get these on her special day. I love sitting on our back patio, listening to music through our outdoor speakers, eating a good meal and enjoying a nice glass of lemonade. There is seriously nothing like summer!

These ribs start with a simple homemade rub. Let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes with the rub. You can even make them the night before and let them sit overnight. Just cover the pan with some foil.

The next step is to place a cup of water in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Place the trivet in the pot and coil the rubbed ribs around the sides of the pot. I decided that I would cook a simple homemade barbecue sauce at the same time as the ribs. So I placed the barbecue sauce ingredients inside a small Pyrex dish and then placed it in the middle of the ribs.

After the ribs cooked in the pressure cooker for 28 minutes, I placed them on a baking sheet and basted them with the barbecue sauce. I stuck them under the broiler for about 4 minutes and then they were ready to serve. They were so tender I had a hard time moving them to a serving platter without them all falling apart!

For a perfect summer meal serve these ribs with chunks of watermelon and potato salad and maybe even if you’re lucky some garden-fresh corn or tomatoes. Ahhhhh, summer!!

Instant Pot Kansas City Baby Back Ribs

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★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

• Prep Time: 45 minutes (including marinating time)
• Cook Time: 28 minutes (plus pressure release time)
• Total Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Method: Instant Pot

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Description

The easiest to make fall off the bone ribs made with a homemade Kansas City style rub and simple barbecue sauce.

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Ingredients

For the ribs and rub:

• 2 ½ to 3 lbs Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork Back Ribs
• 2 Tbsp dark brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
• ¾ tsp black pepper
• ¾ tsp kosher salt
• ¾ tsp chili powder
• ¾ tsp garlic powder
• ¾ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp ground red pepper

For the barbecue sauce:

• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp quick cooking tapioca

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Instructions

1. Remove the ribs from packaging and place on a large baking sheet. Blot the ribs with a paper towel until moisture is removed.
2. Combine the brown sugar, paprika, pepper, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder and red pepper in a bowl. Mix until combined. Rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the ribs evenly. Let the ribs sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
3. Pour 1 cup of water in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet in bottom of the pot. Coil the ribs around the edge of the inside of the pot.
4. If you’d like to make your own barbecue sauce, combine ketchup, water, vinegar and tapioca in a small oven safe bowl (like a Pyrex or Corningware). Carefully place the bowl in the middle of the ribs, on top of the trivet.
5. Lock the lid onto the top of the Instant Pot. Make sure valve is set to sealing. Set the manual button to 28 minutes.
6. When timer goes off allow the pressure to release naturally for about 20 minutes or until the pin drops. Carefully switch the valve to venting. Remove the lid. Using gloves carefully remove the barbecue sauce and the ribs. Place the ribs on a baking sheet and baste them with the barbecue sauce. Place them under your oven’s broiler for about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve.