Grab your pressure cooker and make these Instant Pot Ribs for dinner tonight. They are oh so quick and easy to make. You can serve fall off the bone bbq ribs in no time at all.
INSTANT POT RIBS
My family LOVES ribs. I usually have to make 2-2.5 racks just to be able to feed this large family of mine. I will confess… In the past, I have made them often but not often enough to please my family. That was until I started making our ribs in our Instant Pot. Before, making ribs was sort of a pain in the butt. I would need my large stock pot and the ribs seemed like they took forever to boil. I think the flavor that we have in the our Instant Pot Ribs is so much better. They cook so quickly and they really fall right off the bone.
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I have been making so many new recipes in the Instant Pot. It can be a bit of trial and error but once we have the recipe down, it makes for perfect quick, easy, and tasty meals. I can not tell you how many times I have made our Instant Pot Corn on the Cob this summer. Way too many to count. Having such a easy recipe that I can make in very little time has been great.
My Instant Pot has become a permanent small appliance on my countertop. If you do not own one yet, I highly recommend getting yourself one. They make cooking meals so much faster. You can check out my post and Instant Pot recommendations in my What is an Instant Pot? post.
You will need some baby back ribs, a few spices for an amazing rub, a can of Coke, liquid smoke, and your favorite bbq sauce. The liquid smoke really adds some great flavor. You can find it right at your grocery store. It is really inexpensive (like around #$2). In my grocery store it was located near all the marinades and bbq sauces. Obviously you could make this recipe without it but… I highly suggest adding it for flavor. This recipe could easily be doubled if you are needing to make 2 racks of baby back ribs. You will want to double everything except still use just one can of Coke. Do not add any additional liquid to your pressure cooker.
INGREDIENTS TO MAKE INSTANT POT RIBS
2 tbsp Kosher Salt
2 tbsp Brown Sugar
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
1 rack Baby Back Ribs
12 oz can Coke
1/4 tsp Liquid Smoke
1 cup BBQ Sauce
HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT RIBS
Combine first 7 ingredients and mix together to make a rub. Set aside.
Remove membrane from back side of ribs by loosening at one end with a knife and grabbing with paper towel and pulling off.
Apply rub to both sides of ribs and place in a ring inside of Instant Pot.
Pour Coke and Liquid Smoke into center of pot.
Pressure cook on manual high for 30 minutes with no warming and allow pressure to release naturally.
Preheat oven to 400.
Transfer ribs to broiler pan and brush with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Bake 10-15 minutes watching to ensure ribs don’t burn.
Do you have a favorite rib recipe?
Instant Pot Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Kosher Salt
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
- 1 rack Baby Back Ribs
- 12 oz can Coke
- 1/4 tsp Liquid Smoke
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Combine first 7 ingredients and mix together to make a rub. Set aside.
- Remove membrane from back side of ribs by loosening at one end with a knife and grabbing with paper towel and pulling off.
- Apply rub to both sides of ribs and place in a ring inside of Instant Pot.
- Pour Coke and Liquid Smoke into center of pot.
- Pressure cook on manual high for 30 minutes with no warming and allow pressure to release naturally.
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Transfer ribs to broiler pan and brush with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Bake 10-15 minutes watching to ensure ribs don't burn.
Nutrition
Vicky
These are the BEST ribs ever! Easy to make and turn out perfect every time!
Thomas Miller
These were fantastic! The whole family loved them! Fell right off the bone.
Kathy
This is a great rib recipe. I have made it several times. Do you increase time for 2 racks of ribs?
Megan
Do we add extra time if we are doing two racks of ribs at once?
Heather
Flavor and tenderness was good but it was pretty salty. The only real issue I can see is that the cool time says 45 mins when really if you let the pressure cooker naturally release then it takes about an hour and a half total to cook. So when planning your dinner start time make sure to consider this.
Rita
I followed the recipe with 2 exceptions. I lowered the salt in the rub from 2TB to 2 tsp. There was no loss of flavor. I used Swerve brown sugar sub as I don’t do sugar. Still no loss in flavor.
These were excellent!
My husband thought cooking ribs in my Emeril multicooker would be a fail. Only on the grill he says! I proved him wrong.
Doris
These are the only ribs I make now, we crave them! I’ve used Coke or Pepsi, same results. I do however pressure cook them for an hour to have the fall off the bone ribs.
Thank you!
Marcel Scarbel
Who can handle all that sodium? It’s 2 days worth for a young healthy person and 3 days worth for someone with high blood pressure!!!
Moe
I had no coke so used a beer. Tasted amazing!!!
Yvette
This is a great recipe! Super easy, delish, and fall off the bone amazing! I used coke zero cause that’s what I had and it came out fantastic.
Lisa
These ribs are now a family favorite
Aireona Henderson
Do you have to use a trivet?
Edgar Cardona
What is liquid smoke and where do I get it? Thanks.
Leona
You can get in Walmart it’s by the seasonings it’s a small bottle
Lacey
Just got home with 2 racks of ribs!! I’ve made this a few times already. Today will be my first doubling it. Best ribs ever!!! Kids beg for more and ask for it for dinner (which doesn’t happen much 😉)
Pam
What does the Coke do?
Elizabeth
So delicious!!! Rather than using a pressure cooker (sadly I misplaced my cord), I used a slow cooker on HIGH for 4.5 hrs & broiled in the oven as instructed in this recipe. They still came out so tender. Love love love this recipe! The coke & liquid smoke really make a difference. This is a keeper.
Rick
If you’re using an Instant Pot, you can use the power cord from a desktop type computer. Has the same type of plug.
Deborah Parks
Oh my gosh! These are the best and tenderest ribs I have ever ate. They just fall off the bone! The rub is very good. Thank you for this recipe
Christine Lauderback
Will this recipe work in an oven or crock pot?
Jen
Hi Christina! I do have a slow cooker ribs recipe ( I need to update with new images but it is a great recipe too). You can see it here https://cincyshopper.com/slow-cooker-ribs-with-coca-cola/
Have a great weekend!
Robyn Terry
Best ribs ever!! And so easy. Love my instant pot.
Carol
Great dish, a real keeper. Keep in mind the time for the instant pot to heat up and to reduce heat naturally. Start to finish was about 1 hour 45 minutes, well worth it!
Robyn Terry
Delious ribs.And so easy!
Dorothy Sinclair
Very good!! I added a little apricot jam to my bbq sauce and separated the ribs with a fork they were so tender
Bruno Krygier
Can I use Zero Coke or dese it need to be regular Coke?
Skip
I used Coke Zero… no issues, delicious!
Jessica
Amazing !
Robin
I have a case of Pepsi cans because my son and son in law prefer Pepsi. Have you tried this recipe with Pepsi? I really don’t want to go out and buy coke. I rarely drink soda so it would just go to waste
Jordan
I don’t see why it wouldn’t. I am currently making these for the 3rd time. I used Cola the first time and the 2nd and this time I’m using Root Beer. I’m sure Pepsi will work. I’ve thought about using Dr. Pepper and maybe Cream Soda.
Mj
Pepsi should be fine! I’ve made them with Dr Pepper and they are Fab!!
Linda
I made with Dr. Pepper also and they were awesome!
Kathy
These were wonder! My go to ribs now. Thanks
Melissa
I’m still a beginner with the Instant Pot, but I would love to try these! Can someone please clarify what is meant by “Pressure cook on manual high for 30 minutes with no warming”?? Does this mean set the timer for 30 minutes? I don’t know what that means… Please help!
Jen
Hi Melissa! I am sorry you are confused. There are different models of Instant Pots. You should choose pressure cook, then choose high, then set time for 30 minutes. If your Instant Pot has a keep warm option, set it to “off” or “no”. Then, hit start. When the Instant Pot shuts off, wait for the piston in the pressure release nozzle to drop. When it does, your ribs are done and you should be able to open the pressure cooker lid. I hope that helps.
Angela
I was glad you answered Melissa’s question as I also was confused by “no warming”. Your answer cleared that up for me🎉
Sharon
I have to ask, if I increase amount of ribs to two or three racks do I in crease the amount of cokes & liquid smoke as well as cooking time?
I do agree this recipe is fantastic, all friends & family cannot get enough!
Jen
Hi Sharon! You will want to keep the liquids the same. Also, be sure to not “over-stuff” the Instant Pot. So happy to hear you are enjoying them. My family thinks they are The Best Ribs!
Brandy
Do you increase the cooking time for 2 racks of ribs? Thank you for a FANTASTIC recipe!!!!
Jen
Hi Brandy! Super happy to hear you think the Instant Pot Ribs are so good:) There should be no need to increase the time. It may take the Instant Pot a bit longer to come up to pressure with more food in it. I hope that helps.
Connie V.
Loved the flavor and fall-off-the-bone deliciousness of these ribs! Added bonus was the fat that melted off the ribs during cooking and collected under the trivet. Great rub recipe— I’m beyond thrilled that I can cook ribs start to table in about an hour! THANK YOU!
Doris
These are my go to ribs only I cook them 60 min NR. Thanks for the recipe!
Leslie
Loved this recipe! Thank you so much! I didn’t change a thing and it was perfect!
Kass
Could I use Coke zero (orange vanilla flavor) or IBC root beer instead of regular Coke? How would it affect the flavor?
Lynne
I used Cherry Coke Zero and the ribs were fabulous. I think any liquid will do the trick
Dorian
Simply outrageously good!
Judi
I use Apple juice instead of coke. Delish!
Michael
First time I’ve ever made ribs. They were fabulous and so easy took make. My wife was against the Instapot purchase, but these past few days of me making things has really changed her mind.
staci
What if I wanted to grill right after pressure cooking? what would the grill time be?
Emily
I accidentally made this recipe with center rack beef ribs (whoops!) instead, and it STILL turned out amazing. Even the men who were skeptical of the instant pot for a traditional grill entree were very pleased.
Jane
OH…MY…GOD! Hands down, the BEST ribs we’ve ever had. I let them marinate in the dry rub overnight. Moist, delicious, falling-off-the bone perfection. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Maricruz Mendoza
Hi.
Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe. I don’t have a pressure pot, but will a crock pot be good to use for this recipe?
Kari
OMG! Best Instant Pot rib recipe I’ve tried yet. Definitely found out go-to for ribs. Falling off the bones and super delicious. Thank you!
Richard Williams
What’s with all this Insta-Pot stuff! I used a stove top pressure and have used many recipes similar to this one and they turned out fine. I would like to see recipes using a stove top.
Dorian
Rich, just spend the 100 bucks or less and join in on the fun man! I was a bit cynical and skeptical until I just broke down and bought one. These things are amazing!
It doesn’t mean you have to throw away what you have. Give it a try you deserve it!
Kelly
OMG!! Fall of the bone delicious!!! I used Costco preseasoned ribs and diet coke!!! OMG!!! We will definitely used this recipe again!!!
Laura
This was the second time I made it ! No coke, so used apple juice as my liquid ! Amazing ! Thx
Paula pringle
Made this the other night. OMG so good. Thank you for sharing.
Roberta
Can I use this recipe in the crook pot? How much longer will they take to cook?
Elizabeth Soumaya
I’ve made these several times now and they’ve turned out excellent every time. So tasty and tender. Sure beats the 3 1/2 hrs it used to take to make my ribs in the oven. This recipe convinced my neighbor to finally buy an instant pot. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe.
Christina
Hello; I have been making an instant pot rib recipe with an apple juice bath, but yours looks better! I often cook for a lot of people. Have you done this with multiple racks of rib? How many ribs can you fit in the instant pot, and does it change the cook time?
Kellie
Catfish skinners work really well at getting the skin off the back. Trying this tonight. Tried another one a few weeks ago. Smell heavenly. Don’t be intimidated just jump right in!
Dave Madland
Made these last night. I used my own rub I had on hand and actually added 2 t of liquid smoke, did not think a 1/4 t would make any difference. These were the most tender ribs I have ever had!!!!
Katie
I’ve made this a few times and it’s really good but I’m still unsure of it all. I’m still a beginner with the IP.
Manual pressure and natural release seems to take forever for quick ribs. I finally gave up tonight and did the quick release to hurry it up and the meat was already falling off the bone and the IP was off.
What is the total time it should be in the IP? I see one person say 2 1/2 hours…if that’s the case, maybe I’m ok.
Thanks!
Katie
MJ Gardner
Best. Ribs. Ever.
Teresa
Do you leave the venting opened while cooking the ribs?
Lora
No. The vent always stays closed during cooking.
Barb
This is a great recipe. It was all we could do to put some aside for lunches, since we kept eating them while cleaning up after supper! I liked baking them for the last few minutes instead of broiling….less hands on. The spice rub was excellent. An all around excellent meal! Thank you!
Mary
There is a setting on my Instant Pot that says “Manual” but it doesn’t have a “high” button. Also the pressure can be switched to “venting” or “sealing”. I assume “venting” is the same as “allow pressure to release naturally”?
Joetta
FYI-Releasing naturally means you do not vent it. Just leave it alone and let the pressure come down on its own. You’ll know it’s totally vented when you can open it.
Lori
If I double the recipe (except the coke) for two racks, is the cooking time the same?
Peaches
Made this today in my 3qt. IP and turned out great with just a few time mods. Less soda but will add more next time. Yum, all off the bone ribs and 2 1/2 hrs. Less in the oven. Will make again.
Margaret Aiken
Why 2 1/2 hrs?
DD
Did you have to cut the ribs in half to make them fit in the 3 qt IP?
Tracie
This is a great idea. Cook ribs with cola. I used Dr. Pepper because that’s what we drink. And Sweet Baby Ray’s regular BBQ sauce, again it’s what we use. Fantastic!
Shawn
In these super hot SLC summer days I stick them on grill for 5 minutes each side instead of using the broiler.
Car
I live in Utah too. Did you have to add time (cook longer than 30 minutes) for the altitude?
Carlee
I finished them on the grill too and they were fabulous.
S. Lowe
My brother made this almost exact recipe a few weeks ago and they were So good. I may need to buy an instapot just to make ribs.
MaryAnn
I’m still afraid of my instant pot. I received it as a gift, it sat on the floor still in the box for almost a month finally a couple of weeks ago it made it out of the box and onto the counter. I still haven’t used it yet. Any suggestions for scaredy-cat beginner?
Michele Walker
Get it out!! Oh, you will be so glad you did…make sure the lid is on and the pressure gauge is not touched until you it releases naturally. I know your fear…I started using a big pressure cooker about 10 years ago and I was super scared of it…as I used it, I realized that as I put the lid on tight and followed instructions…it is not just going to blow up!
Pull it out and start small…but do it!
You will LOVE your instant pot :)
Dan Jenkins
There is absolutely nothing to be afaid of. It is not unsafe like some early pressure cookers, the built in safety features are fail proof. Just remember to always use 1 to 2 cups of water or other liquid. Use a glove when Quick Release. Remember use CANCEL when switching modes. I.e. from “sauté to “pressure cook”. I have no cooking skills bu I have made Rotisserie Chicken, lasagna, Cheesecake, Pot Roast,Goulash,Ribs, vegetable soup and many more meals. They were all winners.
Dan J
Megan
The first thing I made in my instant Pot was mashed sweet potatoes and corn on the cob. Both were inexpensive and easy to make. I figured if I screwed it up, I would be losing money and both could easily be replaced with a can of corn or a frozen bag of veggies as a side in a pinch. Seeing the results of those sides and how much faster/easier they were to make had me hooked on my IP! I use it now for soups, ribs, pasta dishes… you name it I make it because it is so fast and easy to clean up!
Kathleen
First comes first, do all of the things it says to do prior to using it to cook. When I did the practice boil of the water, it never started it’s timer. However, when I used it to cook all went well!
Start with an easy one! And you have to be willing to put yourself out there! Lol. My first was SUPPOSED to be chicken pot pie… Key phrase, supposed to be! Give yourself breathing room! Also, it will take the Instant Pot about 10-12 minc to ‘heat’ in order to begin the actual cooking. I’ve decided to add about 30 minutes to the stated cooking time the recipe says, this takes the heating time and natural release time into consideration.
Gail
I have the Crock Pot brand & I love it. I bought it on Cyber Mondy a year ago. Pork tenderloin is super simple in the Instapot.. I cooked one tonight. A little under 3 pounds and it cooked well done in 20 minutes. If frozen, cooks in about 25-35 minutes. I seasoned with a little Everglades seasoning (use seasonings or rub of your choice). I cut the tenderloin in half. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the cooker pot, set to sauté. When hot, sear each side of the meat about two minutes each to brown. Remove meat, add two cups broth (chicken, ham, bone, vegetable, your choice). I used 1 cup ham broth and 1 cup bone broth. Stir to get any yummy cracklings stuck to the bottom of the pan. I then added two tablespoons of lemon juice, two tablespoons of soy sauce (low sodium if you prefer), and one can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir to dissolve soup. I placed the rack/trivet into the bottom of the pot (comes with the pot) and returned the meat to the pot. Seal the lid, set the
Vent to seal. I used the setting for meat which is high heat and decreased the preset time to twenty minutes . I let the steam vent naturally which took an additional 10 minutes or so. I used a meat thermometer and my meat was exactly 170 degrees F. We always cook pork well done. You can thicken your gravy with a little cornstarch but we left ours as au jus.
Don’t be afraid. This isn’t your grandmother’s pressure cooker. The lid locks securely and will not unlock while under pressure. Some recipes call for you to turn the vent open to release the pressure quickly. I do this with a long handled wooden spoon. No steam burns yet. Good luck. I hope you learn to lock yours.
Terry Betts
This sounds so good. My concern is where to use my instapot. The quick release releases so much steam I am afraid it will warp my cabinets & I do not have an island. Any suggestions?
Can you let any recipe naturally release the steam, even though it calls for a quick release, or will this cause some things to be too well done?
ST
Just use a kitchen towel over the steam
Maggie
Go on Amazon & search IP accessories. They make a gadget that you put on the vent and it directs the steam straight out instead of up. This will save your cabinets.
Jeanie Haertling
You can get a Steam Diverter from Amazon.. They’re cheap and works Really Good! I also Do Not have an Island and purchased a Steam Diverter for my IP.. You’ll be Happy you did!😉😉
Marcia Cullison
Amazon sells an adapter “thingy” that you put directly ontop of the vent knob and it directs the steam away from shooting straight up/out…… and doesn’t burn you either. I love it, because that’s what bothered me when I first used mine.
Tamz
I used mine today for the first time and it was intimidating with all the buttons and THE valve but after I literally used it for my black eye peas and it was amazing! As for the steam there was not that much and it’s as simple as using a long butter knife to hold down the pressure button. I used the pot on my countertop in a regular used place. Good luck and use it! I know I will.
Jan
Find a freind who has one and get their help. I held a “class” at my house for a few of my friends who got them for Christmas!
Kathy
That is exactly how I felt; however, today I gave it a try. So easy!
Hop on YouTube for some great instructional videoes. Jeff (PressureLuck) is my go to person on a YouTube, Facebook,, etc. I believe he can be found on all social media sites.
Already planning out 3 meals for next week.
Give it a try and enjoy.
Sherry
Mashed potatoes!…i was in your shoes lol but i decied 4 min mashed potatoes was worth a try… Im hooked now…. Ribs tonight! Wish me luck lol
Terry
I started out making bone broth with my left over rotisserie chicken bones. Best chicken both broth I’ve ever made. From there I started making soup…..so easy and so fast. I will be tackling a Cuban post roast this weekend. I’m loving my instant pot and I think you will too. Have fun with it.
Karen
I to am a new user of the Instant Pot and it was the greatest thing I could of done. I absolutely love it! I use Pintrest for all my recipes and have already tried quite a few. It is the easiest thing to use, the only thing you need to be careful of is when releasing the pressure just make sure nothing is in front of it like a body part. Just release till it stops with the steam and you are good to go. It has made my life so much easier my meals are done in just a few minutes and clean up is so easy since everything is done in one pot! Hope this helps enjoy your pot!
Julie
I wa scared as well. Start by making steam! Sounds stupid, but you get a feel for how long it takes to pressurize, and the sounds of the machine. In the instructions it tell you how to begin.
Leilani
I suggest watching a YouTube video on how to use it, it really helped me get comfortable using it. Also i set a WARNING sign next to it when in use and i have alerted everyone in the house about not peeking into it to see whats cooking! So its a NO TOUCH zone when in use. But now i cant live without it. I LOVE my instapot because its made dinner quicker and easier.
Erlene
I’ve been on the fence still on an Instapot but my hubby might be convinced to buy this for himself since he loves ribs. Sounds like an Instapot makes it so much easier and quicker.
REno Dave
“Cincy,” great recipe, especially the spice combination for the rub!! I, too pressure cook my ribs in “rings” with the bones to the inside. Early on, I used to tie the racks in shape with kitchen twine. Now I cut a few large-ish carrots into thick “coins” about 3/4” in width. I use the coins as “shims” to keep the ribs off the walls of the cooking pot and each other. This allows all sides of the ribs exposure to the cooking liquid, plus the carrots add a nice smoothing layer of flavor to the ribs. When I do two racks at the same time, I intertwine them, separating with extra carrot coins. And, the carrot coins made a tasty side dish!!
Reno Dave
p.s. Forgot to mention… When removing membrane, I first cut a piece of paper towel into fourths and have handy. This way you can quickly grab a fresh one as the paper toweling gets too moist to hold the membrane. Another trick is to use 2″ or 3″ plain square gauze pads, which are the right size, have more “friction” and are more absorbent that paper towels.
Nikki Aka JustTabandMe
These are terrific ideas!!! I love carrots and raise a couple containers of them, so I always have them around. I’ll give this a try!!! Thanks!
Melissa
Do you increase the cooking time if you are making 2 racks?
Sandra
Falling off the bone delicious. This will be the only way I’ll cook ribs in the future.