If you’re anything like me and love ribs but dread the long smoking or grilling times, then this Instant Pot Beef Ribs with Crispy Broil Finish Recipe is about to become your new best friend. The magic of the pressure cooker means you get incredibly tender, juicy ribs in a fraction of the time. Then, finishing them with a quick broil brings that irresistible crispy, caramelized crust we all crave.
What really makes this recipe stand out is how hands-off it is while still delivering that classic ribs experience. I use this recipe when I want a comforting, hearty meal without spending the whole afternoon cooking. You’ll find that the spice rub is simple yet adds perfect depth, and the broil step transforms the ribs from slow-cooked softness to a finger-licking, bark-worthy finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Tender: The Instant Pot pressure cooking powers through tough ribs and makes them fall-off-the-bone tender in under an hour.
- Crispy Broil Finish: That last broil step adds a deliciously crunchy bark that elevates the flavor and texture beautifully.
- Simple Ingredients: A minimal spice rub and a bit of water is all you need—no fuss, just amazing flavor.
- Perfect for Busy Days: This recipe is ideal when you want ribs fast without sacrificing the taste or tenderness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a straightforward, flavorful seasoning that highlights the beef ribs without overpowering them. The Ancho chili powder is my secret for a mild smoky warmth that pairs perfectly with beef.
- Beef back ribs: Bone-in ribs work best here for rich flavor and tender meat; cut into 2-bone pieces for easy handling.
- Fine sea salt: Use fine salt so it sticks well and seasons evenly.
- Fresh ground black pepper: Freshly cracked for the best taste and a little bite.
- Ancho chili powder: Adds a subtle depth and smoky sweetness—don’t skip it!
- Water: A half cup to help steam the ribs in the Instant Pot without drying them out.
Variations
I love tweaking this Instant Pot Beef Ribs with Crispy Broil Finish Recipe depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to customize the spice rub or even go saucy with your favorite BBQ sauce before that broil step for an extra layer of flavor.
- BBQ Sauce Glaze: I sometimes brush on a smoky BBQ sauce right before broiling if I want a sticky, sweet finish—my family goes crazy for it.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the rub if you prefer a bit more heat.
- Herbaceous Twist: Sprinkle some fresh thyme or rosemary over the ribs before cooking for an aromatic touch.
- Low-Sodium Option: Reduce the salt amount or use a salt substitute if you need to watch sodium intake; the broil finish still keeps things tasty.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Ribs with Crispy Broil Finish Recipe
Step 1: Season the Ribs and Prepare Your Instant Pot
Start by mixing your fine sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, and Ancho chili powder in a small bowl—that simple rub perfectly complements the beef. Sprinkle both sides of the ribs generously with this rub, making sure every piece is evenly coated. Pour about half a cup of water into your Instant Pot; this creates the necessary steam environment to tenderize the ribs. Then, stack your ribs loosely in the pot, bone side down to keep them cozy without crowding.
Step 2: Pressure Cook the Ribs Until Tender
Seal up your Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. If you’re using a stovetop pressure cooker, go for 20 minutes. Here’s a key tip: Let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes after cooking—this keeps the ribs juicy and prevents them from drying out. You can follow with a quick release to vent any leftover steam safely. When you open the lid, you’ll be amazed at how tender the ribs already are, almost falling right off the bone.
Step 3: Broil for Crispy Perfection
Now, the secret weapon: broiling. Place your ribs bone side down on a rimmed baking sheet and pop them under a preheated broiler. Keep a close eye on them—they usually take about 5 minutes to develop a golden, crackling crust. This step is optional but absolutely worth it. The broiler caramelizes the surface and gives you that irresistible texture contrast. If you want to jazz it up, brush on your favorite BBQ sauce just before broiling for a sticky glaze.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Beef Ribs with Crispy Broil Finish Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Natural Pressure Release: I learned that quick releasing pressure immediately can dry out the ribs. Letting it release naturally keeps them moist and tender.
- Watch the Broiler Closely: Broilers vary wildly, so keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning but still get that crispy finish.
- Use a Rimmed Baking Sheet: This catches any drippings and keeps your oven clean, which I’m always grateful for!
- Cut into 2-Bone Pieces: Cutting your ribs into manageable sizes helps them cook evenly and makes serving easier with less mess.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Ribs with Crispy Broil Finish Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple here—just a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few sprigs of cilantro brighten up the plate and add a fresh contrast to the rich ribs. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty pop that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs so well with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp coleslaw to balance the hearty meat. Sometimes, I whip up garlic sautéed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a lighter option. Cornbread or warm dinner rolls are great for soaking up any leftover juices too.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange the ribs on a large wooden board with an assortment of dipping sauces—think smoky chipotle mayo or tangy mustard sauce. Adding some roasted vegetables around the ribs turns it into a stunning feast. You could even slice the meat off the bones and serve over creamy polenta for a more elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover ribs in airtight containers in the fridge and get the best results when I reheat gently in the oven or even in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Keeping the ribs covered helps retain moisture so they don’t dry out.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked ribs wrapped tightly in foil and sealed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When I thaw and reheat, I skip the broil to avoid drying them out again and just warm gently—still delicious but softer without the crispy crust.
Reheating
Reheat leftover ribs in a low oven (around 300°F) wrapped in foil for about 15-20 minutes to keep them juicy. If you want to bring back a bit of that crispy finish, I pop them under the broiler just for a minute or two at the end—watching carefully so they don’t burn.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of ribs for this Instant Pot recipe?
Beef back ribs are ideal because of their meatiness and flavor, but you can experiment with short ribs as well. Just note that cooking times might differ—short ribs may need a bit more time in the pressure cooker to become tender.
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Is the broil step necessary?
The broil finish is optional but highly recommended. It adds a delightful crispy bark that contrasts the tender meat perfectly. If you’re short on time, you can skip it and still enjoy tender, flavorful ribs straight from the Instant Pot.
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Can I add BBQ sauce to these ribs?
Absolutely! If you want saucy ribs, brush your favorite BBQ sauce onto the ribs right before the broil step. The heat caramelizes the sugars in the sauce, making it sticky and delicious.
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How do I prevent ribs from drying out in the Instant Pot?
Letting the pressure release naturally instead of quick releasing is key. This allows the meat fibers to relax and retain their juices. Also, cooking ribs in the proper water amount and not overcooking helps keep them moist.
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Can I scale this recipe for more servings?
Yes! Just make sure your Instant Pot can fit the amount of ribs you plan to cook without overcrowding. Increase cooking time slightly if you have a larger quantity, but 25 minutes usually works well for up to 3 pounds of ribs.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Instant Pot Beef Ribs with Crispy Broil Finish Recipe manages to combine tenderness, bold flavor, and convenience all in one. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how quickly it came together without compromising on that satisfying rib experience we all crave. If you want ribs that are easy to make, packed with flavor, and finished with a perfect crispy bite, this recipe has you covered. Trust me, once you try it, your family will be asking for it again and again—just like mine does!
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Instant Pot Beef Ribs with Crispy Broil Finish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes pressure cook + 15 minutes natural release + 5 minutes broiling
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Beef Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef ribs cooked under pressure to perfection. The ribs are seasoned with a simple rub of sea salt, black pepper, and Ancho chili powder, then pressure cooked to become tender and juicy. An optional broiling step adds a crispy, caramelized bark for enhanced texture and flavor. Perfect for a comforting and hearty meal, these ribs are quick to prepare thanks to the Instant Pot, yet taste like they’ve been slow-cooked for hours.
Ingredients
Beef Ribs
- 7 to 8 bones of beef back ribs (about 3 pounds), cut into 2-bone pieces
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Ancho chili powder
- 1/2 cup water (for pressure cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub and season the ribs: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Ancho chili powder to create the rub. Sprinkle the rub evenly on both sides of the beef back ribs, ensuring every piece is well coated for optimum flavor.
- Place ribs in the Instant Pot with water: Pour ½ cup of water into the Instant Pot or other pressure cooker to create steam. Arrange the seasoned ribs loosely inside the pot, bone side down, to allow even cooking and pressure distribution.
- Pressure cook the ribs: Close the lid and seal the valve on the Instant Pot. Set the cooker to high pressure (Manual or Pressure Cook mode) and cook the ribs for 25 minutes. For stovetop pressure cookers, cook for 20 minutes instead. After the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Broil the ribs for a crispy finish (optional): Remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and place them bone side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil the ribs on high heat for approximately 5 minutes until the meat surface crackles and browns, creating a crispy bark. Watch closely to prevent burning. Once browned, remove from the broiler and serve immediately.
Notes
- A rack of beef back ribs typically contains 7 bones; cutting them into 2-bone pieces may leave one piece with a single bone, which is fine.
- The ribs are delicious and tender straight from the Instant Pot, falling off the bone easily, but broiling adds a delightful crispy texture on the outside.
- If desired, brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce just before the broiling step for added flavor.
