Make this fall-off-the-bone tender Pressure Cooker BBQ Ribs in just over an hour. Broil for a few minutes to get that beautiful finish.
The inspiration for today’s Pressure Cooker BBQ Ribs is from the sticky ribs I ate many years ago in Singapore while Ro-Ri San was based there for a period of time. I remember walking to the Cold Storage Supermarket where they had racks of sticky ribs in a rotisserie. They looked so good I had to buy some back to the apartment to snack on. Some of you may recall that they were packed in aluminum foil bags that kept them warm. I do wonder if they are still being sold today.
Barbecue ribs, as you know are so delicious but they do take a long time to prepare. Thankfully, today we have the convenient electric pressure cooker which makes it so much quicker to prepare fall-off-the-bone tender Pressure Cooker BBQ Ribs. It takes only about an hour of cooking time to produce the most tender and amazing ribs with the help of this modern appliance.
Pressure Cooking
I have been using an electric pressure cooker for years now. It is especially useful when I am in a pinch and need to cook dishes that take a long time like the ones listed below.
1. Hearty Beef Stew
2. Sweet Red Bean Soup
3. Boiled Peanuts.
It’s a time saver and I really should use it more than I have.
The Instant Pot
Of late, the Instant Pot has an almost cult-like following. The reason this appliance is so popular is because it is a multi function cooker which can replace several appliances in your kitchen, namely the slow cooker and rice cooker.
I have been debating for some time whether or not to get one and I finally did during the recent Cyber Monday Sale. I bought the Duo Plus 6 Qt 9-in-1 at a irresistible price. It was a one day sale and it was flying out the door. At that price, I was willing to give it a try.
So far, I have used it to cook plain rice and beef stew. Three days ago, I converted and my son’s Chicken Curry Rice recipe upon requests from some followers. I have made some observations on that post which you can read over there if you like.
Suffice to say I am still not very impressed with the saute function. Otherwise, it is a pretty decent appliance especially for recipes like this Pressure Cooker BBQ Ribs. The cooking time can be further reduced if you do not mind thickening the sauce in a saucepan on the stove. It took almost 20 minutes in the Instant Pot when it should take only 10 minutes on the stove. However, that would mean having to wash another pot which is probably not something you may want to do.
Using Other Pressure Cookers
Please know that while my instructions are based on the Instant Pot, you can certainly use this recipe with any other pressure cooker you have on hand. The buttons may not be the same but the main functions are similar and you should not have a problem if you know your pressure cooker well.
Related Products Used in Making This Pressure Cooker BBQ Ribs
This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy here.
Instant Pot DUO Plus 6 Qt 9-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker
Pyrex Prepware 1-Cup Measuring Cup
Winco UT-9 Coiled Spring Heavyweight Stainless Steel Utility Tong, 9-Inch

Pressure Cooker BBQ Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs (4 lbs / 1.8kg)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup + 2 tbsp brown sugar (45g + 2 tbsp)
- ½ cup ketchup (136g)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup water (180ml)
Instructions
- Cut each rack of ribs into two. Carefully peel of the membrane on the bone side of the ribs.
- Rub in salt, ground pepper, garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar on both sides of the ribs. Arrange the ribs upright in the pressure cooker pot with the meat side facing out.
- Combine ketchup, ¼ cup (45g) brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Spread sauce over the ribs. Pour water into the bowl and stir to mix in remaining sauce. Then pour this mixture into the pot.
- Close and lock the lid. Turn steam release handle to “Sealing” position. Press [Pressure] and set timer to 25 minutes for fork tender ribs and 30 minutes for fall off the bone tender ribs.
- When cooking cycle has completed, press [Cancel] and turn the steam release handle to “Venting” position for quick release. When the float valve drops down, open the lid carefully. Transfer the ribs to a baking tray lined with aluminum foil.
- Press [Saute] to boil sauce until it is syrupy, about 15 to 20 minutes. Press [Cancel]. Ladle sauce over the ribs.
- Broil ribs for 5 minutes. Remove and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
I served these delicious fall-off-the-bone tender Pressure Cooker BBQ Ribs with Whole Baked Sweet Potatoes. The family enjoyed it so much they have asked for me to make it again soon. 🙂
Tan Ejin says
Hi Linda, if I were to use an oven using the same recipe, can I get the same results? And what are the temp and duration it needs to sit in the oven?
Linda says
Yes, you can use the oven but you will have to experiment with the timing. I am thinking it will probably take between 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Nena says
Hi, i have a standard pressure cooker that only has low medium and high buttons. Do i choose the high setting for 25 minutes?
Linda says
Yes, please use the high setting for 25 minutes.