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Instant Pot Country Style Ribs

Name: Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds country style pork ribs; 1 tablespoon liquid smoke; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 3/4 cup beef broth (water can be substituted); 1/2 cup apple juice; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon salt (Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Pepper, Cumin.); 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

ByCatalina Castravet September 7, 2026September 7, 2026

Recipe Video Print

As much as I love ribs, I am not up to turning on the grill on a weeknight to make some. This Instant Pot Country Style Ribs recipe comes to the rescue. The meat is perfectly tender and flavorful. Smothered in barbecue sauce and a homemade aromatic brown sugar and paprika rub, this stellar dinner is fuss-free and takes just over an hour to make from start to finish.

Very juicy and tender Instant Pot country style ribs.

It is no secret that I love using my Instant Pot for a variety of recipes. When it comes to ribs, I have a few varieties that I alternate between. These include Classic BBQ Ribs and these absolutely amazing Short Ribs; pressure cooking them is a great decision, especially when you crave a comforting meal but want to spend less time in the kitchen or at the grill.

Why you will love this recipe
What you will need
How to prepare
Expert tip
Recipe variations and add-ins:
Serving suggestions:
How to store leftovers:
Frequently asked questions
More Instant Pot recipes to try:

Instant Pot Country-Style Ribs are cooked in a mixture of apple juice and BBQ sauce, adding that signature sweet-and-savory flavor I like. This weeknight dinner is simple, yet satisfying. All I have to do is mix the rub ingredients, marinate the ribs, season them, and pressure cook everything. For extra flavor, I highly recommend searing the ribs after coating them with the rub. This way, you lock in the juices and add another layer of aromas.

A plate of Instant Pot country style ribs with BBQ sauce.

Why you will love this recipe

I love Instant Pot recipes: I can make ribs without turning on the oven or firing up the grill. I turn on my Instant Pot and toss everything in it. It’s that simple.
Melts in your mouth: These ribs are so tender, I can cut them with a fork, and they practically melt in your mouth. And they are packed with flavor from the inside out.
One pot: I love that there is only one pot to wash. One thing about the Instant Pot is that it makes dinner so much more efficient and delicious.
Simple ingredients: With just a handful of basic ingredients, I can make this without even going shopping, as long as I have the ribs. I make my barbecue sauce from scratch, and everything else is usually already in my kitchen.

What you will need

Overhead shot of Instant Pot country style ribs recipe ingredients.

Meat: I use organic country-style pork ribs cut from pork shoulder.
Wet ingredients: Beef broth is the main ingredient in the marinade, enhancing meatiness and umami while retaining moisture. Apple juice also helps tenderize the meat while adding natural sweetness and a mild tanginess. Liquid smoke provides a smoky, BBQ flavor without needing an actual smoker. Worcestershire sauce balances sweetness, cuts through fat, and boosts flavor. I use my own homemade BBQ sauce for the ribs because I can control what goes into it and leave out the additives and preservatives.
Dry rub: Besides salt and pepper, I use brown sugar to create a sticky, caramelized sweet crust. Garlic powder builds a deep, savory base while onion powder adds natural sweetness. Paprika adds a smoky flavor and a burst of color, and cumin has a warm, earthy flavor that cuts through the rich, fatty pork. A bit of cinnamon adds depth to the sweetness for a mysterious touch, and a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a hint of heat without being too spicy.

How to prepare

Mix the dry rub: First, I mix the dry rub ingredients until well combined.

Brown sugar and paprika rub for country style ribs.

Marinate the ribs: Then, I mix the broth, apple juice, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke in a large bowl and let the ribs marinate in the mixture for at least an hour. I prefer to let them marinate in the fridge for several hours.

Rub the ribs: Afterward, I remove the ribs and pat them dry before rubbing them with the dry rub, massaging it into the meat thoroughly.

Coating country style ribs in a homemade brown sugar paprika rub.

Cook on high: Now I pour the marinade into the bottom of the Instant Pot, place the ribs in the pot, then pour the barbecue sauce on top. I shut the pot and cook it on high for 45 minutes.

Adding BBQ sauce to Instant Pot country style ribs.

Release the pressure: Next, I let it release pressure naturally for 15 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure manually.

Remove and serve: Finally, I remove the ribs and serve them with extra BBQ sauce.

Expert tip

How to get the most tender ribs in the Instant Pot

Although country-style ribs (especially pork shoulder) don’t usually have a membrane to remove, check them anyway, just in case. That connective tissue doesn’t dissolve and will make your ribs tough and chewy, no matter how you cook them. Also, be sure to use a dry rub to tenderize the meat after it has marinated for at least an hour. Don’t forget to add the marinade to the bottom of the pot before pouring in the sauce. And most importantly, let the pot release pressure naturally for 15 minutes so the juices can be reabsorbed into the meat.

More tips to consider:

Don’t pack the meat in the pot too tightly, or it may cause a burn notice.
If there are too many ribs, put them in a crisscross pattern to help them cook evenly. Don’t stack them like logs.
Be sure to pour the barbecue sauce in after adding the ribs so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
For a crunchy, visually appealing crust, put the ribs in the freezer for a couple of minutes after cooking them.
Too much fat in your sauce after cooking? Use a fat separator to make straining easier.

Overhead shot of instant pot country style ribs.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

Beef ribs: This recipe also works for beef ribs. In fact, I have a delicious recipe for fall-off-the-bone Instant Pot short ribs that are outstanding, made with carrots and onions in red wine sauce.
Other meat: In fact, this recipe works great with veal, venison, bison, or lamb as well.
Add vegetables: For a full meal, add some potatoes and carrots to the pot.
Spicy ribs: Those who like their ribs with some heat will enjoy this dish, which includes chopped jalapeños and red pepper flakes.
Teriyaki ribs: To give these ribs an Asian flavor, I like to add a bit of my homemade teriyaki sauce to the barbecue sauce.

Homemade Instant Pot country style ribs.

Serving suggestions:

Since ribs pair well with just about any side dish, I have a wide array of options to serve. One of my kids’ favorites is macaroni and cheese, so this creamy Instant Pot mac and cheese is perfect. It’s kid-friendly and takes less than 30 minutes to make, with crunchy bacon pieces for extra texture and flavor. I like it with mashed potatoes like these Instant Pot mashed potatoes that are fluffy, creamy, and cook in just 8 minutes.

But for a backyard BBQ-style dinner, I like to serve potato salad and coleslaw. My classic potato salad has tender potatoes, red onions, celery, chopped pickles, and eggs, all dressed with a creamy mayo dressing. Or try my Mexican street corn potato salad with cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and charred corn for something different. The lime dressing makes it really something special. My homemade coleslaw can be made with just a few ingredients and a delicious, creamy apple cider dressing! These all go great with fancy beermosas, my new favorite easy summer cocktail with just 2 ingredients.

How to store leftovers:

Refrigerate: Leftover ribs can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Freezing: Leftovers can also be frozen in freezer bags for 3 to 4 months.
Defrost: I thaw my frozen leftovers in the fridge overnight before reheating them.
Reheating: I place leftovers in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. To keep them from drying out, I slather them with barbecue sauce.

Dipping Instant Pot country style ribs in BBQ sauce.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best cut of meat for Instant Pot country-style ribs?

I highly recommend pork shoulder. Pork shoulder is the best choice because it has a rich, meaty flavor and plenty of fat to keep it moist and juicy during pressure cooking. Even though they are called ribs, they aren’t ribs at all. They are cut from the shoulder. They can be boneless or have shoulder blades. Some grocers cut from the pork loin end, but it dries out faster, so try to get the pork shoulder, which has more marbling.

Why am I still getting a burn notice?

Sometimes, even if you do everything right, you still get a burn notice when you cook fatty foods. It happens when the fat layer starts to cook off the meat, building up pressure. If this happens, turn off the heat and flip over the ribs. Then turn it back on and finish cooking it for the remaining time. If it needs more liquid, add water or broth, but not barbecue sauce. That is too thick.

Can I cook frozen ribs in the Instant Pot?

Yes, make sure they are not stuck together. You have to keep them separate for even cooking. Also, remember that marinating will not be absorbed either. Neither will the barbecue rub unless it has thawed out by then. It will take about 20 more minutes to cook, as the pressure cooker takes longer to build pressure. This is because it takes longer to bring the liquid to a boil, which is necessary to seal the pot.

What if I am cooking larger ribs?

The larger the ribs, the longer the cooking time. However, it really shouldn’t matter that much. Since country-style ribs are usually about the same size, it should take approximately 45 minutes to cook with a 15-minute natural pressure release. If they are much larger, it may take 5 more minutes. For significantly smaller portions, cut the time to 35 minutes and check the meat. If it is not tender enough, cook it for another 5 to 10 minutes. But always allow a 15-minute natural pressure release.

Instant Pot country style ribs covered in BBQ sauce.

More Instant Pot recipes to try:

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