Owen's Famous Spare Ribs
Instant Pot spare ribs finished under the broiler — fall-off-the-bone tender with caramelized edges. Pull from freezer 24 hours before cooking.
Serves 2 servings (dinner for 2 + lunch for 2 next day)
Ingredients
- Ribs:
- 4 lb rack pork spareribs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- BBQ sauce (optional)
- Dry Rub:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Pull ribs from freezer to fridge 24 hours before cooking. If the rack is too long for the pot, cut it in half before freezing or after thawing.
- Mix together all dry rub ingredients in a small bowl: salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chili powder, and cumin.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if it's still on (grab it with a paper towel and peel it off). Pat the ribs dry.
- Rub the dry rub all over both sides of the ribs.
- Pour the water and vinegar into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside.
- Curl the ribs around the inside wall of the pot standing on their side, meaty side facing out. Or if you cut the rack in half, you can stack them on the trivet.
- Close lid, set valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 30 minutes.
- Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
- Turn on your oven's broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Carefully remove the ribs and place them meaty side up on the baking sheet. Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce (or skip — they're good without).
- Broil for 4-5 minutes until the sauce is caramelized and the edges are a little charred. Watch closely so they don't burn.
Notes
**Timing:** Start at 3:45 PM to eat by 5:00 PM.
**Leftovers:** Good for 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave.
**Freezer pull:** Just the ribs. Everything else is pantry — salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, vinegar. BBQ sauce optional.
DinnerInstant potPork