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Homemade Barbecue Ribs

There are a number of ways to make ribs and everyone has their own favourite way of making them. I used to boil them for an hour and then bake them for another hour. Or I would slowly cook them in the oven for 3-4 hours. Using an electric pressure cooker has easily become my favourite way to make ribs. It really is the best tool for the job. Now, I can have tender and juicy ribs for dinner any night of the week in less than an hour from start to finish.
Adjust the sauce to make it sweeter by adding more sugar or to make it tangier by adding more apple cider vinegar. Add a few drops of hot sauce if you want it spicier. My sauce is pretty basic. Adjust it however you would like.
If you want to make these ribs with even less effort, use your favourite bottle of sauce instead of making it from scratch. While the ribs are cooking, make a couple of sides and dinner will be ready in no time.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: barbecue, ribs
Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 full racks pork back ribs
  • 1 cup water

For the Dry Rub

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups ketchup
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 lemon juice only
  • 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dry mustard
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  • Cut the ribs into four bone sections, individual bones or leave the racks whole.
  • In a small bowl, combine the dry rub ingredients. Evenly season the ribs with the mixture.
  • In the inner cooking pot of an electric pressure cooker, add 1 cup water. Use a trivet if the ribs are cut individually. Otherwise, stand the ribs up whole or in segments.
  • Close and lock the lid, making sure the steam knob is on Sealing/Locked. Pressure cook on high for 18 minutes. If you prefer the ribs less fall-off-the-bone and with a little tug on them, cook them for only 15 minutes. If you want them to completely fall-off-the-bone, cook for 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, if you are making the sauce, combine all sauce ingredients in a small pot. Bring the sauce to a boil on medium heat. Turn the heat down to medium low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the pressure cooking is done, quick release the pressure.
  • Preheat the broiler. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil. Lay the ribs, bone side up and brush lightly with the sauce. Broil for 3-5 minutes until the ribs are slightly browned and caramelized.
  • Flip the ribs over, meat side up and brush liberally with remaining sauce. Broil for 6-8 minutes until ribs are browned and caramelized.
  • Alternatively, grill the ribs on the barbecue and baste with the sauce until browned and caramelized.
  • Baste on more sauce if desired. Serve on a platter with sauce on the side for dipping.