Instant Pot Country Style Ribs: Effortlessly Tender & Flavorful Pulled Pork
Craving incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful pork that practically falls apart with a fork? Look no further than this Instant Pot Country Style Ribs recipe! This magical pressure cooker method transforms a simple cut of pork into a succulent meal in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. Forget hours of slow cooking; with your Instant Pot, you can achieve melt-in-your-mouth country style ribs ready to be smothered in your favorite barbecue sauce for an unbelievably delicious dinner.
Country style ribs are an excellent choice for pulled pork, delivering a rich texture and hearty flavor. While slow-smoked pork butt is a summer staple, the Instant Pot becomes your best friend during colder months or when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy comforting, savory pork. This recipe leverages the power of pressure cooking to infuse the meat with a robust dry rub, locking in moisture and flavor for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Why Country Style Ribs Make the Best Pulled Pork
When it comes to making delicious pulled pork, selecting the right cut of meat is crucial. Country style ribs, despite their name, aren’t actually ribs but rather cuts from the pork shoulder (Boston butt) or loin. This distinction is important because the shoulder meat is naturally rich in connective tissue and fat, which breaks down beautifully under pressure, resulting in incredibly moist and tender pork that’s perfect for shredding. Boneless country style ribs are particularly convenient, making prep and shredding a breeze, though bone-in varieties also work wonderfully and often impart even more flavor to the cooking liquid.
Unlike traditional spare ribs or baby back ribs, country style ribs are thicker and meatier, making them ideal for the “pulled” texture we all love. They absorb flavor remarkably well, especially when coated with a fragrant dry rub. This Instant Pot recipe is designed to maximize the potential of this versatile cut, turning it into a weeknight hero or a crowd-pleasing weekend meal. Their inherent marbling contributes to the succulence, ensuring every bite is packed with juicy goodness.
The Secret to Flavor: A Fantastic Dry Rub
A simple yet effective dry rub is the cornerstone of truly delicious country style ribs. It’s what gives the pork its signature savory, slightly smoky, and subtly sweet notes that pair perfectly with barbecue sauce. While you can certainly use your favorite store-bought blend, crafting your own allows for customization and ensures fresh, vibrant flavors. The recipe below includes a fantastic homemade dry rub that balances sweetness from brown sugar, a kick from chili and chipotle powders, and aromatic spices like garlic, onion, and cumin. This blend creates a complex flavor profile that elevates the natural taste of the pork.
Applying the dry rub generously and massaging it into every crevice of the pork ensures maximum flavor penetration. This step is vital as the spices not only season the meat but also contribute to a delicious crust as the ribs cook, enhancing the overall texture and taste. The pressure cooking process helps to drive these flavors deep into the meat, creating a rich and satisfying outcome. Don’t skip this critical step – it’s where much of the magic happens and where you build the foundation for a truly unforgettable meal!
Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
For the complete recipe and precise measurements, make sure to scroll down to the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card below.
- Country Style Ribs: We typically opt for boneless country style pork ribs for ease of preparation and shredding. These cuts are readily available in most grocery stores and are fantastic for absorbing flavors. However, bone-in ribs work just as well and can add even more depth of flavor to your broth due to the marrow. Aim for about 3 pounds for a family-sized meal, which typically serves 6 people generously.
- Chicken Broth: This is the crucial liquid for your Instant Pot to come to pressure. Without sufficient liquid, your Instant Pot won’t pressurize and may give a “burn” notice. While chicken broth adds a nice layer of savory flavor and enhances the pork, you can also use water, beef broth, or even apple cider for a slightly different taste profile (apple cider adds a touch of sweetness and tang that complements pork beautifully).
- Dry Rub: The heart of the flavor! You can use your favorite store-bought barbecue rub, but our easy homemade version listed in the recipe card provides a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes. This rub creates a delicious crust and infuses the meat with incredible flavor as it cooks under pressure. It’s truly essential for that authentic country style rib taste.
How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
Preparing these incredibly tender country style ribs in your Instant Pot is surprisingly straightforward and yields restaurant-quality results in less time than you’d expect. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering meal that will become a regular in your rotation:
- Season the Pork Generously: Begin by combining all the spices for your dry rub in a small bowl until they are well blended. This ensures an even distribution of flavor. Next, take your country style ribs and generously sprinkle the dry rub all over them. Use your hands to thoroughly massage the spice mixture into all sides of the pork, pushing it into any crevices. Don’t be shy – a thick, even coating ensures maximum flavor penetration and a fantastic crust.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Pour the recommended amount of liquid (chicken broth, in this case) into the bottom of your Instant Pot’s inner pot. This liquid is essential for creating the steam needed for pressure cooking and preventing the food from scorching. Carefully place the seasoned pork into the Instant Pot. You can stack the ribs if necessary, but try to arrange them in a single layer as much as possible for even cooking. Ensure the liquid doesn’t exceed the max fill line.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place and the vent is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting (depending on your model) and set the cooking time for 45 minutes on High Pressure. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure (usually 10-15 minutes) before the cooking countdown begins.
- Natural Release for Tenderness: Once the cooking cycle is complete, resist the urge to immediately open the pot. Instead, allow for a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for at least 15 minutes. This slow release of pressure is critical; it helps the meat reabsorb its juices, making it incredibly tender, moist, and preventing it from drying out. After 15 minutes, you can carefully turn the vent to “Venting” for a Quick Release (QR) to release any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops completely, it’s safe to open the lid.
- Shred and Serve: Carefully remove the cooked pork from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a large cutting board or a shallow serving dish. Using two forks, easily shred the fall-apart tender meat. Discard any excess fat or bones if you used bone-in ribs. Now, it’s time to serve! Top your shredded country style ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce, or mix the sauce directly into the shredded pork for a classic pulled pork experience. They are wonderful served on their own or in sandwiches.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Country Style Pork Ribs
The beauty of this tender pulled pork is its incredible versatility. It’s a fantastic standalone dish, but it also shines in countless other applications, making it a meal prep dream. You can easily toss it with more barbecue sauce and pile it high on soft buns for classic Pulled Pork Sliders, perfect for parties, game day, or a casual family dinner. Alternatively, use it to transform a simple Loaded Baked Potato into a hearty, satisfying meal, or even swap it in for chicken in your favorite BBQ Nachos for a delightful and indulgent twist. If you’re serving the shredded pork as the main course, here are some classic side dishes that complement it beautifully:
- Homemade Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans are a quintessential pairing with barbecue, offering a rich, comforting contrast to the savory pork.
- Creamy Potato Salad: A classic, cool, and creamy potato salad provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the pork, perfect for summer gatherings.
- Fluffy Cornbread: Whether it’s sweet or savory, cornbread is perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices and sauces, adding a comforting texture to your meal.
- Crisp Coleslaw (like Cranberry Apple Coleslaw): The tangy crunch of coleslaw, especially one with a hint of fruit like cranberry apple, cuts through the richness of the pork, adding a delightful texture and flavor contrast that brightens the entire plate.
- Macaroni and Cheese: For the ultimate comfort food experience, a rich and creamy macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs wonderfully with barbecue pork.
- Roasted Vegetables: A simple side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or corn on the cob provides a healthy and flavorful addition.
Recipe Tips & Suggestions for Perfect Results
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful Instant Pot Country Style Ribs is easy with these helpful tips and suggestions:
- Boneless vs. Bone-In Ribs: While we often prefer boneless country style ribs for their sheer convenience and ease of shredding, bone-in ribs work equally well and can actually add a subtle depth of flavor from the bones as they cook. The cooking time remains the same because the pressure cooker’s function is to break down the connective tissues and tenderize the meat, regardless of the bone presence. Use whichever type you prefer or have on hand.
- When to Add Barbecue Sauce: We highly recommend adding your favorite barbecue sauce *after* the pork has cooked and been shredded. If you add it during the pressure cooking process, the sauce can sometimes get watered down and alter the texture and consistency of the pork. For the best, most vibrant flavor and ideal consistency, toss the hot shredded pork with your preferred amount of sauce right before serving, or simply offer it on the side for guests to customize.
- No Instant Pot? No Problem!: If you don’t own an Instant Pot, you can still achieve wonderfully tender country style ribs. Simply follow our dedicated Crockpot Country Style Ribs recipe for a slow-cooked version that delivers similar fall-apart results. The low-and-slow method in a slow cooker is another excellent way to tenderize this cut of pork, requiring minimal hands-on time.
- Storing Leftovers: Cooked and shredded country style ribs are fantastic for meal prep! They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of extra broth or barbecue sauce if needed to prevent the pork from drying out.
- Freezing for Later: This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Allow the shredded pork to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and add sauce or broth as desired.
- Add a Quick Sauté for Extra Flavor: For an even richer depth of flavor, consider using the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot before pressure cooking. Sear the seasoned ribs for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully browned. This step creates a delicious crust and adds another layer of savory complexity to the final dish, though it’s completely optional if you’re short on time.
- Adjusting the Dry Rub: Feel free to customize the dry rub to your taste. If you like more heat, increase the cayenne or chipotle powder. For a sweeter profile, add a little more brown sugar. Always taste and adjust!
More Irresistible Pork Dinner Recipes to Try
If you’re a fan of delicious pork dishes and enjoyed the ease and flavor of these Instant Pot Country Style Ribs, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes. Pork is an incredibly versatile protein, perfect for a wide variety of comforting and exciting meals:
- Smothered Pork Chops: Juicy, pan-seared pork chops cooked to perfection in a rich, savory gravy, ideal for a hearty weeknight dinner.
- Oven Baked Pork Chops: A simple, foolproof method for flavorful and tender pork chops baked in the oven with minimal effort.
- Pork Adobo: Explore the flavors of the Philippines with this classic dish featuring tender pork simmered in a tangy and savory soy sauce and vinegar marinade.
- Instant Pot Pork Tacos: Quick and easy pork tacos made in your pressure cooker, perfect for a customizable family meal night.
- Slow Cooker Pork Roast: A comforting and effortless pork roast cooked to perfection in your slow cooker, ideal for busy days when you want a delicious meal waiting for you.
Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
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Ingredients
- 3 pounds country style pork ribs
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
Rub
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 Tablespoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
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Combine all of the spices for the dry rub until they are well blended.1 Tablespoon sugar, 1 Tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 Tablespoon chili powder, 1/2 Tablespoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, 3/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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Sprinkle the rub over the pork and gently rub into the meat until it is well coated.
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Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add the pork and place the lid on.3/4 cup chicken broth, 3 pounds country style pork ribs
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Set Instant Pot to Manual and cook under High Pressure for 45 minutes. Let it naturally release for 15 minutes before finishing with quick release to open.
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Remove pork and shred. Serve with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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