[Full Guide] How Long To Cook Country Style Ribs In Instant Pot?

Country style ribs are a flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for cooking in an Instant Pot. The Instant Pot allows for a rapid and efficient cooking process, resulting in tender, succulent, and juicy ribs without much effort. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking country style ribs in an Instant Pot, including selection, preparation, cooking times, troubleshooting common issues, and more.

Quick Answer: How Long To Cook Country Style Ribs In Instant Pot

To briefly answer the question, country style ribs typically take about 20-25 minutes of pressure cooking in the Instant Pot, followed by a natural release. This timing may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the ribs and your desired level of tenderness. We’ll discuss this in more detail in the Instant Pot Cooking Times for Country Style Ribs section.

Selection

Before you start cooking country style ribs in your Instant Pot, it’s important to select the right ribs. Country style ribs are often taken from the blade end of the loin close to the pork shoulder. Here are some tips for selecting the best ribs:

• Look for well-marbled ribs: Marbling refers to the streaks of fat running through the meat. More marbling usually means more flavor and tenderness.
• Choose bone-in or boneless: Both bone-in and boneless country style ribs work well in the Instant Pot. Bone-in ribs may add a bit more flavor, while boneless ribs can be easier to eat.
• Consider thickness: Thicker ribs may require a slightly longer cooking time, so keep this in mind when selecting your ribs.

Preparation

Once you’ve selected your country style ribs, it’s time to prepare them for cooking in the Instant Pot. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing the ribs:

1. Trim excess fat: While some fat is desirable for flavor and juiciness, trimming excessive fat can prevent the ribs from becoming overly greasy during cooking.
2. Season the ribs: Use your favorite dry rub or seasoning mix to add flavor to the ribs. This could include a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other spices you enjoy.
3. Optional searing: Some people like to sear the ribs in a hot skillet or using the sauté function on the Instant Pot to create a flavorful crust before pressure cooking. This step is optional but can add an extra depth of flavor.

Instant Pot Cooking Times For Country Style Ribs

The cooking time for country style ribs in the Instant Pot may vary based on several factors, including the thickness of the ribs and your desired level of tenderness. As a general guideline, follow these cooking times:

• Thickness: For ribs that are about 1 inch thick, cook under high pressure for 20 minutes. Thicker ribs (1.5 inches or more) may require 25-30 minutes.
• Desired tenderness: If you prefer fall-off-the-bone tenderness, you might opt for the longer end of the cooking time range. For a slightly firmer texture, the shorter end of the range may be suitable.

Adapt the cooking time based on these two factors, and remember that it’s always better to slightly undercook than overcook, as you can always return the ribs to the Instant Pot if they’re not quite done yet, but you can’t reverse overcooked ribs.

How To Cook Country Style Ribs In Instant Pot

Now, let’s delve into the detailed step-by-step process of cooking country style ribs in the Instant Pot:

Ingredients

• Country style ribs
• Dry rub or seasoning of your choice
• BBQ sauce (optional)
• Liquid for pressure cooking (e.g., broth, apple juice, or water)

Instructions

1. Prepare the ribs: Trim excess fat from the ribs and season them generously with the dry rub or seasoning of your choice. If desired, you can sear the ribs in a hot skillet or using the sauté function on the Instant Pot.

2. Add liquid: Pour a cup of liquid (broth, apple juice, or water) into the Instant Pot. The liquid helps create steam for pressure cooking and adds moisture to the ribs.

3. Place the trivet: Insert the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot into the bottom of the pot. The trivet keeps the ribs slightly elevated, preventing them from sitting directly in the liquid.

4. Arrange the ribs: Place the seasoned ribs on the trivet, positioning them so that they’re not stacked on top of each other, allowing the steam to circulate around each rib.

5. Set the cooking time: Close the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting and adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the ribs and your desired tenderness. Typically, 20-25 minutes is a good starting point.

6. Natural release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release. This means leaving the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 10-15 minutes before switching the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.

7. Optional glazing: If you like, you can brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and place them under a broiler or in the oven for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.

8. Serve and enjoy: Once the ribs are cooked and glazed (if desired), it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious country style ribs.

By following these steps, you’ll have tender and flavorful country style ribs ready to be enjoyed by your friends and family.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While cooking country style ribs in the Instant Pot is relatively straightforward, there are a few common issues that may arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

• Ribs are not tender enough: If the ribs are not as tender as you’d like after the initial cooking time, simply return them to the Instant Pot and pressure cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to reach your desired tenderness.

• Too much liquid: If you find that there’s an excessive amount of liquid in the Instant Pot after cooking, you can use the sauté function to simmer and reduce the liquid, intensifying the flavors of the sauce.

• Dry ribs: If the ribs turn out dry, it’s possible that they were overcooked. To prevent this, consider reducing the initial cooking time or using a natural release to avoid overcooking the ribs.

Cooking country style ribs in the Instant Pot is a convenient and straightforward way to achieve tender and flavorful ribs with minimal effort. By selecting the right ribs, preparing them properly, and following the recommended cooking times, you can elevate your rib game to a whole new level. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, the Instant Pot provides a reliable and efficient method for preparing mouthwatering country style ribs that are sure to impress. With these detailed instructions and tips, you can confidently master the art of cooking country style ribs in your Instant Pot and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful culinary experience.

Instant Pot Cook Times For Frozen Country Style Ribs

Country style ribs are a popular cut of pork, often featuring both lean meat and succulent marbling. They are taken from the blade end of the loin close to the shoulder, and while they don’t actually contain ribs, they are known for their rich flavor. When cooked properly, they can be incredibly tender and full of savory goodness. The Instant Pot, a versatile multi-cooker, is well-suited to the task of cooking country style ribs, as it can efficiently tenderize the meat and infuse it with deep, savory flavors.

One of the remarkable advantages of using an Instant Pot is its ability to cook frozen meats quickly and safely. When cooking frozen country style ribs in an Instant Pot, it’s important to consider the additional time needed for the pot to come to pressure. A general rule of thumb is to add 50% to the total cooking time when starting with frozen meat. For instance, if a recipe calls for 20 minutes of cooking time for fresh ribs, you would adjust the cooking time to approximate 30 minutes for frozen ribs.

Achieving Perfect Texture

To achieve the perfect texture for country style ribs in the Instant Pot, it’s crucial to pay attention to cooking time and pressure release methods. While country style ribs require a slightly longer cooking time due to their relatively thicker cut, it’s important not to overcook them, as this can result in a mushy texture. Generally, a cooking time of 25-30 minutes at high pressure is suitable for tender, yet not overdone, country style ribs in the Instant Pot.

Once the cooking time is complete, a natural pressure release is often recommended for meats, including country style ribs. This gradual release of pressure allows the meat to continue cooking gently and evenly, preventing a sudden change in texture or moisture loss. After the natural release, the ribs can be carefully removed from the pot and served, or they can be finished using other techniques such as broiling or grilling for additional flavor and texture.

Flavor Infusion

The Instant Pot excels at infusing flavors into meats, making it an ideal tool for enhancing the taste of country style ribs. Whether using a dry rub, marinade, or a sauce, the pressure cooking process helps to bring out the natural flavors of the meat while allowing it to absorb the seasonings and aromatics.

When seasoning country style ribs for the Instant Pot, consider using a combination of herbs, spices, and liquids to create a flavorful bath for the meat. Ingredients like garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, brown sugar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce can be used to create a rich, savory marinade or rub. Additionally, aromatic ingredients such as bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme can infuse the meat with complex, herbaceous flavors during the cooking process.

Other Instant Pot Cooking Methods For Country Style Ribs

While pressure cooking is a popular method for preparing country style ribs in the Instant Pot, there are other cooking techniques that can be utilized to achieve delicious results. For instance, using the sauté function to sear the ribs before pressure cooking can enhance the flavor and appearance of the meat by creating a caramelized crust. This step also adds depth to the overall dish and can help to develop a richer sauce or gravy.

Alternatively, the slow cook function of the Instant Pot can be employed to cook country style ribs at a lower temperature for an extended period, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. This method is well-suited for those who prefer a more hands-off approach to cooking, as it allows for long, gentle cooking without the need for constant monitoring.

Instant Pot Tips For Country Style Ribs

When cooking country style ribs in an Instant Pot, there are several tips and techniques that can help ensure a successful outcome. Here are some essential Instant Pot tips for cooking country style ribs:

1. Searing For Flavor

Searing the ribs before pressure cooking can enhance the flavor and appearance of the meat by creating a caramelized crust.

2. Natural Pressure Release

Allow natural pressure release after cooking to prevent a sudden change in texture and moisture loss.

3. Flavorful Liquid

Use a flavorful liquid, such as broth, beer, or a combination of herbs and spices, to add depth to the cooking liquid and infuse the meat with rich flavors.

4. Season Generously

Season the ribs generously with a mix of herbs and spices to create a flavorful base for the dish.

5. Finish Under The Broiler

For added texture and flavor, consider finishing the ribs under the broiler after pressure cooking to create a caramelized crust.

Creative Instant Pot Country Style Ribs Recipes And Variations

In addition to the classic preparation of country style ribs in the Instant Pot, there are numerous creative recipes and variations to explore. Whether you prefer a sweet and tangy barbecue glaze, a savory herb and garlic rub, or a spicy Asian-inspired marinade, there are endless possibilities for customizing country style ribs to suit your taste preferences.

BBQ Glazed Country Style Ribs

For a classic barbecue flavor, consider finishing the country style ribs with a generous coating of homemade or store-bought barbecue sauce. The ribs can be broiled or grilled briefly to caramelize the sauce, creating a sticky, finger-licking glaze.

Herb And Garlic Rubbed Ribs

Create a fragrant herb and garlic rub using a blend of fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, and minced garlic. Massage the rub into the ribs before pressure cooking to impart a savory, aromatic flavor.

Asian-Inspired Marinade

For an Asian twist, marinate the country style ribs in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey or brown sugar. The savory and slightly sweet marinade will infuse the ribs with a depth of flavor that pairs well with rice or noodles.

Apple Cider Braised Ribs

Simmer the ribs in a mixture of apple cider, onions, and a touch of apple cider vinegar to create tender, slightly sweet ribs with a hint of tanginess from the cider. This variation is perfect for fall or winter meals and pairs well with seasonal sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Smoky Chipotle Ribs

Infuse the ribs with a smoky, spicy flavor by using a chipotle-based marinade or dry rub. The addition of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or smoked paprika adds depth and a subtle heat to the ribs, creating a unique and flavorful result.

Conclusion

Cooking country style ribs in an Instant Pot is a convenient way to create tender, flavorful, and versatile dishes. Whether starting with fresh or frozen ribs, the Instant Pot can efficiently cook this cut of meat to perfection, with options for customizing flavors and textures to suit your preferences. By considering cooking times, texture, flavor infusion, cooking methods, essential tips, and exploring creative recipes and variations, you can unlock the full potential of country style ribs in the Instant Pot, impressing your family and guests with delicious, succulent meals.

FAQS

What Are Country Style Ribs?

Country style ribs are a type of pork rib that are cut from the shoulder of the pig. They are meatier and have more marbling than traditional pork ribs, making them perfect for slow cooking methods like the Instant Pot.

Why Should I Cook Country Style Ribs In The Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is a versatile and efficient cooking tool that can produce tender and flavorful ribs in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Plus, the Instant Pot locks in moisture during the cooking process, resulting in juicy and succulent ribs every time.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Country Style Ribs In The Instant Pot?

Depending on the size and thickness of the ribs, it typically takes about 25-30 minutes of pressure cooking to achieve tender and fully cooked ribs. However, the overall cooking time may vary depending on your specific recipe and preferences.

Can I Use Frozen Country Style Ribs In The Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use frozen ribs in the Instant Pot. Just add an additional 5-10 minutes to the cooking time and make sure to check that they are fully cooked through before serving.

How Do I Ensure That My Country Style Ribs Are Fully Cooked In The Instant Pot?

When cooking ribs in the Instant Pot, it is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ribs should register at least 145°F for safe consumption. If they do not reach this temperature, simply continue cooking for a few more minutes until they do.