Instant Pot Fall-Apart Country-Style Ribs with Tangy BBQ Glaze

Instant Pot Country Style Ribs – make super tender, flavorful and juicy pork with just a simple dry rub and your Instant Pot. Top with your favorite barbecue sauce for an over-the-top delicious dinner!

Instant Pot country style ribs are an easy, time-saving way to enjoy fall-apart tender pork without a long roast or smoker session. The pressure cooker locks in moisture and concentrates flavor, so a modest dry rub and a short cook time yield juicy, savory meat you can shred or serve in slices. This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you want pulled pork-style results without monitoring a slow cooker all day.

While there are a few pork cuts suitable for pulled pork, country style ribs are consistently my go-to for their balance of meat and fat. They give great texture and shred beautifully after pressure cooking. Use a store-bought dry rub or the homemade blend provided below — either way, seasoning is key to a flavorful result.

What You’ll Need

Scroll to the recipe section for the full printable ingredient list and step-by-step instructions.

• Country style ribs – boneless or bone-in both work; boneless are easier to shred.
• Chicken broth – just enough liquid for the Instant Pot to pressurize; water or stock both work.
• Dry rub – use a favorite store-bought blend or the homemade rub listed in the ingredients below for best flavor.

How to Make Country Style Ribs

• Season. Combine the dry rub ingredients and coat the pork thoroughly, pressing the rub into all sides so the flavor penetrates.
• Prep. Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, add the seasoned ribs, and arrange them in a single layer if possible.
• Cook. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on High Pressure for 45 minutes.
• Release. Allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then perform a quick release to open. Transfer the meat to a platter and shred with forks.
• Serve. Toss shredded pork with your favorite barbecue sauce or serve sauce on the side.

What to Serve with Country Style Pork Ribs

This shredded pork is versatile and pairs well with classic barbecue sides. Serve it in sandwiches or sliders, on baked potatoes, or alongside baked beans, potato salad, cornbread, or a crisp coleslaw. It also works layered on nachos or tossed into warm tortillas for tacos. Try a mix of textures — a soft bun, creamy side, and something crunchy on the plate make for a satisfying meal.

• Homemade baked beans
• Classic potato salad
• Buttery cornbread
• Cranberry apple coleslaw

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

• Boneless vs. bone-in. Either is fine; cook time remains the same. Boneless ribs are easier to handle and shred.
• Saucing. Add barbecue sauce after cooking to preserve its texture and prevent it from watering down during pressure cooking.
• Make-ahead and storage. Store cooled shredded pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze in portions for longer storage. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.
• Alternate methods. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, a slow cooker yields similar results with a longer cook time.
• Adjust spice. Modify cayenne or chipotle amounts to suit your heat preference.

Instant Pot Country Style Ribs

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 (optional, adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Combine all dry rub spices in a small bowl and mix until well blended.
2. Sprinkle the rub evenly over the pork and rub it into the meat so each piece is well coated.
3. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add the seasoned pork and close the lid.
4. Set the Instant Pot to Manual/High Pressure and cook for 45 minutes. After the cook cycle ends, allow a natural release for 15 minutes, then complete with a quick release.
5. Remove the pork, shred with two forks, and serve with your favorite barbecue sauce or use in sandwiches and other recipes.

Notes

Nutrition

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