Web Admin / Monday, June 23, 2025

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Instant Pot Country Style Ribs [+Video]

Country-style ribs in the Instant Pot? Total game changer. These come out tender, flavorful, and taste like they’ve been on the grill for hours—but they’re ready in under one hour! A bold, no-fuss BBQ rub adds all the depth, and one secret step will make you swear these came off real flames.

You don’t need a grill or a smoker. You just need this method…. oh, and maybe some napkins!

We have several rib recipes on the blog, like our Asian Sticky Slow Cooker Ribs or our Oven Braised Short Ribs, but this is our first country ribs recipe. I don’t know why it took us so long because we’ve been eating them for years, and they are so dang delish!

A typical meal in our house with these pork ribs would include our Best Baked Beans and something light like our Garden Balsamic Avocado Salad. My kids love having cornbread with the ribs, too, so sometimes I am nice and make that as well!

If you are looking for more Instant Pot recipes for making dinner in a hurry, you can find all our Instant Pot recipes here! Another one of our Instant Pot favorites is our super viral Award Winning Instant Pot Chili. And if you need a quick guide for cooking all your Instant Pot basics, you can find everything you need on our Instant Pot Cheat Sheet! Ok, I’ve gone off on an Instant Pot tangent…back to these juicy Instant Pot country-style ribs!

What Cut of Meat are Country-Style Ribs?

I hope you’re sitting down for this one, but country-style pork ribs aren’t even ribs. They are cuts of pork shoulder (aka pork butt) and is the same meat you use to make pulled pork and carnitas.

Are Country Style Ribs Beef or Pork?

Country-style ribs can be either beef or pork. It just depends on what you prefer. Beef will be quite a bit meatier. For this recipe, we prefer pork country-style ribs. We also prefer boneless over bone-in.

A savory pile of pulled pork with homemade barbecue sauce clinging to every bite.

Why Should I Make Country Style Ribs?

They are easy on the wallet! You can often find country-style ribs for a fraction of the cost of baby back or spare ribs. They also have great fat marbling which makes them extra tender and super flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Instant Pot Country Style Ribs

The dry rub builds a smoky-sweet base, the homemade BBQ sauce takes it up a notch, and the ribs soak in all that goodness under pressure for perfect, tender results.

Ingredients for the BBQ Rub:

Kosher Salt: Helps tenderize the meat and enhances every flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the rub caramelize beautifully.
Pepper: A little bite to balance the sweet.
Garlic Powder: Brings bold, savory depth.
Onion Powder: Layers in subtle sweetness and umami.
Chili Powder: A mild heat with smoky undertones.
Smoked Paprika: Adds some of that grilled flavor.
Thyme: Adds earthy, herbaceous balance.
Ground Cumin: Warm and slightly nutty.
Nutmeg: Just a hint of warmth to round it out.

For the Homemade BBQ Sauce

Ketchup: The tangy, tomato base that pulls everything together.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Cuts through the richness with bright acidity.
Honey: Natural sweetness and a touch of shine.
Brown Sugar: Deep, caramel-like flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Reinforces the smoky notes from the rub.
Garlic Powder: Keeps the sauce savory and well-rounded.
Honey Mustard: Adds a tangy zip!
Worcestershire Sauce: Salty, umami-packed depth.
Molasses: Sticky, rich, and slightly bitter for balance.
Pepper: A final punch of warmth.

What You’ll Need for the Ribs:

Oil: For searing the ribs and locking in flavor.
Boneless Country-Style Pork Ribs: Meaty, tender, and perfect for pressure cooking.
Apple Juice: Adds subtle sweetness and keeps the ribs moist as they cook.

The measurements for each ingredient can be found on the recipe card at the end of this post.

Fall-apart BBQ pork dripping in sweet and smoky sauce! Perfectly cooked and ready to devour.

How to Cook Country Style Ribs in the Instant Pot

Rub: The first step to making these ribs is to set aside a little bit of our smoky BBQ rub and then rub each rib with it.
Brown: Next, you’ll want to brown each rib in the Instant Pot (set to sauté mode). Be sure to add a little oil to the Instant Pot first. If you don’t have the sauté setting, you can totally brown the ribs in a pan on the stove! Once they’re browned slightly, remove them to a plate and turn off sauté mode.
Pressure Cook: You’re pretty much done already! Add the apple juice and liquid smoke to the Instant Pot, then drop in the trivet (I linked my favorite one!). Place the ribs on top, seal the lid, and set the valve to seal. Cook on manual pressure–high for 32 minutes.
Release: Allow a 10-minute natural release, then carefully turn the valve to do a quick release.
Transfer: The ribs will be so tender they’ll be falling apart—use tongs to carefully transfer them to an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.
Broil: Set your oven to broil and sprinkle more of that BBQ rub all over the ribs. This is the secret step that makes them taste like they just came off the grill! Broil for up to 3 minutes, just until they start to get crispy.
Serve: Serve them hot with a generous side of our favorite BBQ Sauce, and don’t be surprised if you’re adding country-style ribs to your weekly shopping list.

That’s it! This country style pork ribs recipe is life-changing! The instructions can be found in more detail in the recipe card at the end of this post!

Read more: Loved these country-style ribs? Make our BEST Pulled Pork Recipe next!

Should I Use a Trivet?

Yes, it helps keep the ribs from being boiled or sitting in fat that’s dripping and then sticking to the ribs.

What to Serve With Ribs

Now you’re all set with the perfect Instant Pot country-style ribs, but should you serve it? We’ve got your back!

A photo of rib meat smothered in homemade BBQ sauce.

Can You Cook Ribs from Frozen in the Instant Pot?

Yes, cooking frozen country pork-style ribs works quite well in the Instant Pot. The cooking time will stay the same, but the time the Instant Pot takes to come to pressure will take longer. The cooking time won’t start until the pot comes to pressure. Be sure to take that into account when you’re giving you kids a time to be home for dinner!

How Many Ribs Do I Need to Feed a Crowd?

Whether you are cooking for your family or for a larger crowd, you can plan on adults eating about 2 ribs per person. Our kids usually just eat one.

Can Country-Style Ribs Be Cooked in the Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can definitely cook country-style ribs in the slow cooker. Sometimes, a slow cooker meal just fits better into your schedule. I totally get that! Follow the same steps of coating the ribs in BBQ rub and browning them on the stove. Pour the apple juice and liquid smoke in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Follow the same instructions for broiling them after they are cooked.

A photo of country style ribs covered in homemade BBQ sauce

How Long Will Country-Style Ribs Keep?

These ribs store beautifully and are perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Once cooked, let the ribs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well! Just wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Reheat in the oven or the microwave. For frozen ribs, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

These country-style ribs are tender, juicy, and a quick and easy way to get dinner on the table in under an hour! Our whole family devours them, and they are a great meal to serve guests. They are rich in flavor and just good ol’ down-home comfort food!

More Ribs Recipes You Should Try:

Watch How these Country Style Ribs are Made…