Are you looking for a quick and easy way to cook delicious bacon ribs? Look no further than your trusty pressure cooker!
With just a few simple steps, you can have tender and flavorful ribs in no time. Whether you prefer your ribs falling-off-the-bone or just tender to the bite, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore different methods for cooking bacon ribs in a pressure cooker, including tips for seasoning and adding your favorite BBQ sauce.
So fire up your pressure cooker and get ready to impress your family and friends with mouth-watering bacon ribs!
How To Cook Bacon Ribs In A Pressure Cooker?
To start, set a rack into your pressure cooker and add water to just under the rack level. You don’t want your ribs to be immersed in the liquid. Cut the ribs into slabs to fit your cooker or into individual pieces if you prefer.
Next, sprinkle the ribs with salt and pepper and add them to the pressure cooker, meat side up. If needed, brown the bacon in the pressure cooker on high heat until almost crisp. Remove and coarsely chop, then set aside. Brown the ribs on both sides in the bacon grease, doing it in batches if needed until all are browned.
Close and lock the lid of your pressure cooker. Turn the cooker on to high pressure and cook for 30-35 minutes, depending on how meaty the rack is. For frozen spare ribs, pressure cook on high for 42 minutes followed by 20 minutes of natural pressure release.
Once done cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes then do a quick release. Transfer the ribs to a serving platter and set the cooker on high or brown until the liquid is simmering. Whisk cornstarch mixture into liquid and cook for 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in butter and a pinch of salt and pepper, ladle sauce over short ribs and serve.
If you prefer your ribs falling-off-the-bone tender, cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
If you want to add some extra flavor, you can also rub your ribs with your favorite spice rub before cooking. And if you’re a fan of BBQ sauce, baste generously with your favorite sauce while grilling or broiling for an extra layer of flavor.
Preparing The Bacon Ribs
To prepare the bacon ribs in a pressure cooker, start by removing the silver skin from the back of the ribs by sliding your fingers or a sharp knife underneath it so you can get a hold of an edge and pull it off. Cut the ribs into slabs to fit your cooker or into individual pieces if you prefer.
Next, mix the spices together and generously coat the ribs on both sides, rubbing the spice mixture into the pork. If needed, brown the bacon in the pressure cooker on high heat until almost crisp. Remove and coarsely chop, then set aside. Brown the ribs on both sides in the bacon grease, doing it in batches if needed until all are browned.
Once the ribs are browned, set a rack into your pressure cooker and add water to just under the rack level. You don’t want your ribs to be immersed in the liquid. Add the browned bacon to the pressure cooker and place the ribs on top of it, meat side up.
Close and lock the lid of your pressure cooker. Turn the cooker on to high pressure and cook for 30-35 minutes, depending on how meaty the rack is. For frozen spare ribs, pressure cook on high for 42 minutes followed by 20 minutes of natural pressure release.
Once done cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes then do a quick release. Transfer the ribs to a serving platter and set the cooker on high or brown until the liquid is simmering. Whisk cornstarch mixture into liquid and cook for 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in butter and a pinch of salt and pepper, ladle sauce over short ribs and serve.
If you prefer your ribs falling-off-the-bone tender, cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. And if you want to add some extra flavor, you can also rub your ribs with your favorite spice rub before cooking. Finally, baste generously with your favorite BBQ sauce while grilling or broiling for an extra layer of flavor.
Seasoning The Ribs For Flavor
To add even more flavor to your bacon ribs, consider using a dry rub before cooking. A dry rub is a mixture of different spices that are rubbed onto the surface of the meat to create a flavorful crust.
To make a simple dry rub for your bacon ribs, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the heat from the other spices.
Sprinkle the dry rub generously over the entire surface of the ribs and use your hands to massage it into the meat. Make sure to get the rub into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor.
Once you’ve applied the dry rub, let the ribs sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. You can also let them sit overnight in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
When cooking your bacon ribs in a pressure cooker, you can still use a dry rub for added flavor. Simply apply the rub to the ribs before browning them in the pressure cooker. The heat from browning will help to activate and meld the flavors of the spices.
By using a dry rub on your bacon ribs before cooking, you’ll create a deliciously caramelized exterior that is packed with flavor. Experiment with different spice combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
Cooking The Ribs In The Pressure Cooker
To cook your bacon ribs in the pressure cooker, start by cutting them into slabs or individual pieces that will fit in your cooker. Sprinkle the ribs with salt and pepper and add them to the pressure cooker, meat side up. If desired, brown the bacon in the pressure cooker until almost crisp, remove and chop coarsely, then set aside. Brown the ribs on both sides in the bacon grease, doing it in batches if needed until all are browned.
Once your ribs are browned, close and lock the lid of your pressure cooker. Turn the cooker on to high pressure and cook for 30-35 minutes, depending on how meaty the rack is. If you prefer your ribs falling-off-the-bone tender, cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes then do a quick release. Transfer the ribs to a serving platter and set the cooker on high or brown until the liquid is simmering. Whisk cornstarch mixture into liquid and cook for 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in butter and a pinch of salt and pepper, ladle sauce over short ribs and serve.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your ribs, you can also rub them with your favorite spice rub before cooking. And if you’re a fan of BBQ sauce, baste generously with your favorite sauce while grilling or broiling for an extra layer of flavor.
Cooking ribs in a pressure cooker is a great way to get tender and flavorful results in a fraction of the time it would take to cook them in the oven or on the grill. Just be sure to follow these simple steps to ensure your ribs come out perfectly cooked every time.
Adding BBQ Sauce For Extra Flavor
If you’re looking to add an extra layer of flavor to your bacon ribs, consider basting them with your favorite BBQ sauce. While store-bought sauces can be tasty on their own, adding a few extra ingredients can take them to the next level. Worcestershire sauce and plain yellow mustard are two personal favorites that can add depth and umami flavors to your sauce. Simply add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and a teaspoon of yellow mustard to your bottled BBQ sauce, mix and taste, and adjust seasonings as needed.
If you want to get more creative with your sauce, consider adding vinegars like apple cider or rice vinegar to balance out the sweetness. Hot sauces like Texas Pete or habanero sauce can add some heat and spice to an otherwise bland sauce. Sugars like brown sugar, molasses, and honey can also be added to even out the flavors. And don’t forget about spices! Garlic and onion powder are standard flavors for BBQ, but you can also experiment with different chili powders, peppers, cumin, or dried herbs to add body to the sauce.
Remember that adding too many ingredients can overpower the flavors of the meat, so start with a few and adjust as needed. Basting your ribs with your homemade BBQ sauce while grilling or broiling will give them a deliciously sticky and irresistible finish. So go ahead and get creative with your BBQ sauce – your taste buds will thank you!
Serving And Enjoying Your Delicious Bacon Ribs
Now that you have perfectly cooked bacon ribs, it’s time to enjoy them! Serve them hot off the grill or out of the pressure cooker with your favorite side dishes. Baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad are all classic choices that pair well with ribs.
For an extra touch of flavor, you can brush your ribs with a bit of BBQ sauce or a homemade glaze. To make a simple glaze, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush the glaze onto the ribs during the last few minutes of cooking and let it caramelize for a deliciously sticky finish.
When it comes to serving, you can either serve the ribs as whole slabs or cut them into individual pieces. If you’re serving a crowd, consider placing the ribs on a large platter with your side dishes arranged around them for a beautiful presentation.
And don’t forget to have plenty of napkins on hand – these juicy bacon ribs are sure to be messy but oh so worth it!