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.

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.

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!
- Southern Macaroni and Cheese
- Best Baked Beans
- Easy 7-Up Biscuits
- Herbed Focaccia Bread
- Best Mashed Potatoes
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Corn Avocado Tomato Salad
- Grilled Veggies with Pesto
- Roasted Garlic Veggies
- Grilled Pineapple
- The Best Potato Salad

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.

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:
- Traeger Smoked Ribs
- Smoky BBQ Instant Pot Ribs
- Braised Short Ribs in the Oven
- Sticky Instant Pot Bone-In Beef Short Ribs
- Asian Sticky Slow Cooker Ribs
- Mustard Carolina BBQ Sauce Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs
- Korean Oven Braised Short Ribs
- Easy BBQ Ribs
- Blackberry Hoisin BBQ Ribs
Watch How these Country Style Ribs are Made…
Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
Description
Equipment
Ingredients
- [1/3 Cup BBQ Rub ]
- 1 Tablespoon Oil
- 6-8 Pork Ribs, Country Style Boneless
- 1/2 Cup Apple Juice
- 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke
- [Homemade BBQ Sauce]
Instructions
- Set aside 1-2 Tablespoons of BBQ Rub.[1/3 Cup BBQ Rub ]
- Rub each rib with the rub.[1/3 Cup BBQ Rub ]
- Turn the instant pot onto the saute mode or heat a pan over medium heat if you do not have that mode.
- Add the oil and a few ribs at a time, turning to each side to brown slightly. Remove to a plate.1 Tablespoon Oil, 6-8 Pork Ribs
- Turn the saute mode off.
- Place the apple juice and liquid smoke in the bottom of an instant pot.1/2 Cup Apple Juice, 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke
- Add the trivet. Place the ribs on top
- Attach the lid and set the valve to seal.
- Turn the instant pot to manual pressure, high and set for 32 minutes.
- Allow a 10 minute natural release then turn the valve to do a quick release.
- Carefully, the ribs will be falling apart, remove the ribs to a foil lined baking sheet.
- Set the oven to broil and sprinkle a little more rub over the ribs. Broil for up to 3 minutes or until the ribs start to crisp a little.[1/3 Cup BBQ Rub ]
- Take the ribs out of the oven and serve with a side of Homemade BBQ Sauce.[Homemade BBQ Sauce]
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products

Tiffany
I just made these and left out the first step of sautéing since they came straight out of the deep freezer and into the instant pot and they were sooooo good. Thank you for this incredibly simply and delicious recipe that will probably be added into our normal dinner rotation.
Sweet Basil
Hurray! We love when our recipes make it to the dinner rotation! Music to our ears! So glad you enjoy this!
Jacquie
Wow! I have never made country style ribs before so I was looking for a way to use them. The picture drew me in and the ingredients looked really good. Just finished making these in the instant pot/broiler and I am just besides myself with how ridiculously delicious they turned out! I can’t wait for everyone to get home to try them. The rub and barbeque sauce are incredible. I just text the recipe to a bunch of my Instant Pot friends.
Sweet Basil
You’ve seriously made my day Jacquie! And the fact that you said it was the picture that drew you in! I’ve been working so hard lately on my photography. Thank you so much for the feedback!
Tina
I have a 3 QT Instant Pot. Okay to pack the boneless ribs on top of each other?
Sweet Basil
Hi Tina! I would half the recipe for a 3qt IP. We have a 6qt and it’s pretty full when we make it.
Jeanie
Do I still need to sear the meat if I am using frozen ribs?
Sweet Basil
No, the searing won’t work if your cooking them from frozen.
Jeff
Hello, does cook time change for bone in vs boneless? Thanks!
Sweet Basil
It shouldn’t change it too much. Boneless would maybe need only a couple minutes less than bone-in. Enjoy!
Chelsea
Very easy to follow and adjustable recipe. The meat came out very tender and flavorful! I will be making them again. I had to use water and the liquid smoke as I didn’t have any apple juice or chicken broth on hand and I was unsure of the orange juice. Next time I may cook them for 25 mins or so in the Instant Pot then put them over to the broiler to finish off. I’m thinking this will let them broil for a bit longer without drying the ends out. Thank you for an easy and delicious dinner!
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much for the feedback Chelsea!
Nancy
Made these tonight for dinner in my IP. First time making ribs EVER. OMG, they are sooooo good. Made 5 lbs of thick country ribs using your rub. Kept them on for 35 min. and then the 10 NR. Used your rub and lightly brushed on Hawaiian bbq sauce (we’re not crazy about bbq sauce) at the table. I give you 5 stars and will make them again!
Sweet Basil
Yayyyyyyyy!!! Thank you so much for the feedback Nancy! So glad you love this as much as we do!
YiTing Tseng
Hi, your recipe looks so yummy and simple
I have a few quick questions:
1. What is the purpose of using the apple juice versus water/chicken broth?
2. I don’t have any liquid smoker at our home. Can I do without it? Or is there something I can subs9it with?
Thank you for any suggestions you cam provide!
Sweet Basil
The apple juice gives the ribs a subtle sweetness that we love. If you don’t have it, you could use chicken broth. You can just skip the liquid smoke if you don’t have access to it. Hope you enjoy it!