Instant Pot Ribs from Frozen
Who doesn’t love sinking their teeth into tender, juicy ribs? The problem is, sometimes we forget to thaw the meat in advance. But fear not, because your Instant Pot has got your back! With this simple and quick method, you can have mouthwatering ribs straight from the freezer to your plate in no time. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets of cooking Instant Pot ribs from frozen!
Why Choose the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a magical kitchen tool that can save you both time and effort. It’s like having a personal chef right in your kitchen. With its pressure-cooking capabilities, the Instant Pot can cook frozen meat perfectly, without sacrificing flavor or tenderness. It’s a game-changer when it comes to cooking ribs from frozen, ensuring a delicious meal without the long wait.
The Method
Now that you know why the Instant Pot is the way to go, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of cooking those frozen ribs. The first step is to ensure that your ribs are separated and not stuck together. This will ensure even cooking and prevent them from becoming one big clump of meat.
Next, season your ribs with your favorite dry rub or marinade. This step is crucial as it adds flavor to your ribs and enhances the overall taste. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different seasonings to suit your palate.
Once your ribs are seasoned to perfection, it’s time to prepare your Instant Pot. Add a cup of liquid, such as water, broth, or even soda, to the pot. This liquid will create steam and help cook the ribs. Place the trivet inside the pot and carefully arrange your seasoned ribs on top.
Secure the lid and ensure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Now, it’s time to let the Instant Pot work its magic. Select the “Meat/Stew” or “Pressure Cook” function, depending on your model, and set the timer. For baby back ribs, cook on high pressure for about 25 minutes, while spare ribs may require around 35 minutes.
Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the ribs retain their juices and tenderness. After the natural release, carefully open the pressure release valve to release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid and behold the beauty of your perfectly cooked Instant Pot ribs!
Finishing Touches
The next step is to give your ribs that irresistible caramelized crust. To achieve this, preheat your broiler and place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush your favorite barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs and broil them for a few minutes until they develop a lovely glaze. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Once your ribs are nicely glazed and slightly crispy, remove them from the broiler and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and succulent meat. Now, it’s time to dig in and enjoy your flavorful Instant Pot ribs!
FAQs
Q: Can I cook other types of meat from frozen in the Instant Pot?
A: Absolutely! The Instant Pot is a versatile appliance that can handle various types of meat, such as chicken, beef, and pork, straight from the freezer.
Q: How long does it take to cook frozen ribs in the Instant Pot?
A: The cooking time depends on the type and thickness of the ribs. Generally, baby back ribs take around 25 minutes, while spare ribs may require around 35 minutes under high pressure.
Q: Can I use a different cooking method if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can! If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can try cooking your frozen ribs in a slow cooker or the oven. Just adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
Q: What liquid should I use in the Instant Pot?
A: You can use water, broth, soda, or any other flavorful liquid of your choice to create steam and enhance the taste of your ribs.
Q: Can I add vegetables or potatoes to the Instant Pot with the ribs?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or potatoes to the Instant Pot along with the ribs for a complete and convenient meal.
Q: Can I skip the broiling step?
A: While the broiling step adds a delicious caramelized crust, you can skip it if you prefer. The Instant Pot ribs will still be tender and flavorful.
Q: How do I store leftover Instant Pot ribs?
A: If you have any leftovers, let the ribs cool down and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed within a few days.
Q: Can I freeze the cooked Instant Pot ribs?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked ribs. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
With the help of your trusty Instant Pot, cooking ribs from frozen has never been easier. Gone are the days of waiting for meat to thaw. Now, you can enjoy tender and flavorful ribs in a fraction of the time. So, unleash your culinary creativity and indulge in the convenience and deliciousness of Instant Pot ribs from frozen!
Instant Pot Ribs from Frozen
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of water
- 3 tablespoons of hickory smoke seasoning , like Savory Spice® Red Rocks
- 1 rack of frozen baby back ribs , with the membrane removed and cut into 4 slabs
- 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Fill a multi-functional pressure cooker, like an Instant Pot, with water.
- Place the trivet inside the pressure cooker.
- Sprinkle the frozen ribs with hickory smoke seasoning, making sure to cover them generously.
- Put the ribs on top of the trivet in the pressure cooker.
- Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions to select high pressure and set the timer for 45 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to build, which usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
- Use the natural-release method, as instructed by the manufacturer, to release the pressure. This typically takes about 15 minutes.
- Unlock and remove the lid of the pressure cooker.
- Preheat your oven's broiler function.
- Adjust an oven rack to be about 6 inches away from the heat source.
- Transfer the ribs from the pressure cooker to a rimmed baking sheet.
- Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce.
- Place the baking sheet with the ribs under the broiler and cook until the ribs are glazed, which usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes.
