Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Ribs Recipe – Tender and Juicy

These Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Ribs are a game-changer. Tender, juicy ribs are cooked to perfection in a sweet and tangy sauce, resulting in an irresistible dish that will impress. This recipe is easy to follow, and the Instant Pot does most of the work, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

Pork Ribs: You’ll need two to three pounds of spare or baby back ribs. They are the main component of this dish and will be cooked to tender perfection in the Instant Pot.

Soy Sauce: Half a cup of this condiment adds a savory, umami flavor.

White Vinegar: Half a cup of white vinegar contributes to the sour component of the dish.

Granulated Sugar: One cup of granulated sugar adds sweetness, balancing out the vinegar’s tanginess.

Ground Mustard: Half a teaspoon of this spice adds a subtle heat and complexity to the flavor profile.

Garlic: Two cloves, or about one tablespoon, of garlic add a savory, slightly spicy flavor.

Oil: Two tablespoons of oil are used for browning the ribs in the Instant Pot.

Tomato Paste: Two tablespoons of tomato paste contribute to the richness and depth of the sauce’s flavor.

Water: Two cups. Dilute the sauce and cook the ribs.

Salt and Pepper: These are used to taste, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.

Cornstarch: About half a cup coats the ribs before browning and thickening the sauce.

Preparation of Ribs:

Cut the Ribs: Start by chopping up your ribs. If you’ve got them from the butcher, they may have been cut in one long slice down the ribs, making them into riblets. This makes them perfect for this recipe.

Cornstarch Coating: Coat the ribs with cornstarch. This helps in browning the ribs and thickening the sauce later.

Browning the Ribs:

Heat the Instant Pot: Turn it on to sauté mode to warm it up. Once it’s hot, add in the oil.

Brown the Ribs: Add the ribs in a single layer at the bottom of the pot. Do this in batches to ensure even browning. Season them with salt and pepper while they’re cooking.

Making the Sauce:

Mix the Ingredients: Start making the sauce while the ribs are browning. Combine sugar, salt, black pepper, and water. Add soy sauce, white vinegar, dry mustard, cornstarch, and tomato paste.

Cooking the Ribs:

Deglaze the Pot: Once all the ribs are browned and removed from the Instant Pot, deglaze the pot with a quarter cup of water. Scrape off the bits stuck to the bottom.

Cook the Ribs: Pour in the sauce and add the ribs back into the pot. Make sure the sauce is coating all the ribs. Lock the lid, put it in sealing mode, and set the cooking time to 50 minutes. After the cooking time, let it sit for a 10-minute natural release, followed by a quick release.

Finishing Up:

Check the Sauce: Once the ribs are cooked, check the thickness of the sauce. You can thicken it with cornstarch dissolved in water if it’s too thin. Adjust the seasonings if needed.

Warm up the Ribs: Put them back in the pot and warm them up in the sauce. Your sweet and sour ribs in the Instant Pot are now ready to serve. Enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use beef ribs for this recipe instead of pork?

Yes, you can substitute beef ribs for pork ribs in this recipe. However, the cooking time may vary as beef ribs are larger and tougher than pork ribs.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, but the cooking times will be longer. For a slow cooker, you would cook the ribs on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. On the stovetop, you would simmer the ribs in the sauce for about 2 hours.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to cook, add the sauce to the Instant Pot with the ribs.

Can I freeze the cooked ribs?

Yes, the cooked ribs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat in the oven or microwave until hot.

What can I serve with the sweet and sour ribs?

The sweet and sour ribs pair well with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad would also be a great side dish.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can use apple cider or rice vinegar if you don’t have white vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Is there a substitute for cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, use flour as a thickener instead. However, you’ll need to use twice as much flour as cornstarch. Flour also needs to cook a bit longer to remove the raw taste.

Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Ribs Recipe - Tender and Juicy

instant pot sweet and sour ribs

This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Ribs recipe yields tender, flavorful ribs cooked in a delicious homemade sauce.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2-3 pounds of pork ribs
  • 1/2 cup of soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup of white vinegar
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground mustard
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of oil
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 2 cups of water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup of cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Chop ribs into riblets and coat them thoroughly with cornstarch.
  2. Heat oil in the Instant Pot on saute mode and brown the riblets in batches, seasoning them with salt and pepper.
  3. In a separate bowl, prepare the sauce by combining sugar, salt, pepper, water, soy sauce, vinegar, mustard, tomato paste, and a teaspoon of cornstarch.
  4. Once the riblets are browned, deglaze the Instant Pot with a quarter cup of water, ensuring to scrape off any bits stuck at the bottom.
  5. Add the prepared sauce and riblets back into the Instant Pot, ensuring the ribs are well-coated with the sauce.
  6. Close the lid, and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook mode for 50 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release and a quick release.
  7. Check the thickness of the sauce, and if needed, thicken it by adding cornstarch dissolved in water.
  8. Return the ribs to the pot and warm them in the sauce before serving.
  9. Serve your delicious Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Ribs, and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

per serving

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 450 kcalTotal Fat: 20gCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 1gSugar: 20gProtein: 40g

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