Olivia Carter
Are you looking for a quick and easy way to prepare delicious spare ribs? Look no further! Cooking spare ribs in a pressure cooker is a game changer. Not only does it save you time, but it also ensures tender and flavorful meat that falls right off the bone.
Using a pressure cooker allows you to achieve the same results as slow cooking, but in a fraction of the time. The high pressure and steam help to break down the tough connective tissues in the ribs, resulting in incredibly juicy and tender meat. Plus, the pressure cooker locks in the flavors, making each bite burst with mouthwatering goodness.
Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or a weeknight dinner, spare ribs in a pressure cooker are a crowd-pleaser. You can customize the flavors by adding your favorite spices, marinades, or sauces. The possibilities are endless! So, grab your pressure cooker and let’s get cooking!
Preparing Spare Ribs for Pressure Cooking
Before you dive into cooking spare ribs in a pressure cooker, it’s important to properly prepare the meat to ensure delicious results. Follow these steps to get your spare ribs ready for pressure cooking:
1. Trim excess fat:
Start by trimming any excessive fat from the spare ribs. While some fat can add flavor and moisture, too much can make the dish greasy. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove any large pieces of fat.
2. Remove the membrane:
Spare ribs have a tough membrane on the bone side that can become chewy when cooked. To ensure tender ribs, peel off the membrane. Starting at one end, use a butter knife or your fingers to loosen the edge of the membrane. Once you have it lifted, grab hold of it with a paper towel and pull it off in one piece.
3. Season the spare ribs:
Seasoning the spare ribs with your favorite spices and herbs will help enhance the flavor. You can use a dry rub or a marinade to add extra taste. Consider using a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and brown sugar for a well-balanced flavor profile.
Tip: Let the seasoned spare ribs sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
4. Preheat the pressure cooker:
Before placing the spare ribs in the pressure cooker, make sure it is preheated. Add a small amount of oil or cooking spray to the bottom of the pressure cooker to prevent sticking.
5. Brown the spare ribs (optional):
If you prefer a more caramelized and flavorful result, consider browning the spare ribs before pressure cooking. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the ribs on each side for a few minutes until browned. This step adds an extra layer of flavor to the final dish.
6. Add liquid:
To cook spare ribs in a pressure cooker, you’ll need some liquid. This can be broth, stock, wine, or even water. The liquid will create steam, which will build pressure and cook the ribs more quickly.
Note: Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific pressure cooker model regarding the minimum amount of liquid required.
By properly preparing your spare ribs before pressure cooking, you’ll ensure tender, flavorful, and succulent results every time.
Choosing and Preparing the Spare Ribs
Before you start cooking spare ribs in a pressure cooker, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat and prepare it properly. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choosing the Spare Ribs
When selecting spare ribs for your pressure cooker recipe, there are a few options to consider. You can choose from baby back ribs, St. Louis-style ribs, or country-style ribs. Baby back ribs are smaller and leaner, while St. Louis-style ribs are larger and have more fat content. Country-style ribs are meatier and have a higher fat content. Depending on your preference, choose the type of spare ribs that best suits your taste.
Preparing the Spare Ribs
Once you’ve chosen the type of spare ribs you want to cook, you’ll need to prepare them properly. Here’s how:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the membrane: Using a butter knife or your fingers, loosen and lift the thin membrane on the back of the ribs. Gripping the membrane with a paper towel, peel it off completely. This step is essential as it allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat more effectively. |
| 2 | Trim excess fat: While spare ribs have some fat content, you may want to trim off any excess fat to your preference. This will help prevent the pressure cooker from becoming too greasy. |
| 3 | Season the ribs: Rub the spare ribs generously with your preferred dry rub or marinade. Make sure to cover the ribs evenly on both sides, allowing the flavors to permeate the meat. |
By choosing the right spare ribs and properly preparing them, you’ll set yourself up for success when it comes to cooking spare ribs in a pressure cooker. The next step is to learn how to cook them using your pressure cooker, which we’ll explore in the next section.
Marinating the Spare Ribs
Before cooking spare ribs in a pressure cooker, it is important to marinate them to enhance the flavor and tenderness. Marinating the spare ribs allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more delicious and juicy dish.
Choosing a Marinade
There are various marinades you can choose from, depending on your personal preference. Some popular options include:
- Soy-based marinade: Soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar are combined to create a savory and slightly sweet marinade.
- Barbecue marinade: A combination of barbecue sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and spices create a tangy and smoky flavor.
- Honey mustard marinade: A mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and herbs creates a sweet and tangy marinade.
Marinating Process
Once you have chosen your marinade, follow these steps to marinate the spare ribs:
- Place the spare ribs in a large dish or resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the spare ribs, making sure they are fully coated.
- Massage the marinade into the meat to ensure it is evenly distributed.
- Cover the dish or seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator.
- Allow the spare ribs to marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is preferable for maximum flavor.
During the marinating process, it is recommended to flip the spare ribs occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly marinated.
Once the spare ribs are finished marinating, they are ready to be cooked in the pressure cooker. The marinating process helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors, resulting in mouth-watering spare ribs that are sure to impress!
Preheating the Pressure Cooker
Before you begin cooking spare ribs in a pressure cooker, it is important to preheat the cooker. This helps to ensure that the ribs cook evenly and thoroughly.
To preheat the pressure cooker, start by adding a small amount of oil to the cooking pot. This will help prevent the ribs from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Next, turn the pressure cooker on and select the “saute” or “brown” function, depending on the model. Allow the pot to heat up for a few minutes until the oil is hot.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the spare ribs to the pot, being cautious not to overcrowd the cooker. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your pressure cooker.
Allow the spare ribs to cook for a few minutes on each side until they are browned. This helps to seal in the flavor and juices of the ribs.
After the ribs are browned, remove them from the pressure cooker and set them aside. You can now proceed with adding any additional ingredients or seasonings to the pot.
By preheating the pressure cooker before cooking spare ribs, you can ensure that the ribs are cooked to perfection and packed full of flavor.
Cooking the Spare Ribs
Once the spare ribs have been marinated and brought to room temperature, it’s time to start cooking. Setting up your pressure cooker correctly is essential for achieving tender and juicy spare ribs.
1. Prepping the Pressure Cooker
Start by placing the trivet or steaming basket at the bottom of the pressure cooker. This will help elevate the spare ribs, preventing them from sitting directly in the liquid and ensuring even cooking. Add water or broth according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually around 1 cup.
2. Adding Seasonings
Season the spare ribs with your desired combination of spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other favourite dry rub. Rub the seasoning into the meat, covering all sides evenly.
Note: You can also add a few cloves of garlic, sliced onions, or bay leaves to enhance the flavour during the cooking process.
3. Cooking under Pressure
Place the seasoned spare ribs on top of the trivet or steaming basket, making sure they are not crowded and have some space in between. Close the lid securely and set the pressure release valve to the sealed position.
Pro Tip: If your pressure cooker offers a meat or high-pressure setting, use that for quicker cooking time. Otherwise, set it to the manual or pressure cook mode and adjust the time to 25-30 minutes.
Once the pressure cooker reaches the desired pressure, the cooking time will begin. The spare ribs will cook under intense steam pressure, which helps to break down the tough connective tissues and results in tender meat.
4. Natural Release or Quick Release
When the cooking time is complete, you have the option to perform a natural release or quick release. Natural release involves allowing the pressure to decrease naturally over a specified period, usually 10-15 minutes. Quick release involves carefully turning the pressure release valve to release the steam quickly.
Note: Be cautious while doing a quick release to avoid any hot steam burns.
5. Finishing Touches
Once the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid. The spare ribs should be tender and have a rich flavour from cooking under pressure. If you desire crispy exteriors, transfer the spare ribs to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a few minutes. Brush them with barbecue sauce or glaze and broil until desired caramelization is achieved.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked spare ribs straight from the pressure cooker, or serve them with your favourite side dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Releasing the Pressure and Checking the Ribs
Once the cooking time is complete, it’s time to release the pressure from the pressure cooker. This can be done using the quick release method or the natural release method.
For the quick release method, carefully move the pressure release valve to the “venting” position. Be cautious of the hot steam that will quickly escape from the cooker. Once the pressure has been fully released and the float valve drops, it is safe to open the lid.
If you prefer a more tender and fall-off-the-bone texture, you can opt for the natural release method. This involves allowing the pressure to naturally release on its own without manually venting the steam. It usually takes around 10-15 minutes for the pressure to completely release using this method.
After the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid of the pressure cooker. Use tongs or a fork to gently lift the spare ribs out of the cooker and onto a serving platter. Check the doneness of the ribs by poking them with a fork or knife. They should be tender and easily pull apart.
If the ribs need further cooking, you can return them to the pressure cooker without the lid and cook on the sauté function for a few more minutes. This will help to brown and caramelize the ribs for added flavor.
Once you are satisfied with the doneness of the spare ribs, serve them hot with your favorite barbecue sauce or glaze. They make a delicious and flavorful main dish for any occasion.
Serving and Enjoying the Spare Ribs
Once the spare ribs are cooked to perfection in the pressure cooker, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Here are a few tips and ideas on how to make the most out of your delicious ribs:
Sauce it Up
A good sauce can elevate the flavor of your spare ribs even more. Whether you prefer a tangy barbeque sauce or sweet and spicy glaze, adding it can take your ribs to the next level. Brush the sauce generously on the ribs before serving, or serve it on the side for dipping.
Accompaniments
Complete your spare ribs meal with some tasty accompaniments. Here are a few options:
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and balance to the rich flavors of the ribs.
- Cornbread: Serve some warm cornbread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and juices.
- Baked Beans: The combination of savory baked beans and tender spare ribs creates a mouthwatering flavor combination.
- Potato Salad: A classic potato salad pairs well with spare ribs and brings a creamy and satisfying element to the meal.
Enjoy with Friends and Family
Spare ribs are a dish best enjoyed with loved ones. Gather your friends and family around the table and savor the deliciousness together. The joy of sharing good food and creating memories is what truly makes a meal special.
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a game day party, or simply craving some mouthwatering spare ribs, these tips will help you serve and enjoy the ribs the best way possible. Get ready for a finger-licking feast!
FAQ
What is the cooking time for spare ribs in a pressure cooker?
The cooking time for spare ribs in a pressure cooker is typically around 25-30 minutes.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of a pressure cooker to cook spare ribs?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker instead of a pressure cooker to cook spare ribs. However, the cooking time will be much longer, usually around 6-8 hours on low heat.
