If you have ever dreamed of enjoying perfectly tender, flavorful baby back ribs infused with a zesty kick, the Instant Pot Margarita Baby Back Ribs Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. This recipe takes advantage of the Instant Pot’s magic to speed up the cooking process while locking in a bright margarita-inspired marinade. The combination of tangy citrus, garlic, and a touch of heat creates ribs that are juicy and irresistible, making every bite a fiesta on your palate. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering, these ribs deliver big flavor without hours of fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Instant Pot Margarita Baby Back Ribs Recipe is easier than you might think. The ingredients list features simple, fresh, and pantry staples that each play an important role in building layers of flavor and ensuring that perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory notes.
- 1 rack baby back pork ribs: The star of the dish, tender and meaty ribs that soak up marinade like a dream.
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice: Adds bright, fresh acidity for zing and helps tenderize the meat.
- 1/2 cup tequila: Infuses the ribs with authentic margarita flavor and a touch of depth.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 tsp pepper: Adds mild heat and balances the citrus.
- 2 tbsp minced garlic: Provides bold aroma and savory richness.
- 1 tsp lemon pepper: A perfect citrus-herb combo that complements the margarita theme.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts garlic flavor without overpowering fresh garlic.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and savoriness.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: Gives just the right hint of warmth and spice.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps ribs moist during pressure cooking and adds savory depth.
How to Make Instant Pot Margarita Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
The first thing you want to do is remove the thin membrane from the back side of your baby back ribs. This simple step lets the marinade penetrate deeper and makes every bite more tender and less chewy, setting you up for success right from the start.
Step 2: Mix Your Seasoning Blend
Combine minced garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Stir these flavorful seasonings thoroughly—the perfect spice blend to wake up the meaty ribs with just the right balance of savory and heat.
Step 3: Season the Ribs
Rub this seasoning mixture all over the ribs on both sides, making sure every inch is coated. This ensures the bold flavors will infuse into the meat during marination and cooking, resulting in a juicy, flavorful bite every time.
Step 4: Marinate with Margarita Ingredients
Pour the fresh-squeezed lemon juice and tequila evenly over both sides of your ribs. Cover with foil and let them marinate for at least 3-4 hours; this is where the magic happens as the citrus and tequila tenderize the meat while layering in that iconic margarita zest.
Step 5: Prepare the Instant Pot
Place the metal rack inside your pressure cooker and carefully stand the seasoned ribs on their side, arranging them so they fit snugly. Pour in the chicken broth to create steam and add moisture for tender ribs. For an extra burst of freshness, add some sliced lemons and limes on top before sealing the lid securely.
Step 6: Pressure Cook the Ribs
Set the Instant Pot to the Meat setting for 25 minutes. After the cooking cycle, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure. This method ensures perfectly tender ribs without drying them out.
Step 7: Broil to Finish
Gently remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place them under a high broiler for about 5 minutes to develop a caramelized crust. Be sure to watch closely so they don’t burn—this finishing touch adds irresistible charred flavor and texture to your Instant Pot Margarita Baby Back Ribs Recipe.
How to Serve Instant Pot Margarita Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your plate with fresh lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions. These garnishes not only enhance the margarita vibes but also add fresh herbal notes and a pop of color, making your ribs look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Serve with simple, crowd-pleasing sides like creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a crisp, fresh salad. Each side provides a balance to the rich, tangy ribs and adds variety and texture to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking ribs on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of margarita-inspired dipping sauces or smoky BBQ sauces on the side. Adding a few pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder gives your presentation an extra punch and invites guests to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover ribs tightly in foil or airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This seals in their moisture and flavor, so when you reheat them, they remain juicy and delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked ribs for up to 3 months. Freeze them in portioned airtight bags or containers for easy thawing and reheating, perfect for planning ahead or quick weeknight meals.
Reheating
Reheat ribs gently in the oven at low heat or covered in the microwave to retain moisture. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep them tender and succulent, just like freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use baby back ribs from the freezer?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before starting the recipe to ensure even marination and cooking.
Is tequila necessary for this recipe?
Tequila is key to capturing the authentic margarita flavor that defines this recipe, but if you prefer, you can substitute with orange juice mixed with a splash of lime juice for a non-alcoholic twist.
Can I skip the broiling step?
The broiling adds a delightful caramelized crust, but if you’re short on time, you can serve directly after pressure cooking—your ribs will still be flavorful and tender.
How spicy are these ribs?
The cayenne pepper adds a mild warmth, but you can adjust the quantity to your liking for more or less heat without compromising the overall flavor.
What if I don’t have a metal rack for the Instant Pot?
You can use a heat-safe trivet or a steamer basket to keep the ribs elevated above the broth. This ensures they cook evenly without sitting in liquid.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up the Instant Pot Margarita Baby Back Ribs Recipe is like inviting a burst of sunshine and fiesta vibes right to your dinner table. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for anyone craving flavorful ribs without the long wait. Give this recipe a try, and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, impressing friends and family with ease and bold, unforgettable taste.
Print
Instant Pot Margarita Baby Back Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 180 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 215 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Instant Pot Margarita Baby Back Ribs are tender, flavorful, and infused with the zesty flavors of tequila and fresh lemon juice. The ribs are first marinated with a spicy garlic seasoning and cooked under pressure for quick tenderness, then finished under the broiler for a delicious caramelized crust. Perfect for a special weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
Ingredients
Ribs and Marinade
- 1 rack baby back pork ribs
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup tequila
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Cooking Liquid
- 1 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- Fresh sliced lemons and limes
Instructions
- Remove Membrane: Carefully remove the lining from the bottom side of the ribs to ensure tenderness and better seasoning penetration.
- Mix Seasonings: Combine minced garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Season Ribs: Rub the mixed seasonings evenly over both sides of the ribs to coat them well with flavor.
- Add Citrus and Tequila: Pour fresh lemon juice and tequila all over the seasoned ribs for that signature margarita flavor.
- Marinate: Cover the ribs with foil and let them marinate in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours to absorb all the flavors.
- Prepare Instant Pot: Place the metal rack inside your pressure cooker for keeping the ribs elevated above the liquid.
- Place Ribs in Pot: Stand the marinated ribs on their side on the rack inside the Instant Pot, being careful to maintain their shape.
- Add Broth and Citrus: Pour the chicken broth into the pot and add fresh sliced lemons and limes around the ribs for extra citrus aroma.
- Seal and Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the vent is closed, then press the Meat button and set the cooking time to 25 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
- Quick Release Pressure: Manually release any remaining pressure from the Instant Pot carefully.
- Remove Ribs: Carefully lift the ribs out of the pressure cooker and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Broil Finish: Place the baking sheet under the oven broiler set to high for about 5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning, to achieve a caramelized and crispy exterior.
Notes
- Removing the membrane from the ribs ensures they are tender and allows the marinade to penetrate better.
- Marinating time can be increased to up to 6 hours for more intense flavor if desired.
- If you do not have an Instant Pot, you can use a regular pressure cooker or slow cook the ribs, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Keep a close eye during broiling as the sugars and spices can burn quickly under high heat.
- Serve ribs with extra lime wedges for squeezing over and your favorite side dishes like coleslaw or cornbread.
