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Instant Pot Margarita Baby Back Ribs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 74 reviews
  • Author: Mariam
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Remove Membrane: Carefully remove the lining from the bottom side of the ribs to ensure tenderness and better seasoning penetration.
  2. Mix Seasonings: Combine minced garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
  3. Season Ribs: Rub the mixed seasonings evenly over both sides of the ribs to coat them well with flavor.
  4. Add Citrus and Tequila: Pour fresh lemon juice and tequila all over the seasoned ribs for that signature margarita flavor.
  5. Marinate: Cover the ribs with foil and let them marinate in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours to absorb all the flavors.
  6. Prepare Instant Pot: Place the metal rack inside your pressure cooker for keeping the ribs elevated above the liquid.
  7. Place Ribs in Pot: Stand the marinated ribs on their side on the rack inside the Instant Pot, being careful to maintain their shape.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Natural Pressure Release: When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
  11. Quick Release Pressure: Manually release any remaining pressure from the Instant Pot carefully.
  12. Remove Ribs: Carefully lift the ribs out of the pressure cooker and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  13. 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.