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
- 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.