Unlock Unrivaled Flavor: Instant Pot Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs – Tender, Juicy, and Ready in Just Over an Hour!
Prepare to elevate your dinner game with these unbelievably tender Instant Pot Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs. Crafted for convenience and bursting with flavor, this recipe transforms simple boneless country-style pork ribs into a culinary masterpiece in a fraction of the time traditional methods demand. Get ready to impress your family and friends with ribs that quite literally fall apart at the touch of a fork. Forget endless hours of slow cooking; your pressure cooker is about to become your new best friend for barbecue bliss.
This post is proudly sponsored by Iowa Pork. While the collaboration helps bring you this delicious content, all opinions expressed and my deep-rooted appreciation for their products and farming principles remain entirely my own.
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For quite some time, my Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs recipe has been a consistent crowd-pleaser and one of the most visited pages on my blog. The outpouring of positive feedback and daily comments praising their incredible tenderness and irresistible flavor truly speaks volumes. You, my wonderful readers, have made them a phenomenal success, and it’s always a joy to hear how much everyone loves them. Building on that success, I’ve long dreamed of adapting this beloved recipe for the Instant Pot, eager to share a faster, equally delicious version.
The opportunity to bring this idea to life came when Iowa Pork reached out to collaborate on a new recipe. After discussing various ideas, it became clear that transforming this popular Dr. Pepper BBQ Ribs recipe into an Instant Pot-friendly version, specifically using boneless country-style pork ribs, was the perfect fit. It’s a fantastic way to showcase the quality of Iowa pork while offering a speedy, weeknight-friendly meal solution that doesn’t compromise on taste or tenderness.
Why Choose the Instant Pot for Your Ribs?
The Instant Pot is a game-changer in the kitchen, and it shines particularly bright when it comes to preparing tender, flavorful ribs. Pressure cooking dramatically reduces the cooking time, transforming tough cuts of meat into succulent, fall-apart perfection in minutes rather than hours. Beyond speed, the Instant Pot offers unparalleled convenience. Once your ingredients are in the pot and the lid is sealed, it’s largely hands-off, freeing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax.
In warmer months, the Instant Pot is an absolute lifesaver. Unlike traditional stovetop or oven cooking, it generates minimal heat, keeping your kitchen cool and comfortable even on the hottest days. This means you can enjoy delicious, comforting barbecue without breaking a sweat. Its efficiency and ease of use make it a winning choice any time of year, guaranteeing consistent results and tender ribs every single time. It truly is a culinary hack for deliciousness without the fuss.
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While the slow cooker version of these ribs typically finishes in the oven to achieve that beautifully caramelized Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce glaze, for this Instant Pot adaptation, I opted for the grill. Grilling offers that desirable smoky char and keeps the kitchen cool – a major bonus during summer. However, these ribs are too good to be reserved just for one season! That’s why I’ve included clear instructions for both finishing methods: achieving a smoky, caramelized crust on the grill, or a equally delicious, sticky glaze in the oven. The goal is melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and with pork ribs, there’s no need for a thermometer; simply cook until they are incredibly soft and easily shredded.
Looking for another fantastic way to prepare BBQ Pork Ribs? Consider a method where you boil them in beer until they’re fork-tender, then transfer them to the grill for a slight char, finishing them with a generous slathering of Homemade BBQ Sauce. It’s another simple yet incredibly rewarding technique for finger-licking good ribs.
Just 3 Simple Ingredients for Instant Pot Dr. Pepper BBQ Ribs:
- Premium Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs
- Two Cans of Dr. Pepper Soda (or your preferred cola)
- Your Favorite Bottled Barbecue Sauce
It truly doesn’t get much simpler than a three-ingredient wonder that delivers this much flavor and tenderness, does it? This minimalist approach to ingredients ensures that the robust flavor of the pork and the unique sweetness of the Dr. Pepper and BBQ sauce truly shine through.
My absolute favorite cut for this recipe, and for many other pork dishes, is boneless country-style pork ribs. They offer a generous amount of lean, flavorful meat, making them incredibly easy to eat – you can even enjoy them with just a fork! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with maintaining a touch of elegance while indulging in delicious barbecue. These ribs are substantial and incredibly satisfying.
**Frequently Asked Question:** *”Can I use bone-in ribs for this recipe?”* Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully versatile. I recently prepared it using bone-in pork ribs, and the results were equally fantastic. The key is to ensure they are cooked until incredibly tender, which the Instant Pot handles perfectly for both boneless and bone-in varieties.
A standard three pounds of boneless country-style pork ribs fit perfectly in a single layer at the bottom of my 6-quart Instant Pot. For optimal cooking and even tenderness, I highly recommend avoiding stacking the ribs if your pressure cooker is smaller. If you have a larger quantity of ribs or a smaller Instant Pot, it’s best to cook them in batches or adjust the quantity accordingly to ensure they cook evenly and achieve that desired fall-apart texture.
For this specific recipe, I decided to experiment with Dr. Pepper Cherry, and the subtle hint of sweet cherry flavor it imparted was absolutely delightful. However, if you prefer, classic regular Dr. Pepper works equally well and delivers the signature taste you know and love. The soda acts as a tenderizer and infuses a unique sweetness that makes these ribs truly special.
**Frequently Asked Question:** *”Can I substitute another soda, or use diet Dr. Pepper?”* Absolutely! This recipe is quite flexible. I’ve successfully tried it with both a classic cola and root beer, and both yielded delicious results with their own distinct flavor profiles. If you’re mindful of your glucose intake, diet soda is a perfectly viable option and will still contribute to the tenderizing process and overall flavor.
Just one can of Dr. Pepper is all it takes to completely cover the ribs in the Instant Pot, creating the perfect liquid base for tenderizing and infusing flavor during the pressure cooking process. The remaining can of soda will be used to craft our incredible Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce, ensuring every drop of flavor is utilized.
The second can of Dr. Pepper plays a crucial role in creating our signature barbecue sauce. You’ll whisk a portion of it together with your favorite bottled BBQ sauce. We typically gravitate towards Honey Sweet Baby Ray’s for its balanced sweetness and rich flavor, but feel free to choose a brand that suits your taste. This is also an excellent opportunity to customize your ribs: if you enjoy a little heat, consider using a spicier BBQ sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. As for the rest of that second can? Pour it over ice, kick back, and enjoy a refreshing drink while your Instant Pot works its magic, tenderizing those ribs to perfection!
Once the ribs are perfectly cooked and incredibly tender in the pressure cooker, it’s time for the final, flavor-sealing step. Handle them with extreme care as they will be so tender they might literally fall apart! Gently transfer them to your preheated grill. Brush the tops generously with your homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce. Grill for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a delicious sticky glaze. Then, flip the ribs and repeat the process on the other side, brushing with more sauce and grilling for another 10 minutes until beautifully charred and glossy. This grilling step adds an irresistible depth of flavor and a fantastic texture contrast to the succulent interior.
As previously mentioned, these fantastic Dr. Pepper BBQ Ribs aren’t just for summer grilling! When the weather isn’t cooperating, or if you simply prefer the convenience of indoor cooking, you can achieve that same delightful caramelized sauce in your oven. Simply arrange the cooked ribs on a rack placed over a baking sheet, brush generously with the Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce, and bake until beautifully glazed and slightly sticky. This ensures you can enjoy these mouthwatering ribs year-round, no matter the season or your preference for cooking methods.
Aren’t these Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs absolutely stunning? Their rich, caramelized glaze and inviting aroma are truly a feast for the senses. The beauty of perfectly prepared barbecue is its ability to steal the show, meaning you don’t need elaborate side dishes to complete the meal. Simple accompaniments are often the best. We love serving ours with a creamy, classic potato salad, but coleslaw, baked beans, or even a fresh green salad would be equally fantastic. If you happen to be lucky enough to have any leftovers – though that’s a rare occurrence with these irresistible ribs – shred the tender pork and transform it into incredible BBQ Pork Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese Sandwiches for an equally satisfying next-day meal!
Understanding the “Power of Pork”: The Role of Iowa Pork in America’s Food System
It might surprise many to learn that a significant portion of the pork consumed in the United States originates from Iowa – in fact, roughly one-third of all U.S. pork is raised in this hardworking state. While I often talk about Nebraska, my husband’s roots run deep in rural Iowa, where he grew up on a family farm. His father was a dedicated farmer, cultivating corn and soybeans, raising hogs, and running a local fertilizer and anhydrous business, embodying the quintessential American agricultural spirit.
My first visit to his family farm was quite an experience. His parents, I recall, were quite amused by the “city girl” their son had brought home. Of course, to anyone from bustling metropolises like New York City or Los Angeles, my hometown of Omaha might not seem like a “big city” at all. But compared to my husband’s small Iowa town of only 300 residents, it was indeed the big city!
I had never encountered a hog up close before, nor did I even know what a combine was! Those early days of our marriage and family life were filled with countless weekends spent on the farm. Our children grew up with the joy of riding in tractors, feeding the playful farm cats, and learning the true meaning behind the phrase “that’s the smell of money” – a testament to the hard work and dedication that fueled their grandparents’ livelihood. Those crops and hogs were not just products; they were the foundation of their family’s existence.
When you choose to purchase pork at your local grocery store, you’re doing more than just buying food. You are directly supporting family farms across Iowa and other agricultural regions of the United States. These are often multi-generational operations, deeply committed to their land and animals.
Over the past three decades, significant technological advancements have revolutionized pork farming. Today, most pigs are housed in climate-controlled buildings designed to ensure their comfort, keeping them cool during the hot summer months and warm throughout the winter. A modern pig farmer’s utmost priorities are animal well-being and maintaining the highest standards of food safety. Regardless of a farm’s size, from expansive operations to smaller family-run ventures, you can be assured that there is always a dedicated family behind the scenes, working tirelessly to bring quality pork to your table.
Pork: Not Just Delicious, But Incredibly Nutritious!
Beyond its incredible flavor, pork is a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a complete protein profile that is essential for a healthy diet. Incorporating lean animal protein sources like pork into your meals not only helps you meet your daily recommended protein intake but also provides a wealth of essential amino acids, vital vitamins, and crucial minerals that your body needs to thrive. It’s a nutrient-dense food that contributes significantly to overall well-being.
Adding pork to your meals has been shown to help you feel fuller for longer periods. This satiety can play a key role in managing hunger, which in turn helps to regulate post-meal glucose and insulin levels. For those on a weight management journey, the sustained feeling of fullness can be a valuable asset, potentially aiding in healthy weight loss by reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day.
Pork offers particular benefits for aging adults. Research indicates that regular consumption of quality pork can contribute to resisting the natural loss of bone density and muscle mass that often occurs with age. Furthermore, pork is an excellent source of Vitamin B12, a nutrient where deficiencies are commonly observed in adults over the age of 65. Ensuring adequate B12 intake through diet can support nerve function and red blood cell formation, contributing to vibrant health in later years. These nutritional advantages make pork a wise choice for individuals of all ages.
Be sure to follow Iowa Pork on their social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter, for a continuous stream of delicious pork recipes and insightful updates throughout the year!
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to transform your kitchen into a BBQ paradise with these incredible Instant Pot Dr. Pepper Pork Ribs! Gather your ingredients, fire up your pressure cooker, and get ready to enjoy some of the most tender and flavorful ribs you’ve ever tasted. Dig in and savor every bite!
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Print Recipe
Instant Pot Dr. Pepper Pork Ribs
Instant Pot Dr. Pepper BBQ Ribs are Country Style Pork Ribs, pressure cooked in Dr. Pepper, then grilled or baked to caramelize the Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce. Only 3 ingredients!
| Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Additional Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins |
Course: Pork | Cuisine: American | Keyword: Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs, How to make pork ribs in an Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker, Instant Pot Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs, Pressure Cooker Pork Ribs
Servings: 6 servings | Calories: 929kcal | Author: Michaela Kenkel
Equipment
- Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 pound boneless country pork ribs
- 2 cans Dr. Pepper (divided)
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Place ribs in a single layer in the bottom of your Instant Pot.
- Pour one can of Dr. Pepper over the top.
- Cover with the lid, and lock into place. Make sure the quick release is set to the pressure position.
- Cook on high for 40 minutes.
- Allow natural release for 15 minutes. Carefully remove any excess pressure. Remove lid.
- Remove ribs from pressure cooker.
- Combine 3/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce with 1/2 cup Dr. Pepper.
- To finish on the grill: Set grill to 350 degrees F (175 C). Place ribs on the grill and brush Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce on the top. Close grill and in 10 minutes flip the ribs over and brush the other side with BBQ sauce. Grill 10 minutes more.
- To finish in the oven: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 C). Carefully place ribs on a rack over a baking sheet. Brush the tops with BBQ sauce. Bake for 10 minutes. Flip, brush with BBQ sauce, Bake for 10 minutes more.
- Serve with extra sauce for dipping.
Notes
- I used Cherry Dr. Pepper. You can use regular Dr. Pepper or Diet. It will also work well with root beer or cola, but the flavor will be a bit different.
- Be really careful when moving the ribs after you take them out of the pressure cooker. They are so tender, they fall apart easily.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 |
Calories: 929kcal |
Carbohydrates: 28g |
Protein: 48g |
Fat: 70g |
Saturated Fat: 21g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 31g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 238mg |
Sodium: 587mg |
Sugar: 25g