Pressure Cooked Baby Back Ribs (with Beer, of course!)

Tender, flavorful baby back ribs in a fraction of the time...thanks to the pressure cooker! This easy method gives you slow-cooked taste without the long wait.

Jun 13, 2025

These pressure cooked baby back ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with bold flavor—all with a fraction of the time it usually takes. A simple rub of garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika adds a smoky, savory kick, while the beer in the bottom of the pot infuses the ribs with extra moisture and rich flavor as they cook.
Perfect for busy nights, camping trips, or anytime you’re craving fall-off-the-bone ribs without the grill!

a close up of a piece of meat on a cutting board

Tips for the Best Pressure Cooked Ribs:

Beer Choice: Use a lager, pilsner, or light ale for a mild flavor. A darker beer like a porter, will add deeper, slightly sweeter notes.
Membrane Removal: Removing the membrane helps the seasoning penetrate and results in more tender ribs.
Storage: Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully!

Spice Variation Suggestions

Smoky Heat:

Add chipotle powder and cumin for Southwestern flair
Include cayenne pepper and brown sugar for sweet heat
Try ancho chili powder with a touch of cinnamon

International Twists:

Asian-inspired: five-spice powder, ginger, and sesame seeds
Mediterranean: oregano, thyme, and lemon zest
Cajun: paprika, onion powder, thyme, and white pepper

Sweet & Savory:

Brown sugar, mustard powder, and rosemary
Maple sugar, sage, and black pepper
Coffee grounds, cocoa powder, and chili powder

Herb-Forward:

Fresh or dried rosemary with garlic and lemon pepper
Italian herbs (basil, oregano, marjoram) with parmesan
Ranch seasoning blend for kid-friendly appeal

Share In the Kitchen with Bek Davis

Ingredients

1–2 racks baby back ribs (about 3–4 pounds total)
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (12 oz) can of beer (any lager or ale works well)
Optional: barbecue sauce for finishing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs

Remove the thin silver membrane from the back of the ribs if it hasn’t already been removed.
In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.

2. Set Up the Pressure Cooker

Pour the can of beer into the bottom of your pressure cooker.
Place a trivet or steamer rack inside the pot so the ribs are elevated above the liquid.

3. Pressure Cook

Arrange the ribs upright (standing on their side) around the trivet in a circle if needed to fit.
Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on High Pressure for 25 minutes.
Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.

4. Finish the Ribs (Optional)

For extra flavor and texture, brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce and finish them under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, or on a hot grill, until lightly caramelized.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Slice between the bones and serve hot, with extra sauce if you like!

The Bottom Line

These pressure cooked baby back ribs prove that you don't need hours of smoking or grilling to achieve restaurant-quality results. With just a simple four-ingredient spice rub and the magic of pressure cooking, you'll have incredibly tender, flavorful ribs ready in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. The beer not only keeps the meat moist during cooking but also adds a subtle richness that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Whether you're dealing with a busy weeknight schedule, planning a camping adventure, or simply want to satisfy a rib craving without firing up the grill, this method delivers consistently excellent results. The combination of convenience and incredible taste makes this recipe a game-changer for anyone who loves fall-off-the-bone ribs but doesn't always have the luxury of time. Once you try this pressure cooker method, it might just become your new go-to way to make ribs year-round.

Ready to give it a try? Grab your pressure cooker and a rack of baby back ribs, and discover just how easy it is to create mouthwatering ribs that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don't forget to experiment with different spice variations and side pairings to make this recipe your own!