Instant Pot Asian Pork Ribs: Ready in 40 minutes for under $10!

These Asian-inspired pork riblets (short ribs) are cooked in an Instant Pot (or pressure cooker) in an umami-rich barbecue sauce and finished in the oven. There is no grill, smoker, or fuss, and they are done in 40 minutes.

Instant Pot Asian Pork Ribs

There’s something magical about cooking with an Instant Pot—it takes the stress out of traditional recipes, allowing you to savor rich flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Today, we’re focusing on a delicious Asian-inspired dish: pork short ribs. With a perfect blend of sweet and savory ingredients, these ribs will impress your family and friends while being easy to prepare.

In this blog post, we will guide you through a straightforward recipe for making pork short ribs in the Instant Pot. Your taste buds are in for a treat!

The Ingredients You'll Need

To get started, gather the following ingredients, with the measurements outlined for 3 pounds of pork short ribs:

Ingredients for Instant Pot Pork Ribs

• Pork Riblets or Short Ribs: 1.5-3 lbs (for 2-4 people)

• Brown Sugar: 1/3 cup (or honey or palm sugar)

• Hoisin Sauce: 1/3 cup (or 3 tablespoons of hoisin and 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce)

• Soy Sauce: 1/3 cup (or 3 tablespoons of light soy and 2 tablespoons of dark soy)

• Shaoxing Wine, Mirin, or Sherry Cooking Wine: 2 tablespoons

• Garlic: 3 cloves, grated

• Ginger: 3 teaspoons, grated

• Five Spice Powder: 1 teaspoon

• Juice of one lime

• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons

  
  

The riblets used in this recipe cost less than $6 at my local Walmart. I had all the other ingredients, which cost around $3. For under $10, these ribs will surely please your crew while you stay within your budget.

Preparing the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except the oil, ribs, and rice vinegar.

The secret to this sauce is a 1-1-1 ratio for hoison or oyster sauce/light or dark soy sauce/brown sugar or honey. Each ingredient should total 1/3 cup, but you can vary the ingredients within the category depending on your taste, food preferences, or what you have in the pantry. Use all hoisin, or part oyster, part hoisin. Use all regular soy, or use a mixture of light and dark soy. Use brown sugar, or substitute honey, palm sugar, or any mixture of these items, totalling 1/3 cup. Just make sure the proportions balance. To this mixture, add two tablespoons of mirin, Chinese shaoxing wine, or cooking sherry. Add the grated ginger, garlic, five spice powder, and the juice of one lime.

The combination of hoisin, soy sauce, and brown sugar provides a sweet and savory foundation, while garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder bring depth and warmth.

Searing the Ribs

Now that your sauce is prepared, it's time to sear the ribs. Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function, allowing it to heat up. Once hot, place the pork short ribs in the pot and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. This step seals in the juices and adds an irresistible flavor. Cook your ribs in batches, if necessary, so that they are in one layer and nicely browned.

Pressure Cooking the Ribs

After searing the ribs, add 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar and allow it to burn off slightly. Then, pour the sauce over the ribs. The vinegar and lime juice will add acidity, balancing the rich flavors of the sauce.

Close the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure to cook for 25 minutes. This ensures the meat becomes tender and practically falls off the bone.

Releasing the Pressure

Once the timer goes off, carefully release the steam according to the manufacturer's instructions. This allows you to open the pot safely without the risk of burns. When the steam has released, lift the lid and revel in the aroma!

Preparing for Baking

Remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and place them on a tray over a cookie sheet to catch any drippings. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare the sauce for glazing.

Set the Instant Pot back to "Sauté" mode and allow the sauce to cook down for about 10 minutes or until reduced by half. This process intensifies the flavors and thickens the sauce, making it ideal for glazing the ribs.

Glazing and Final Cooking

Once the sauce is reduced, spread half of it over the pork short ribs. Transfer the tray to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will give the ribs a sticky, caramelized finish that's simply irresistible.

Serving Suggestions

When your ribs are done, remove them from the oven and serve them hot, drizzled with the remaining sauce. These savory pork short ribs pair well with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy bao buns, or fresh veggies sautéed in soy sauce. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for an extra touch.

Conclusion

Cooking pork short ribs in the Instant Pot is not only simple but also results in mouthwatering flavors that everyone will love. With a blend of Asian ingredients, this dish transforms humble pork ribs into a delightful meal bursting with taste.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll discover just how easy it is to impress your dinner guests or treat your family to a delicious homemade feast. So fire up that Instant Pot and enjoy succulent pork short ribs today!