Instant Pot Ribs Recipe with Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce | The Pioneer Woman

A humble soda turns ordinary weeknight dinners into succulent, perfectly tender feasts.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 17, 2025

A humble soda turns ordinary weeknight dinners into succulent, perfectly tender feasts.

Instant Pot Ribs with Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

If you love ribs but want to skip the all-day slow-cooked method, this Instant Pot ribs recipe is your answer. Baby back ribs are seasoned, pressure-cooked in Dr Pepper for extra flavor, brushed with a sticky homemade BBQ sauce, and finished under the broiler for that perfect caramelized coating. For Ree Drummond, Dr Pepper is a pantry staple—especially for tenderizing and flavoring meats. The result? Ribs so tender, they fall right off the bone, with a sauce that’s uniquely sweet and tangy.

Why Cook Ribs in the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for rib lovers. Conventional recipes require hours of low, slow cooking, but with a pressure cooker, you get amazingly tender ribs in under an hour—including prep and finishing steps. The pressure environment allows the ribs to become fall-off-the-bone tender while locking in flavor. Adding Dr Pepper as a braising liquid infuses sweetness and depth, plus helps tenderize the meat even further.

Related: Spicy Dr Pepper Ribs

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for the ribs and the Dr Pepper BBQ sauce:

For the Ribs

2 racks baby back ribs (about 5 pounds total)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups Dr Pepper

For the Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

1/2 cup ketchup
2 cups reduced cooking liquid (from pressure cooker)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. This rub will add smoky, slightly sweet, and spicy notes to the ribs.

Step 2: Prep the Ribs

Turn the ribs meat-side down. Remove the tough membrane from the back of each rack, which helps ensure tenderness. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, covering both sides. Let the ribs sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Arrange Ribs in Instant Pot

Pour the Dr Pepper into the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside. Arrange the ribs on the trivet, either rolled into coils or cut into sections—whatever fits best. The steamer basket keeps the ribs out of the liquid, allowing them to steam rather than boil.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to HIGH PRESSURE for 25 minutes. When the timer is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Make the BBQ Sauce

Remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside on a baking sheet. Strain and measure out 2 cups of the cooking liquid. Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE, pour in the liquid, and simmer until reduced by half (about 15 minutes). Stir in the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and black pepper. Continue cooking for 10–15 minutes, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Broil with BBQ Sauce

Preheat your broiler. Brush the ribs with the BBQ sauce, then broil for 4 minutes to caramelize. Brush on more sauce, then serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Ribs

Rib Size & Quantity: You can fit about 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 5 pounds total) in a standard Instant Pot. For larger pots, you may squeeze in a little more, but avoid overcrowding.
To Roll or Not to Roll: Rolling the ribs into a coil or cutting them into sections makes them easier to fit. Whole racks can be tricky, but it’s possible with a little patience.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The cooked ribs (unsauced) can be refrigerated overnight. Before serving, brush with sauce and reheat under the broiler for about 10 minutes, flipping once.
Sauce Variations: Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce. Add honey, chipotle, or sriracha for extra complexity.

Key Equipment

6-quart or larger Instant Pot
Trivet (mesh steamer basket)
Tongs and basting brush
Sheet pan or broiler pan
Chef’s knife (optional, for trimming)

Nutritional Highlights

While this recipe is not for everyday eating, ribs can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for a typical serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	~400-500 (varies by size and sauce)
Protein	~25-30g
Fat	~30-35g
Sodium	~600-800mg

For a lighter version, trim excess fat from the ribs and reduce the sugar in the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different soda in place of Dr Pepper?

A: Yes! Coca-Cola, root beer, or any cola will work, but Dr Pepper lends a unique, slightly spicy sweetness to the ribs.

Q: Do I have to broil the ribs after pressure cooking?

A: Broiling gives the ribs a caramelized BBQ crust. If you skip this step, your ribs will be super tender but lack the classic charred finish.

Q: How long do these ribs keep in the fridge?

A: Store cooked, unsauced ribs in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before saucing and broiling.

Q: Can I freeze leftover ribs?

A: Absolutely. Freeze the cooked, unsauced ribs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: Why remove the membrane from the ribs?

A: The membrane is tough and chewy. Removing it lets the rub and sauce penetrate better and results in more tender meat.

Why Dr Pepper Makes a Difference

Ree Drummond swears by Dr Pepper for this recipe. The soda’s caramel and spice notes, combined with high-fructose sweetness, tenderize and flavor the meat as it pressure-cooks. The result is ribs with a subtle, complex taste that’s a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy, and totally irresistible.

Serving Suggestions

These ribs are rich and saucy, so pair with lighter sides for balance. Consider:

Tangy coleslaw
Baked beans
Cornbread or corn on the cob
Pickles and raw vegetables
Potato salad

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot ribs recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you crave BBQ but don’t have all day. The Dr Pepper BBQ sauce adds a unique flavor that sets these ribs apart, while the Instant Pot ensures foolproof tenderness. Whether you’re a seasoned rib enthusiast or a pressure-cooker novice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb