St. Louis style ribs are a staple of American barbecue, known for their tender, fall-off-the-bone texture and rich, tangy flavor. Traditionally, these ribs are slow-cooked over low heat for hours to achieve the perfect tenderness. However, with the advent of the Instant Pot, it’s now possible to cook St. Louis style ribs to perfection in a fraction of the time. In this article, we’ll explore the art of cooking St. Louis style ribs in the Instant Pot, including the benefits, techniques, and tips for achieving tender, delicious results.
Understanding St. Louis Style Ribs
Before we dive into the world of Instant Pot cooking, it’s essential to understand what makes St. Louis style ribs so unique. These ribs are cut from the pork belly, specifically from the 6th to the 13th ribs. They are characterized by their thick, meaty texture and are often preferred by rib enthusiasts due to their rich, unctuous flavor.
St. Louis style ribs are typically seasoned with a dry rub, which is a blend of spices, herbs, and sometimes sugar. The dry rub is applied to the ribs before cooking, allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat. The ribs are then slow-cooked over low heat, usually using a combination of wood smoke and steam to achieve the perfect tenderness.
The Benefits of Cooking St. Louis Style Ribs in the Instant Pot
While traditional slow-cooking methods are still popular among rib enthusiasts, cooking St. Louis style ribs in the Instant Pot offers several benefits. Here are a few reasons why you might consider using the Instant Pot for your next rib-cooking adventure:
- Faster Cooking Time: The Instant Pot can cook St. Louis style ribs in under an hour, which is significantly faster than traditional slow-cooking methods.
- Easy to Use: The Instant Pot is a user-friendly appliance that requires minimal effort and attention.
- Consistent Results: The Instant Pot ensures consistent results, eliminating the risk of overcooking or undercooking the ribs.
- Space-Saving: The Instant Pot is a compact appliance that won’t take up much space in your kitchen.
Preparing St. Louis Style Ribs for the Instant Pot
Before cooking your St. Louis style ribs in the Instant Pot, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Remove the Membrane
The membrane is a thin layer of tissue that covers the back of the ribs. Removing the membrane is crucial, as it allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat. To remove the membrane, follow these steps:
- Hold the ribs with the bone side facing up.
- Locate the membrane, which should be visible as a thin, translucent layer.
- Use a paper towel to grip the membrane, and gently pull it away from the ribs.
- Continue to pull the membrane until it’s completely removed.
Step 2: Apply the Dry Rub
The dry rub is a critical component of St. Louis style ribs, as it adds flavor and texture to the meat. To apply the dry rub, follow these steps:
- In a small bowl, mix together your dry rub ingredients, which may include paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Apply the dry rub evenly to both sides of the ribs, making sure to coat them thoroughly.
- Gently massage the dry rub into the meat, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Liquid
Aromatics and liquid are essential for adding flavor to your St. Louis style ribs. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce
- 1 cup of chicken broth
Add the sliced onion to the bottom of the Instant Pot, followed by the minced garlic. Place the ribs on top of the onion and garlic, and pour in the barbecue sauce and chicken broth.
Cooking St. Louis Style Ribs in the Instant Pot
Now that your ribs are prepared, it’s time to cook them in the Instant Pot. Here’s a basic recipe to follow:
- Press the “Meat/Stew” button on the Instant Pot, and set the cooking time to 30 minutes.
- Close the lid, and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing”.
- When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
- Open the lid, and check the ribs for tenderness. If they’re not tender enough, close the lid and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Tips for Achieving Tender Results
Achieving tender results is crucial when cooking St. Louis style ribs in the Instant Pot. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the perfect tenderness:
- Use the Right Cut of Meat: St. Louis style ribs are the best cut of meat for the Instant Pot, as they’re thick and meaty.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking is a common mistake when cooking ribs in the Instant Pot. Make sure to check the ribs regularly to avoid overcooking.
- Use the Right Liquid: The right liquid is essential for adding flavor and moisture to the ribs. Use a combination of barbecue sauce and chicken broth for the best results.
Serving and Enjoying Your St. Louis Style Ribs
Once your ribs are cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Here are a few ideas for serving your St. Louis style ribs:
- Serve with Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with St. Louis style ribs.
- Serve with Cornbread: Cornbread is a staple of Southern cuisine, and it pairs perfectly with the rich, tangy flavor of St. Louis style ribs.
- Serve with Baked Beans: Baked beans are a popular side dish that pairs perfectly with the sweet, smoky flavor of St. Louis style ribs.
In conclusion, cooking St. Louis style ribs in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for rib enthusiasts. With its fast cooking time, easy-to-use interface, and consistent results, the Instant Pot is the perfect appliance for cooking delicious, tender ribs. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating mouth-watering St. Louis style ribs that will impress even the most discerning rib enthusiasts.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| St. Louis style ribs | 2 pounds |
| Dry rub | 1/4 cup |
| Onion | 1 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Barbecue sauce | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
Note: The ingredients listed above are for a basic recipe. Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
What are St. Louis Style Ribs?
St. Louis style ribs are a type of pork rib that is cut from the belly side of the pig. They are known for their meaty, tender texture and are often preferred by rib enthusiasts. St. Louis style ribs are typically cut to have a uniform thickness, which makes them easier to cook evenly.
One of the defining characteristics of St. Louis style ribs is that they have the breastbone and cartilage removed, which makes them easier to eat and more visually appealing. This style of rib is often associated with the city of St. Louis, Missouri, where they are a staple of local barbecue cuisine.
Why Use an Instant Pot to Cook St. Louis Style Ribs?
Using an Instant Pot to cook St. Louis style ribs is a great way to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone results with minimal effort. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function allows for quick cooking times, which helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat and make it tender.
Additionally, the Instant Pot’s ability to cook at high pressure helps to infuse the ribs with flavor, making them even more delicious. The Instant Pot is also a convenient and space-saving way to cook ribs, especially for those who don’t have access to a grill or smoker.
How Long Does it Take to Cook St. Louis Style Ribs in an Instant Pot?
The cooking time for St. Louis style ribs in an Instant Pot will depend on the size and thickness of the ribs, as well as the desired level of tenderness. Generally, it takes around 20-30 minutes to cook St. Louis style ribs in an Instant Pot, including the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure.
It’s also important to note that the ribs will need to rest for a few minutes after cooking, which allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax. This will help to make the ribs even more tender and flavorful.
Do I Need to Brown the Ribs Before Cooking Them in the Instant Pot?
Browning the ribs before cooking them in the Instant Pot is optional, but it can add a rich, caramelized flavor to the ribs. To brown the ribs, simply heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the ribs for a few minutes on each side.
If you don’t have time to brown the ribs, you can skip this step and still achieve delicious results. The Instant Pot will still be able to cook the ribs to tender perfection, even if they’re not browned first.
Can I Use a Dry Rub or Sauce on My St. Louis Style Ribs?
Yes, you can definitely use a dry rub or sauce on your St. Louis style ribs. In fact, a dry rub or sauce can add a lot of flavor to the ribs and help to enhance their natural sweetness. To use a dry rub, simply sprinkle the rub all over the ribs before cooking them in the Instant Pot.
If you prefer to use a sauce, you can brush it onto the ribs during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help the sauce to caramelize and stick to the ribs. You can also serve the ribs with additional sauce on the side, for those who like a little extra.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftover Ribs?
Leftover ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the ribs, simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze them.
To reheat the ribs, you can simply place them in the Instant Pot with a little bit of liquid (such as barbecue sauce or broth) and cook them on low pressure for a few minutes. You can also reheat the ribs in the oven or on the grill, if you prefer.
Can I Cook Other Types of Ribs in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can definitely cook other types of ribs in the Instant Pot. In fact, the Instant Pot is a versatile cooking vessel that can be used to cook a wide variety of ribs, including baby back ribs, spare ribs, and even beef ribs.
The cooking time and method may vary depending on the type of ribs you’re using, so be sure to consult the Instant Pot’s user manual or a trusted recipe source for guidance. With a little practice and experimentation, you can achieve delicious results with any type of rib.