Quick & Juicy Instant Pot Pork Riblets Recipe for Family Fun

Pork riblets transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary adventures with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

These small, meaty gems pack a serious punch of deliciousness in every single bite.

Compact and succulent, riblets offer a more convenient alternative to traditional ribs without sacrificing an ounce of satisfaction.

The Instant Pot becomes your secret weapon, transforming tough meat into melt-in-your-mouth perfection through precise temperature and pressure control.

Seasoning options range from sweet and tangy to spicy and bold, ensuring you can customize these little flavor bombs to match your mood.

Marinades penetrate deeply, infusing each morsel with incredible taste and tenderness that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Preparing these riblets requires just a few simple ingredients and techniques that anyone can master: get ready to impress.

What to Buy for Flavorful Pork Riblets

• Paprika: Adds warm, sweet flavor with a rich red color.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep, aromatic garlic essence without fresh garlic texture.
• Onion Powder: Delivers mild, sweet onion flavor without chopping.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out meat's natural taste.
• Black Pepper: Offers sharp, slightly spicy kick to the spice blend.

• Pork Riblets: Tender, flavorful cut with rich marbling and delicious meat-to-fat ratio. Choose fresh, well-trimmed riblets with consistent color.

• Olive Oil: Creates perfect searing surface and adds subtle fruity undertone.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional depth of flavor during pressure cooking. Use low-sodium for better control of salt content.

How to Cook Pork Riblets in the Instant Pot

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Blend

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Coat the Riblets

Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork riblets, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 3: Preheat and Sear

• Add olive oil to the Instant Pot
• Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode
• Allow the pot to heat up for 2-3 minutes

Step 4: Brown the Meat

Carefully place the seasoned pork riblets into the hot Instant Pot and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.

Step 5: Add Liquid and Seal

Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot and securely lock the lid in place.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 20 minutes.

Step 7: Release Pressure

Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes after cooking completes.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove the pork riblets from the Instant Pot, let them rest for 3-5 minutes, then plate and enjoy your tender, flavorful meal.

Pressure Cooking Tips for Tender Riblets

• Capture Final Moisture: Rest riblets for a few minutes after cooking to let juices redistribute, guaranteeing each bite stays incredibly tender and flavorful.
• Unlock Quick Tenderness: Instant Pot's pressure cooking magic transforms tough meat cuts into melt-in-your-mouth riblets within just 20 minutes, slashing traditional cooking times dramatically.
• Amplify Liquid Depth: Swap water with chicken broth to inject rich, savory complexity into the meat, preventing dryness and enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Craft Custom Seasoning: Develop a personal dry rub blend that allows precise control over spice intensity, ensuring every riblet inch gets maximum taste coverage.
• Boost Exterior Deliciousness: Sear riblets before pressure cooking to create a golden-brown caramelized crust that seals in incredible taste and develops stunning visual appeal.

How to Store and Reheat Without Losing Juiciness

• Vacuum Sealing: Protect riblets from freezer burn by using a vacuum sealer. Remove all air from the packaging to maintain optimal texture and flavor, preventing moisture loss and preserving the meat's quality for up to 4 months.
• Shallow Container Storage: Place cooled riblets in airtight, shallow containers with tight-fitting lids. Spread them in a single layer to prevent crushing and ensure even cooling, which helps maintain their delicious tenderness and prevents bacterial growth.
• Careful Reheating: Restore riblets' juiciness by reheating in the Instant Pot with a splash of broth or water. Use low pressure for 2-3 minutes to prevent drying out, keeping the meat succulent and maintaining its original mouthwatering flavor profile.

Fun Ways to Switch Up the Riblet Flavors

• Smoky BBQ Riblets: Swap the spice mix for a store-bought or homemade BBQ rub, then brush with tangy BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a classic barbecue flavor profile.
• Asian-Inspired Riblets: Replace the original spices with a blend of Chinese five-spice powder, ginger, and garlic, then finish with a glaze of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil for an umami-rich experience.
• Spicy Cajun Riblets: Trade the current seasoning for a zesty Cajun spice blend with cayenne pepper, paprika, and dried herbs, serving with a cool ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce to balance the heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Riblets: Modify the spice mix with dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest, then garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a bright, herbaceous kick.

What We Loved About the Pork Riblet Experience

Mouthwatering pork riblets emerge as culinary magic from your Instant Pot, promising incredible flavor in mere moments.

Spice-rubbed perfection creates tender meat that falls gracefully from bones with minimal kitchen effort.

Quick preparation meets restaurant-quality results through this foolproof method of pressure cooking.

Home chefs can confidently master these succulent riblets without extensive cooking skills or complicated techniques.

Seasoned professionals and kitchen novices will appreciate this streamlined recipe that delivers maximum taste with minimal complexity.

Hungry readers should dive into this recipe, snap gorgeous photos, share their delicious experiences across social platforms, and spread the riblet love with fellow cooking enthusiasts.

Why Instant Pot Pork Riblets Are a Game-Changer

• Savor Quick and Juicy Flavor Explosion: These Instant Pot pork riblets deliver maximum taste in minimal time, transforming ordinary meat into a mouthwatering meal that bursts with spicy-savory goodness in just one hour.
• Master Effortless Cooking Technique: The Instant Pot method eliminates complicated cooking steps, allowing home cooks to achieve perfectly browned, tender riblets with minimal kitchen skills and maximum confidence using simple sautéing and pressure cooking techniques.
• Enjoy Lean and Nutritious Protein Delight: Packed with protein and seasoned with a robust spice blend, these riblets offer a healthier alternative to traditional fatty meat dishes, delivering only 240 calories while providing a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.
• Create Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or casual dinner parties, these riblets can be quickly prepared and serve as a crowd-pleasing main dish that adapts to various side dishes and dining occasions.

Instant Pot Pork Riblets Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Instant Pot pork riblets deliver mouthwatering Asian-inspired flavors in record time. Quick pressure cooking ensures tender meat infused with sweet, tangy sauce that melts right off the bone and leaves you craving another bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) pork riblets

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Liquids and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl to create a fragrant spice blend.
2. Thoroughly coat each pork riblet with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring even coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
3. Preheat the Instant Pot and add extra virgin olive oil, activating the sauté function to create a high-heat cooking environment.
4. Carefully place seasoned pork riblets into the hot Instant Pot, searing each side for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops, which will enhance the meat’s flavor profile.
5. Pour low-sodium chicken broth (473 milliliters / 16 fluid ounces) into the Instant Pot, creating a flavorful cooking liquid around the riblets.
6. Securely lock the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to the sealing position for proper pressure cooking.
7. Program the Instant Pot to high pressure and set the cooking timer for 20 minutes, allowing the riblets to become tender and infused with the spice blend.
8. Once the cooking cycle completes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10-12 minutes, which helps maintain the meat’s moisture and tenderness.
9. Carefully remove the riblets from the Instant Pot, letting them rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute internal juices before serving.

Notes

• Quick pressure cooking transforms tough pork into melt-in-your-mouth riblets without hours of kitchen time.
• Natural release technique guarantees ultra-tender meat by preventing moisture loss during cooking.
• Versatile recipe adapts perfectly for meal prep, casual gatherings, or spontaneous family dinners.
• Minimal pantry ingredients allow you to create restaurant-quality flavor with zero complicated shopping.
• Chicken broth works magic by infusing extra moisture and developing rich, deep taste throughout the meat.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing, Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 60 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg