As the aroma of tender, flavorful spare ribs fills your kitchen, you know dinner will be a hit. This delicious recipe for Chinese Instant Pot spare ribs takes just about 45 minutes from start to finish and results in fall-off-the-bone tender meat infused with a rich, savory sauce. The Instant Pot makes quick work of the traditional slow cooking process, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in a fraction of the time.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings with family and friends. Prepare it for a satisfying meal that everyone will love, and feel free to make it ahead of time—the ribs can be stored in the fridge for several days to enhance the flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The ribs become incredibly tender thanks to pressure cooking.
- A rich, savory sauce packs a flavor punch with every bite.
- It requires minimal preparation and cleanup.
- You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create a mouthwatering dish.
For the Ribs
- 2 pounds spare ribs, cut into individual pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
For Cooking
- 1 cup water
For Garnishing
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Use baby back ribs instead of spare ribs.
- Replace rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar.
- Substitute honey for hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor.
- Omit five-spice powder if unavailable.
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to whip up your spare ribs.
1. Cut and season
Cut the spare ribs into individual pieces and season them generously with salt and pepper.
2. Mix sauce
In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder.
3. Arrange in pot
Place the spare ribs in the Instant Pot and pour the sauce mixture over them.
4. Add water
Add 1 cup of water to the pot for optimal pressure cooking.
5. Pressure cook
Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 25 minutes.
6. Release pressure
Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
7. Serve
Carefully remove the ribs and serve them garnished with chopped green onions.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: No, it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure the spare ribs are cut into equal sizes for uniform cooking.
- Let the ribs marinate in the sauce for a few hours before cooking for extra flavor.
- Garnish just before serving to keep the green onions fresh and vibrant.
- Experiment with the level of spice by adding chili flakes if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition.
- These ribs make a great centerpiece for a casual dinner party.
